The Egyptian culture goes back millennia, and so does the country’s food and drink habits. But the cuisine is also a fusion of the different populations that have made themselves at home in the country—most notably the British, Turkish, and other Middle Eastern cultures. Beans, a pita-style bread made from either white or wheat flour, and fresh fruits and vegetables make up the dishes around most Egyptian homes, while restaurants run the gamut from Western fast food chains to haute French cuisine. Thanks to both the British and Arabian influence, taking afternoon tea is something that’s popular in Cairo. Many upscale hotels put on a wonderful spread, and the snack shops that dot the city typically offer tea and snacks in the afternoon. Coffee, too, is sipped throughout the day—usually the dark, sweet type of coffee known around the world as Turkish coffee. Cafeteria Hurriya in downtown Cairo is a well-known coffee house, while Ta'kiba is a hot spot for art lovers, as it’s located around the corner from galleries and theatres. Small dishes called mezzes—somewhat comparable to Spanish tapas—are a popular way to enjoy a variety of tastes at a restaurant. Mezzes that take the form of a dip are usually made of tahini, a sesame seed paste similar in consistency to peanut butter. When chickpeas are added to tahini, it becomes a style of hummus. Papillion in the Tersana Shopping Centre is famed for its excellent mezze offerings, and Andrea in Giza has a huge variety of mezzes. For a sophisticated evening out in Cairo, head to one of these chic restaurants: Abou El Sid
8 Amman Square - Mohandeseen - Cairo
$$$$
Elegance and opulence are in every nook and cranny of Abou El Sid—from the fist step through an awe-inspiring archway to the beautifully carved wooden chairs. Like many great restaurants, the traditional Egyptian menu changes often, depending on the chef’s mood and what’s fresh that day. Aqua
Four Seasons Cairo Nile Plaza - 1089 Corniche El Nil - Garden City - 11519 Cairo
$$$$
Style is front and centre at Aqua, a chic restaurant in the upscale Four Seasons at Nile Plaza. The décor includes two custom-made aquariums, and diners can dig into classic French cuisine—with an emphasis on seafood—while enjoying panoramic views of the Nile. Top off the meal with Aqua’s vast French wine and Grand Cru selections. Charwoods
Gamet el Dowal - Mohandeseen - Cairo
$$$$
Finding an exquisite steak can be difficult, but Charwoods has found the secret to succulent beef, chops, seafood, and even pizza. Just a few of the top-notch items on the menu at this intimate, upscale restaurant include rare tournedos, sizzling grilled shrimp, and seasonal desserts such as lemon tarts. Lemongrass
JW Marriott - Ring Road - Mirage City - Heliopolis -11757 Cairo
$$$$
Get swept away to Thailand in the middle of Cairo with the stunning Lemongrass, located at the glamorous JW Marriott hotel. The restaurant’s highly skilled Chinese chef prepares delicacies from Thailand and mainland China, delighting taste buds with Malaysian lamp chops, oven-roasted Peking duck, and Bangkok prawns. Mori Sushi
19 Gabalaya Street - Zamalek - Cairo
$$$$
The prices are high at Mori Sushi, but so is the quality. Eating at this trendy eatery is a voyage into Japan, complete with an extensive menu of fresh sushi and other Japanese treats. Choose from items such as traditional miso soup, tuna maki, and even decadent desserts like chocolate fudge cake. Sequoia
Abdu El Feda Street - Zamalek - Cairo
$$$$
The charismatic Sequoia is really three restaurants in one, each with its own chic, inviting décor and fantastic views of the Nile and surrounding landscape. The menu is made up of Middle Eastern and Asian fare such as hot and cold mezzes and grilled dishes; selecting a shisha from the incredible array of flavours provides a lovely end-of-meal activity. Tea Lounge
Four Seasons Cairo 1st Residence- 35 Giza Street - El Orman - 12311 Cairo
$$$$$
The Tea Lounge at the Four Seasons Cairo at the First Residence is a sumptuous oasis of refinement and tradition. A massive chandelier, grand piano, and magnificent architecture set the mood for all-day dining that features international cuisine and a full sushi menu. Specialty menus include a traditional afternoon tea, a charming assortment of teas and coffees, and luscious Middle Eastern and Continental desserts. | 
