Nadia is currently on a sourcing trip in Egypt - she's sampling linens, silver, and more local material for Gohar World's next collection. We asked her to send us a guide to her favorite restaurants and essential food stops back home.
Here is Part 2 of Nadia's guide to Cairo.
FOR FRESH SEAFOOD DINING
SEA GULL
Sea Gull serves fresh seafood dishes right on the Nile. Choose your fish of choice from a selection displayed on ice, as well as how you'd like it cooked. Enjoy the view and fresh breeze as you wait for your food. This place is a hotspot so be sure to book a reservation, and try to get a table outside to enjoy the river.
Favorites are the crab and shrimp but you can't go wrong - everything is fresh!
NILE ST. AD DOOI A. DOKKL. GIZA GOVERNORATE 3753451. EGYPT
FOR NILE RIVER VIEWS
KEBABGY, SOFITEL HOTEL
On the Nile, at the luxurious Sofitel Hotel, you'll find a stunning kofta and kebab restaurant. Kebabgy serves an assortment of grilled meats and classic salads, including babaganoug and tahina accompanied by freshly-baked baladi. Baladi bread is an Egyptian staple; flatbread made of whole wheat flour. With a view of the Nile and Um Kalthoum songs playing, this spot is ideal for a romantic dinner.
Their outdoor spots fill up fast so be sure to make a reservation.
ZAMALEK, CAIRO GOVERNORATE 4270002, EGYPT
FOR A RISK!
SHAHEEN
Shaheen is the perfect spot for a salty souvenir. Since 1955, the family has been selling bottarga, dried herring, sardines, and fesikh - an Egyptian specialty consisting of salted fermented mullet fish. This dangerous dish dates back thousands of years, despite warnings from the Egyptian Ministry of Health each year. If not prepared properly, the fish can lead to botulism poisoning. Undeterred by this, Egyptians form a line that takes over the sidewalk at Shaheen during Sham El Nesim, the spring holiday when fesikh is prepared and enjoyed.
BAB AL LOUQ, ABDEEN, CAIRO GOVERNORATE 4280110, EGYPT
FOR THE BEST SHAWARMA
ABOU HAIDAR
If you're looking for the best shawarma in the city, look no further. Abou Haidar is known for their beef shawarma served on a kaiser bun or "shami" (pita) bread.
Their shawarma recipe is unmatched: vinegar, mint, fresh tomato, along with a medley of spices and herbs. If you're not a fan of shawarma, their roast beef and butter sandwiches are just as popular. Be sure to pair your meal with a glass of fresh mango juice. There's always a line so people have gotten creative - usually eating it on top of the trunks of their car.
38R9-IF8 EL KORBA, IBRAHIM AL LAKANI, EL-MONTAZA, HELIOPOLIS, CAIRO GOVERNORATE 4460204, EGYPT
FOR A FRESH BEV
CITY DRINK
Cool off from the Cairo heat with fresh fruit juice. Juice bars are very popular in Cairo, with proud and often elaborate fruit displays at their stands and windows.
Every neighborhood has an abundance of options, but this one is Nadia's favorite.
Staple Egyptian juices are lemon-mint, banana with milk, and sugarcane.
NASR CITY, CAIRO GOVERNORATE, EGYPT
