The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

With Egypt’s undying sweet-tooth alive and well, it was only a matter of time before Cairo’s shops latched onto the city’s Achilles heel; something that has been realised at Sun City Mall, with the aptly named Candy Shop. Hidden near the back passage on the 3rd floor across from Fun Kingdom, Candy Shop has a chic all-white interior with rainbow mosaic swirls accenting the floor. The décor balances out the radiant colors of the candy and chocolates wonderfully and almost made us feel like we stepped into a child’s dream.

Stocking goodies that include international favourites, Haribo, Hershey’s, Jelly Belly and Wonka, Candy Shop doesn’t limit itself to confectionary treats, as it also sells merchandise with a candy twist. Twist lollipops equipped with animal finger puppets, Disney character and Hello Kitty coin banks (135LE), children’s tumblers filled with M&Ms, Nerds t-shirts (60LE+) and pillows, Skittles electronic hand fans and much more are all on offer.

 Also displaying season-specific candies and packages, we noticed some remnants of Christmas themed candy-canes and Hershey’s Kisses, as well as a few Santa Clause chocolate bundles. An entire wall is dedicated to dispenser-friendly candies such as Jelly Belly jellybeans, M&Ms (233LE/kg) and a unique assortment of gum balls.

In terms of individual candy and chocolate, Candy Shop has fairly decent prices and most generic sweets won’t set you back more than 20LE.

Buying something sweet for those special occasions is made easier with event-themed chocolate boxes that show everything from baby carriages to mortarboards for fresh graduates. Belgium chocolate maker, Guylian, is also available for the more mature palettes, as are Salt Water Taffy and liquorice pieces. Plastic trees with twist lollipops are scattered around the store, as are Chupa Chups stands. A cartoonish Native American chieftain stands proud with sticks of candy in place of the feathers on its elaborate headdress.

A complete corner is reserved for Italian wafer brand, Loacker, and contains bins filled to the brim with mini pieces of the sweet treats. The Hershey’s section is stocked with the original candybar, York patties and Kisses, in addition to a separate division solely for everything Reese’s. The Wonka and Haribo walls are packed with promotional items such as plush toys of the Haribo bear mascot and little Nerds character key-chains for Wonka. A large island placed in the middle of the store is exclusively reserved for sale items with some spectacular bargains such as a ‘buy one get one free’ deal on rainbow Twizzlers (12.50LE).

With an almost endless variety of sweets and even sweeter prices, Candy Shop is sure to put ecstatic smiles on the faces of shoppers, particularly the younger age group.