When I think about Cairo, the first thing that comes to mind is the traffic. For every two-lane road, there seem to be three lanes of cars, bumper to bumper. Crossing the street is both a science and an art. A local once told me the Egyptian way is to just close your eyes and go, but it’s more about timing and intuition.
Amid the chaos, one constant stands out: the incredible street food. Better and cheaper than anything I had in restaurants, the street food in Cairo is a true highlight.
Grilled Corn Under the Bridge
My first taste of Cairo street food was grilled corn under the 6 October Bridge, near a bustling bus depot. For 1 Egyptian Pound (about 20 cents), I was handed a charred ear of corn. Unfortunately, it was underwhelming — no seasoning, and the corn itself wasn’t great. The light charred flavor was its only redeeming quality. Thankfully, this was the exception, not the rule, for the street food I’d enjoy in Cairo.
Discovering Koshary
As I walked along the Nile, still looking for a more satisfying meal, I stumbled upon a fabric market where a street vendor was serving koshary. This uniquely Egyptian dish is a mix of rice, macaroni, spaghetti, lentils, and chickpeas, topped with spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. You can also add vinegar sauce for extra tang. For 3 LE (less than $1), I had a flavorful and filling meal. This version, served in a modest glass booth, was far better than the one I’d later try at a famous koshary restaurant.
Fuul: Egypt’s National Dish
Fuul, a dish made from mashed and spiced fava beans, is often considered Egypt’s national dish. Typically served in pita bread, it’s a protein-packed breakfast staple. At Felfela Takeaway on Sharia Talaat Harb, I enjoyed a delicious fuul sandwich for just 1 LE, with the option to add an egg for 0.50 LE more. The egg added a delightful richness, making it a hearty and satisfying start to the day.
Fava Bean Falafel: Taamiya
Another Egyptian favorite is taamiya, falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas. Felfela’s version (served with salad for 1.25 LE) was flavorful, crispy, and satisfying. Fava beans are a staple in Egypt, sold by many street vendors, and this dish is a testament to their versatility.
Sweet Bread on the Corniche
While walking along Corniche el Nil, I came across a vendor selling bread stacked like rings on wooden boards. For 1 LE, I purchased two slightly sweet, sesame-topped breads. They had a crunchy exterior with a soft, airy interior — a perfect snack for a sunny afternoon stroll.
Fiteer: Egyptian Pancakes
On my last day, I wandered into Tawfiqiyya Souq, a vibrant fruit and vegetable market in downtown Cairo. There, I tried fiteer, also known as Egyptian pancakes. These flaky, layered pastries resemble phyllo dough. I opted for the sweet version, dusted with sugar, for just 0.75 LE. Warm, crunchy, and lightly sweetened, it was the perfect treat to cap off my street food exploration.
