Best Cafes in Egypt for Authentic Tea and Shisha
If you’re traveling through Egypt, you’ll quickly realize that tea and shisha (hookah) are an integral part of the local culture. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful moment to unwind or a social gathering spot, Egypt offers some of the most charming places where you can indulge in these time-honored traditions. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the more tranquil settings in Hurghada or Luxor, here are some of the best places for authentic tea and shisha in Egypt.
1. El Fishawy Cafe – Cairo
Located in the heart of Cairo’s Khan El Khalili Bazaar, El Fishawy Cafe is a historic gem where you can enjoy authentic Egyptian tea and traditional shisha in an atmosphere brimming with history and culture. Established in 1773, this iconic spot offers a quintessential Egyptian experience, where locals and tourists alike gather to relax with a cup of sweetened mint tea or sahlab, alongside a flavorful hookah. The aroma of shisha wafts through the air, creating the perfect ambiance for those seeking a truly authentic experience.
2. Café Riche – Cairo
Another iconic spot in Cairo, Café Riche has been serving locals and intellectuals for over a century. Known for its unique blend of traditional Egyptian tea and an extensive selection of shisha flavors, this café remains a hub for cultural discussions and artistic expression. The atmosphere here is vibrant and welcoming, and the shisha pipes are as popular as the mint tea served in delicate glasses. The café's traditional decor and the soothing sounds of the city make it a must-visit.
3. Gad Restaurant – Hurghada
If you’re in Hurghada, Gad Restaurant is a top choice for indulging in authentic Egyptian tea and shisha. This place is a popular local hangout for both tourists and Egyptians, offering a relaxing environment by the Red Sea. Whether you're sipping on black tea with spices or enjoying a shisha session while gazing at the sea view, Gad provides an inviting atmosphere for all tea and shisha lovers.
4. Luxor Temple Café – Luxor
Luxor is home to some of the most famous ancient temples, and nearby, you'll find quaint cafes offering traditional tea and shisha. The Luxor Temple Café is a fantastic spot where you can enjoy Egyptian black tea or green tea alongside a relaxing session of shisha after a day of sightseeing. The cafe has a cozy, charming ambiance that blends well with the ancient wonders surrounding it.
5. Shisha Garden Café – Alexandria
Nestled in the coastal city of Alexandria, the Shisha Garden Café offers a serene atmosphere to enjoy the best Egyptian tea blends and an excellent selection of shisha flavors. This beautiful garden setting is perfect for an afternoon break, where you can sip on herbal teas or sweetened black tea while indulging in traditional shisha. Its laid-back ambiance and variety of seating options make it one of the top spots for tea and shisha lovers in Alexandria.
6. Felfela Restaurant – Cairo
Located in downtown Cairo, Felfela Restaurant is known for its traditional Egyptian hospitality and excellent menu. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of Egyptian teas, such as chai, hibiscus tea, and mint tea, paired with shisha for the perfect experience. Felfela’s warm ambiance, with its traditional Egyptian decor, makes it a cozy spot to relax with friends or family while savoring authentic tea and shisha.
7. El Zoghlami Café – Sharm El Sheikh
For those visiting the popular resort town of Sharm El Sheikh, El Zoghlami Café is a must-visit. Known for its authentic tea, including traditional herbal blends and Arabic tea, this café offers a perfect place to relax after a day of water sports or desert exploration. The café also provides a diverse range of shisha flavors to suit every taste, whether you're a beginner or a shisha enthusiast.
8. The Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah – Cairo
For those looking for an upscale experience, The Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah offers a luxurious setting with panoramic views of the Nile River. Their tea selection includes various Egyptian blends, and their shisha lounges are perfect for those who prefer a more elegant atmosphere. The hotel’s laid-back atmosphere, combined with the beauty of the Nile, makes it a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea or a flavorful shisha in style.
9. Café Baladna – Cairo
Located in downtown Cairo, Felfela Restaurant is known for its traditional Egyptian hospitality and excellent menu. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of Egyptian teas, such as chai, hibiscus tea, and mint tea, paired with shisha for the perfect experience. Felfela’s warm ambiance, with its traditional Egyptian decor, makes it a cozy spot to relax with friends or family while savoring authentic tea and shisha.
10. Khan El Khalili Café – Cairo
No visit to Cairo is complete without a stop at the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar, and no trip to the bazaar is complete without enjoying authentic Egyptian tea and a shisha at one of its many cafés. The Khan El Khalili Café offers a traditional setting where you can enjoy your tea in authentic glass cups while indulging in a flavorful hookah. This location also boasts a unique ambiance, blending the hustle and bustle of the market with the calm, peaceful moments over a cup of tea and a puff of shisha.
11. Café El Mandi – Luxor
When in Luxor, visiting a local café for shisha and tea is a must, and Café El Mandi is one of the best places to do so. Known for its traditional Egyptian vibe and warm atmosphere, this café offers a wide range of Egyptian teas and an impressive selection of shisha flavors. The café's laid-back environment is perfect for enjoying a relaxing evening after a day of exploring the ancient temples and monuments of Luxor. Their mint tea and black tea are particularly popular among visitors.
12. Shisha Lounge – Sharm El Sheikh
If you’re in Sharm El Sheikh, the Shisha Lounge offers the perfect spot for an evening of relaxation. With its beautiful seaside views and calming atmosphere, this lounge provides a variety of shisha flavors and a selection of Egyptian tea blends to suit all tastes. From herbal teas to the classic mint tea, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking to relax after a busy day at the beach or enjoy a peaceful moment with friends, this spot offers the ideal combination of flavor, comfort, and ambiance.
13. The Royal Café – Hurghada
For a more refined experience in Hurghada, head to The Royal Café for an elegant setting with a gorgeous view of the Red Sea. Known for its excellent selection of Egyptian teas, this café is perfect for those who want to sip on strong black tea or herbal blends while enjoying shisha in a luxurious atmosphere. Whether you're here for the panoramic views or simply to enjoy a peaceful afternoon, The Royal Café provides the perfect setting for tea and shisha lovers alike.
14. Al Masreya Café – Alexandria
In the charming coastal city of Alexandria, Al Masreya Café is a fantastic spot to enjoy Egyptian tea and shisha. The café serves up a variety of traditional teas, including the popular mint tea and sahlab, in a cozy and vibrant atmosphere. The café is also known for its wide selection of shisha flavors, from classic to fruity varieties. With its lively atmosphere and local charm, this café provides a great setting for those looking to enjoy a relaxing time while savoring a cup of tea and a puff of shisha.
15. Nile View Café – Cairo
For those looking for a luxurious experience with a view, the Nile View Café in Cairo offers a fantastic setting for enjoying tea and shisha. With stunning views of the Nile River, this upscale café is perfect for an evening out. Enjoy a variety of teas, such as black tea or green tea, and indulge in shisha in a relaxing environment. The café’s calm ambiance, combined with the river view, makes it one of the top spots for an unforgettable tea and shisha experience in Cairo.
