Millions visit Cairo every year, sharing their stories for decades after. But the city’s wealth of hidden gems is only known to those who search the layers that lie beneath.
Photo: Mohamed Sherif Saed
Cairo is Egypt’s magical metropolis that offers millions of annual tourists wonders surpassing their wildest fantasies. While the Pyramids and Cairo Tower are on everyone’s bucket list, numerous hidden treasures treat the senses and trigger lifelong memories. Whether it is a meal enjoyed at the foot of an old-world landmark or an artistic escapade – the city that never sleeps surprises and entertains.
Thousands of years have left their mark on the capital’s alleys, architecture, and cuisine. Cairo offers a unique culinary experience; the city is peppered with restaurants from around the world. Generational recipes and authentic street food remain undisputed favorites among locals and expats. Zooba is a must-visit for a tasteful crash course in local food. “From street carts to home cooking, Egyptian food rivals the best in the world. At Zooba we have been serving our take on the nation’s street fare for 11 years now. We strive to push the boundaries of creativity in everything we do while staying true to the authenticity that makes the cuisine so great,” says Chris Khalifa, founder and CEO of Zooba. From the Ful (fava beans) and Taameya (Egyptian falafel) sandwiches to the Koshari (traditional dish mixing pasta, rice, vermicelli, and brown lentils) – Zooba’s wide variety of dishes and network of branches spans the vast capital.
Photo: Mohamed Sherif Saed
Meanwhile, Andrea Mariouteya specializes in authentic cuisine. Known for their heartwarming smiles, witty humor, and delicious food, the restaurant’s staff of cooks and bakers prepares each dish according to traditional recipes, using wood fired ovens. Managed by the founding family for the past six decades, Andrea Mariouteya is the place to dine on feteer meshaltet (Egyptian layered pastry) and grilled quail. Experimenting with the country’s culinary wealth, Khufu’s Restaurant is located at the Giza Plateau and is the first fine dining Egyptian restaurant offering guests a panoramic view of the Pyramids. “Our goal is to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the cuisine. We do so by highlighting traditional flavors while adding modern touches, making it more unique and also more diverse to cater to the tastes of people from all around the world,” shares Giovanni Bolandrini, CEO of Pier 88 Group Egypt. Revisiting classic recipes with the intention to renew and finesse, the restaurant was recently recognized as a Hidden Gem by La Liste Mediterranean 2023.
Can a culinary venture be complete without at least one pizza? Unlikely. A capital staple since 1922, the Maison Thomas in Zamalek is a generational favorite. The restaurant is known for its fresh, crispy, and flavorsome signature pizza. Despite the changes of time, the cozy pizzeria has remained the same; intimate and welcoming. Under the dim lights, chefs prepare each pizza in the open kitchen. Made in brick ovens, the Thomas pizza is known for its thin crust and juicy toppings.
Photo: Mohamed Sherif Saed
Home to over 20 million people, Greater Cairo offers a wide spectrum of museums, sports academies, historic venues, and art galleries. While a walk down Muizz Street is a usual choice for tourists, the subtly tucked textile museum is not-to-be-missed. The only museum dedicated to textiles in the Middle East is housed inside a historic sabil on Al-Mo’ez Street. The building was originally constructed in 1828 by Muhammad Ali Pasha as a charity commemorating his son Ismail. Consisting of two floors and 11 halls, the museum takes visitors through a journey including intricately embroidered Coptic garments and Keswaat al-Kaaba (the fabric used to cover the Kaaba in Mecca), which was made in Egypt until the early 1960s. Also hidden, the Adam Henein Museum in Al-Harraniya district documents a brief part of the country’s history, using sculptures as a medium. A gift to Egypt from the late Henein (1929-2020), the most prominent sculptor of the country, the museum features the largest collection of his sculptures and some of his paintings. The award-winning artist is best known for leading the restoration of The Great Sphinx in Giza as well as establishing the International Sculpture Symposium in Aswan.
Venturing to another historic part of the city, only 15 minutes away by car, Darb1718 is a haven for art enthusiasts. Located in Fustat amid Roman, Islamic, and Coptic ruins,the art space houses two contemporary art galleries, two live performance stages, a large outdoor cinema, workshop areas, a roof lounge, an artist-in-residence studio, and living space. It supports local talents as well as offers a platform for prestigious visiting artists. “Darb1718 promises a unique experience that stands out for an international traveler. It is so diverse as the center hosts world artists all-year-round, offering community service to artists and art enthusiasts in the middle of a very old historic backdrop. Its very existence is an embodiment of what it means to be contemporary,” explains Moataz Nasr, founder of Darb1718.
Photo: Mohamed Sherif Saed
Delving further, gallery-hopping continues towards Qasr El-Nil. Townhouse Gallery became one of Egypt’s earliest independent art spaces in 1988. The 650-square-meter factory space also features a first-floor gallery. Leveraging a packed schedule of 12 annual shows – on average – its mission is to democratize art to a wider range of audiences. The second floor hosts a library dedicated to art books.
Another iconic but lesser-known building in Cairo, Cinema Radio is woven into the capital’s history. Offering a meeting point between the past and present, the 1930s cinema complex premiered some of Egypt’s most acclaimed films. Importantly, Cinema Radio’s theater was the backdrop of choice for Egyptian sensation Umm Kulthum. Today, the building hosts numerous screenings and events; simultaneously it has office and retail spaces. Buzzing with life and energy, it is no wonder that a mid-day cup of coffee is a must in Cairo. Located in El-Sheikh Zayed, 6 October, Bibliothek café, which doubles as a library, is also an art gallery and hosts regular artistic workshops and talks. Offering a sanctuary for those who appreciate literature and knowledge, Bibliothek a place to network and learn.
A visit to Cairo is incomplete without experiencing the continent’s longest river. Cairow Academy aims to facilitate the practice of watersports, whether for high-performance or recreational pursuits. From kayaking to rowing, windsurfing, and standup paddle boarding – the academy offers an opportunity to experience the Nile like never before. “We understand that not everyone is an experienced athlete or familiar with these activities, which is why we provide an approachable and friendly environment for people of all levels and ages,” says Emma Benany, founder of Cairow. “What makes these activities so enjoyable is the unique experience of being on the water, surrounded by Cairo’s storied beauty and history.”
Originally published in the Spring/Summer 2023 issue of Vogue Living Arabia
Style: AJ Kassem
Hair and makeup: Mai Mustafa Salama
Photography assistant: Muetasem Abdulkader
Model: Omar Zabalawi at UNN Model Management
Wardrobe: Room Service Los Angeles
Read Next: How Cairo’s Surrealist Collective Paved the Way for a Contemporary Art Landscape Without Borders
