Whether it’s for a caffeine fix, a sweet treat, a cozy atmosphere for remote work, or simply to savour a good quality brew, coffee shops of all kinds are a popular haunt for millions of Cairenes.
The Egyptian Streets team got together to compile a list of coffee shops in Cairo that we recommend; from single branch hole-in-the-wall establishments to international mega-chains, we believe there will be something for everyone on the list.
30 North
Recommended by Mohamed Khairat and Mona Abdou
This particular café is a popular one on our team. With multiple branches in New Cairo, Zamalek, Sheikh Zayed, and even the North Coast, its locations make it easily accessible to many. The menu at 30 North boasts expertly brewed coffee, a variety of other hot and cold drinks, as well as light food for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. The two branches Mohamed and Mona recommend are the Garden 8 branch in New Cairo and the Iconia branch in Zamalek, both of which are excellent spots to get some work done while you enjoy your brew.
Seven Fortunes
Recommended by Amina Zaineldine
Another coffee shop of local origin that several members of our team are partial to is Seven Fortunes. Again, this particular chain has branches in Sheikh Zayed, New Cairo, and a brand new one in the North Coast. With a unique selection of beans from their own roastery, as well as experienced baristas, they offer coffee that is truly a joy to drink.
CAI.BREW
Recommended by Zeina Hanafy
Zeina recommends this Korba jewel because of its pleasing designe and appealing aesthetic. The coffee at CAI.BREW is delicious, and it’s hidden, intimate location is one of Zeina’s favourite things, especially when you’re on a walk or running errands and you happen upon it on a corner.
PinkBlanketMama
Recommended by Nour Altoukhi and Mohamed Khairat
Tucked away in Garden 8’s Maison 69 in New Cairo, PinkBlanketMama is all about the aesthetic. Though both Mohamed and Nour said that the coffee may not have been the very best they had tried in Cairo, the relaxed and cozy seating more than makes up for that. And there’s something special about drinking coffee out of pretty, blue ceramic mugs.
Specialty Bun
Recommended by Amina Zaineldine
If you’ve heard of the Cairo Coffee Collective roastery and their coffee subscription service, we would like you to put you up to the coffee shop owned by the same two brothers. Though Specialty Bun is only one tiny shop in Arkan Plaza in Sheikh Zayed, it is more than worth a visit for it’s specialty coffee, unique house blends, and seasonal menu of single origin coffee sourced by the owners themselves. And one of the best things about the shop is that you rarely leave the shop without having had at least one interesting conversation with one of the baristas, a complete stranger, or perhaps even another regular you’ve met there the last time you went.
Greco
Recommended by Sara Ahmed
Located in Maadi, Greco reminds Sara of a bygone era with its warm style, and the endearing sun in their logo. The wood work, the open space, the little coffee bar gives a feeling of intimacy that is not as easy to find elsewhere. A wall covered in pictures of their clientele adds a personal touch, and shows that they value all those who walked through their doors.
Alaa ElDin
Recommended by Fat’hia ElSisi and Shereif
Shereif is not much of a coffee drinker, and when it comes to Western-style coffee, Fat’hia only likes to grab and go. But when they wants to sit down and truly enjoy the atmosphere, they both like to frequent ahawy baladi, not cafés. Fat’hia particularly recommends Alaa ElDin, an ahwa, that is located in Qasr El-Ainy across from Garden City. To her, the familiar attitude of the staff, who recognise her and bring her her regular order as soon as she arrives, is unrivalled.
Brown Nose Coffee
Recommended by Farah Rafik
Matcha may be a polarizing drink that’s not too popular amongst traditionalists, but Farah thinks that if you want to try the best matcha latte in Egypt, you should go to Brown Nose in Maadi. Matcha is, however, not all they have. With another local roastery, they have their own unique coffee blends, and serve a wide variety of dairy free milk options for those steering clear of lactose. The fact that they don’t have different sizes for their coffee, but it does not faze Farah too much, and she recommends the quiet and calm atmosphere of the place.
Breadfast Coffee
Recommended by Social Media Content Creator Farah Manie
Apart from the home delivery option on its application, Breadfast Coffee also has a thriving flagship shop in Madinaty. The coffee and pastry business has earned Farah’s affection not just for its comforting flavor that energizes her mornings, but also for the outstanding service that enhances the overall experience. Their coffee is made of high quality, locally roasted blends, and there is a wide variety of delicious baked goods to enjoy as well.
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