Cairo

Sufi Cafe & Bookstore sits on the first floor of an art-deco building in Zamalek and is exactly what it sounds like: a café and bookshop rolled into one. It’s split into several small rooms, each with its own vibe—vintage walnut furniture, oriental lamps, dusty bookshelves, and framed art on the walls. Note that smoking is permitted throughout most areas—ask for the one dedicated quiet room if that’s a concern. Drinks are affordable, and while the food isn’t the main draw, the cheesecake and Turkish coffee get solid praise.

Mandarine Koueider is a well-known chain, which has been around since 1923, famous for authentic Egyptian sweets and pastries. This one in Zamalek is stocked with all kinds of traditional treats like baklava, basbousa, and knafeh, alongside cakes and chocolates. It's more of a takeaway spot than a sit-down café—there’s limited space to eat inside, so most people grab their goodies to go.

Tucked inside the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaar, Naguib Mahfouz Café offers a quiet, old-world escape from the crowds. Named after Egypt’s Nobel Prize-winning author—whose portraits still hang on the walls—the café-restaurant serves classic Egyptian fare in a richly decorated space full of arches, brass lanterns, and traditional charm. There's live oud music most evenings, tea and shisha on offer, and staff in galabeyas keeping things moving.

Saudi Coffee Baiz brings a genuine slice of Saudi culture to Cairo’s café scene. Sitting right by the Nile in Zamalek, it’s a relaxed spot to sip rich, flavourful Saudi coffee and soak up a warm, welcoming atmosphere with clear nods to Saudi heritage in the decor. It’s open from morning until late, so you can drop in whenever the mood strikes.

Beano’s Cafe helped usher in modern coffee culture to Cairo and still stands out for its friendly service, spacious interiors, and consistently good coffee. Expect all the classics plus local favourites like the salted caramel latte, along with fresh juices, smoothies, and light bites ranging from pastries and sandwiches to salads and avocado toast.

Simonds is an old-school café, established in 1898, and still going strong more than a century later. Known for its classic charm and wide selection of sweets, it’s a go-to spot for everything from Danish pastries and French gateaux to syrup-drenched basbousa and baklava. And we can't forget the cappuccino—it’s one of the best in town.

El Abd is a beloved Cairo institution, offering a mix of traditional Middle Eastern and European-style pastries since 1952. The shop is always buzzing—a testament to its popularity and quality. Their selection is vast, from croissants and gateaux to classic Egyptian sweets like basbousa and knafeh. For ice cream lovers, El Abd’s gelato—especially the pistachio and mango—rivals some of the best in Italy.