Yasmine Shalaby
Cairo, Egypt
Zamalek
Looking for a breezy, uncluttered stroll? Go to the cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Zamalek. Its quiet, leafy streets serve as a beautiful complement to its magnificent old buildings, fine restaurants and cafes, and laid-back bars. Zamalek is an enclave of hidden gems, with more shops and boutiques than you’ll notice at first glance; it’s also home to the most reputable of Cairo’s arts and culture instituions, from the Cairo Opera House to the Museum of Modern Egyptian Art. I truly cannot over-emphasize how interesting and beautiful Zamalek is. Go see for yourself.
Seekh Mashwy
This place is such a treat for the eyes, nose, and palate. It's the perfect spot for a stunning view of the Nile (and of the Cairo Tower) with authentic Egyptian food. Seekh Mashwy offers a diversified Egyptian and Mediterranean menu and is hands down the best place to enjoy and experience the flavors of these cuisines. (For another way to enjoy a meal on the Nile, check out Cafelluca, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner aboard a felucca – a traditional Egyptian wooden boat – that departs on two-hour tours throughout the day. Just be sure to book in advance.)
Abou Haidar
When it comes to authentic Egyptian-style shawarma, there's really no place better than Abou Haidar. Our locals say the slider-sized sandwiches from here – one of the oldest shawarma spots in town – are "to die for" and "worth traveling to," regardless of how far away you may be from the Heliopolis neighborhood. Don't make the mistake of ordering any fewer than five shawarma – that's five per person – or of forgetting to wash it all down with their famous mango juice. This no-frills meal will be the flavor you'll remember even years after your trip.
The Tap
The Tap is not your average down-street bar. All three locations of this laid-back watering hole are where the Cairo locals gather on a weekly basis; they're your best bet for catching a game on TV, ordering up a beer tower, or simply enjoying an upbeat ambiance and lively music. (And that’s just on weekdays – come Saturday, the energy gets all the more amplified.) DJs and live bands offer everything from jazz to hip-hop, R&B, and tribute nights, and the food is nothing to frown at, either. Just be sure to grab a reservation and an order of the chicken wings.
If you’re ever in the ocean and find yourself overtaken by a powerful wave, it’s best not to fight it – the ocean, after all, is much stronger than any human could ever be. If you’re ever in Cairo and find yourself overtaken by the city’s relentless, crowded, noisy churn, it’s best to jump into the thick of it all with both feet. Like diving beneath the ocean’s tumultuous surface and reaching the calm, wondrous beauty that lies just a few feet below, delving past Cairo’s hustle and bustle will get you to a scene of otherworldly beauty. The ancient history existing in tandem with modern life, the exquisite flavors of anything and everything you’ll eat, and the warmth and good nature of the locals will leave you irreversibly smitten – if you endeavor to let it.
I’m a food blogger, certified makeup artist, and ex-pharmacist – and yes, I left everything behind to pursue my passion for cooking. As a major foodie, my favourite things to do are cooking, eating, and hosting (they call me queen of gatherings for a reason, you know). I also love to explore and get to know new places and people with different cultures throughout my travels. I appreciate art and good music. I enjoy taking pictures of everything and anything. I love photography. I cofounded Garagko Showroom, which sells almost everything fashion related. My idea of paradise is living barefoot by the beach.