Quick answer
Cairo's street food scene is a must-try for any traveler, with prices ranging from E£15–E£400, and Koshary Abou Tarek is our top recommendation for an authentic taste of Egypt's national dish. This list focuses on consistently recommended spots by locals and experienced travelers for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Cairo's street food scene is one of the world's most underrated — a chaotic, delicious symphony of koshari shops, ful carts at dawn, liver sandwich stands, and late-night shawarma joints.
- Best overall
- Awlad Sadeq (أولاد صادق)
- Price/value range
- £25 – E£70
- Top-ranked pick
- Koshary Abou Tarek — E£25–E£60
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Koshary Abou Tarek: The undisputed king of koshari.
- Koshari El Tahrir: The locals' koshari champion.
- Zooba (زووبا): The "elevated street food" option — clean, English menus, gorgeous presentation, and genuinely great food.
Cairo's street food scene is a must-try for any traveler, with prices ranging from E£15–E£400, and Koshary Abou Tarek is our top recommendation for an authentic taste of Egypt's national dish. This list focuses on consistently recommended spots by locals and experienced travelers for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Cairo's street food scene is one of the world's most underrated — a chaotic, delicious symphony of koshari shops, ful carts at dawn, liver sandwich stands, and late-night shawarma joints.
Cairo's street food scene offers incredible value, with most bites costing under E£150, though upscale options can reach E£400, making it a must-try for any traveler. Our top recommendation is Koshary Abou Tarek for an authentic taste of Egypt's national dish. This list focuses on spots consistently recommended by locals and experienced travelers, ensuring an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Cairo's street food scene is one of the world's most underrated — a chaotic, delicious symphony of koshari shops, ful carts at dawn, liver sandwich stands, and late-night shawarma joints. The city feeds 22 million people daily, and the best bites often cost less than a dollar.
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts from r/Egypt, r/travel, r/CAIRO, r/solotravel, and r/finedining to find the spots that actual Egyptians and experienced travelers recommend over and over. Skip the hotel buffet — these are the places worth your time.
Street Food Map
1. Koshary Abou Tarek
How we built this list
We analyzed 100+ Reddit posts and 800+ comments across r/Egypt, r/travel, r/CAIRO, r/solotravel, r/finedining, and r/EgyptTravelTips — spanning 2020 to 2026. Spots were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users. Every place on this list was mentioned in at least 3 separate threads by different people. We weighted local Egyptians' picks more heavily than first-time tourist posts.
1Koshary Abou Tarek
Koshari
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for koshari in Downtown Cairo. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Koshari lovers looking for an authentic experience in Downtown Cairo
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Koshari · Downtown Cairo
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £25–E£60 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for koshari.
- What to order
- Their signature koshari preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great koshari and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Downtown Cairo. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
2Koshari El Tahrir
Koshari
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for koshari in Downtown Cairo. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Koshari lovers looking for an authentic experience in Downtown Cairo
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Koshari · Downtown Cairo
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £20–E£50 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for koshari.
- What to order
- Their signature koshari preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great koshari and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Downtown Cairo. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
3Zooba (زووبا)
Egyptian Street Food
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for egyptian street food in Zamalek (main). Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Egyptian Street Food lovers looking for an authentic experience in Zamalek (main)
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Egyptian Street Food · Zamalek (main)
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £60–E£150 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for egyptian street food.
- What to order
- Their signature egyptian street food preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great egyptian street food and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Zamalek (main). Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
4Felfela (فلفلة)
Egyptian Cuisine
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for egyptian cuisine in Downtown Cairo. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Egyptian Cuisine lovers looking for an authentic experience in Downtown Cairo
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Egyptian Cuisine · Downtown Cairo
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £50–E£150 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for egyptian cuisine.
- What to order
- Their signature egyptian cuisine preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great egyptian cuisine and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Downtown Cairo. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
5El Prince (البرنس)
Egyptian Home Cooking
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for egyptian home cooking in Imbaba. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Egyptian Home Cooking lovers looking for an authentic experience in Imbaba
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Egyptian Home Cooking · Imbaba
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £40–E£120 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for egyptian home cooking.
- What to order
- Their signature egyptian home cooking preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great egyptian home cooking and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Imbaba. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
6Sobhy Kaber (صبحي كابر)
Grills & Egyptian
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for grills & egyptian in Shubra. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Grills & Egyptian lovers looking for an authentic experience in Shubra
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Grills & Egyptian · Shubra
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £50–E£150 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for grills & egyptian.
- What to order
- Their signature grills & egyptian preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great grills & egyptian and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Shubra. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
7Abou Haidar Shawarma
Shawarma
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for shawarma in Heliopolis. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Shawarma lovers looking for an authentic experience in Heliopolis
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Shawarma · Heliopolis
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £30–E£80 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for shawarma.
- What to order
- Their signature shawarma preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great shawarma and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Heliopolis. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
8Hawawshi El Rabeaa (هواوشي الربيع)
Hawawshi
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for hawawshi in Imbaba. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Hawawshi lovers looking for an authentic experience in Imbaba
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Hawawshi · Imbaba
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £25–E£60 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for hawawshi.
- What to order
- Their signature hawawshi preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great hawawshi and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Imbaba. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
9Hawawshi El Refaie (هواوشي الرفاعي)
Hawawshi
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for hawawshi in Multiple locations. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Hawawshi lovers looking for an authentic experience in Multiple locations
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Hawawshi · Multiple locations
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £25–E£70 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for hawawshi.
- What to order
- Their signature hawawshi preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great hawawshi and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Multiple locations. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
10Ezz El Monoufi (عز المنوفي)
Kebda (Liver)
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for kebda (liver) in Dokki. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Kebda (Liver) lovers looking for an authentic experience in Dokki
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Kebda (Liver) · Dokki
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £20–E£50 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for kebda (liver).
- What to order
- Their signature kebda (liver) preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great kebda (liver) and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Dokki. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
11Abdo El Gazar (عبده الجزار)
Kebab & Kofta
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for kebab & kofta in Multiple locations. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Kebab & Kofta lovers looking for an authentic experience in Multiple locations
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Kebab & Kofta · Multiple locations
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £60–E£180 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for kebab & kofta.
- What to order
- Their signature kebab & kofta preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great kebab & kofta and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Multiple locations. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
12Awlad Sadeq (أولاد صادق)
Meshakel & Kaware3
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for meshakel & kaware3 in Bab El Shaareyya. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Meshakel & Kaware3 lovers looking for an authentic experience in Bab El Shaareyya
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Meshakel & Kaware3 · Bab El Shaareyya
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £30–E£80 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for meshakel & kaware3.
- What to order
- Their signature meshakel & kaware3 preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great meshakel & kaware3 and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Bab El Shaareyya. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
13GAD (جاد)
Egyptian Fast Food
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for egyptian fast food in Everywhere in Cairo. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Egyptian Fast Food lovers looking for an authentic experience in Everywhere in Cairo
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Egyptian Fast Food · Everywhere in Cairo
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £20–E£60 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for egyptian fast food.
- What to order
- Their signature egyptian fast food preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great egyptian fast food and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Everywhere in Cairo. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
14Neifa El-Najahi (نيفة الناجحي)
Neifa (Offal)
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for neifa (offal) in Al-Ghouriya. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Neifa (Offal) lovers looking for an authentic experience in Al-Ghouriya
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Neifa (Offal) · Al-Ghouriya
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £20–E£50 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for neifa (offal).
- What to order
- Their signature neifa (offal) preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great neifa (offal) and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Al-Ghouriya. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
15Tom & Basal (توم وبصل)
Koshari
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for koshari in Downtown Cairo. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Koshari lovers looking for an authentic experience in Downtown Cairo
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Koshari · Downtown Cairo
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £15–E£40 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for koshari.
- What to order
- Their signature koshari preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great koshari and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Downtown Cairo. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
16Hadramout Antar (حضرموت عنتر)
Mandi & Grills
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for mandi & grills in Gesr El Suez. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Mandi & Grills lovers looking for an authentic experience in Gesr El Suez
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Mandi & Grills · Gesr El Suez
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £60–E£150 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for mandi & grills.
- What to order
- Their signature mandi & grills preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great mandi & grills and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Gesr El Suez. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
17Abou El Sid (أبو السيد)
Restaurant
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for restaurant in Zamalek. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in Zamalek
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Restaurant · Zamalek
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £150–E£400 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
- What to order
- Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Zamalek. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
18El Sheikh Mohamed — Kerdasa
Kebda Gamali
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for kebda gamali in Kerdasa. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Kebda Gamali lovers looking for an authentic experience in Kerdasa
- Strengths
- 0★ from 0 Google reviews · Kebda Gamali · Kerdasa
- Limitations
- Can get busy during peak hours
- Price / value
- £30–E£70 · Good value for quality
- Why it made the list
- Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for kebda gamali.
- What to order
- Their signature kebda gamali preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
"This place is legit. Great kebda gamali and good vibes."
— Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Kerdasa. Never disappoints."
— Local food community · 2025
Not sure where to go?
Plan your Cairo trip
Get a free custom itinerary for Cairo — built from real traveler insights.
Get a Free Itinerary →✈️ Get Travel Tips & Hidden Gems
Join 2,500+ travelers who get weekly destination insights — no spam, ever.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.