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

Cairenes, as much as anyone, are creatures of habit and, when it comes to Ramadan, a lavish feast of a fetar is often very quickly followed by shisha. Now, unless you're some kind of shisha afficianado, its unlikely that you have one (or even have patience) to setup you're evening at home.

Luckily, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and tents serving up what the Yanks call 'hookah', though only a select few of them capture that perfect late-night Ramadan shisha hangout as these guys…

The Edward’s

Located in Cairo Festival City, the Edward’s might not be the first place that comes to mind for late-night Ramadan hangouts, but the combination of its good shisha, outdoor area overlooking the CFC fountain make it a great option.

Pottery Cafe

As one of the biggest cafe chains in Egypt, Pottery has you covered with decent shisha combinations promising to satisfy you after a hefty fetar meal. Pottery has several branches across Cairo, but if we had to choose one, the Maadi branch at the Courtyard is as good as any.

The Smith

Heliopolis newcomer, the Smith, is one of our favourite shisha spots in Cairo right now, offering a pleasingly bustling atmosphere perfect for Ramadan. You can even have your shisha alongside a round or two of backgammon, all to the backdrop of a quirky British pop-culture theme.

Nubanotto

If you’re looking for some post-fetar shisha with a live show, Nubanotto in 6th of October City offers a Nubian-inspired ambiance and a live Nubian show. The café is suitable for families and large groups and has an entire kid’s play area.

Bab Tooma

If you’re seeking a tasty and refreshing shishas, Bab Tooma is where you should be. Bab Tooma is one of the few restaurants that serve high-quality shisha at any time of the day. While you’re at it, ask about their savoury Levant dishes for sohour. 

AnTaKh Café

It may not be the most glamorous hangout spot, but AnTaKh Café serves wide variety of shisha flavours, in addition to one of the best feteers in Cairo. Located behind Misr International Hopsital in Dokki, AnTaKh is a spacious venue with indoor and outdoor area suitable for those who want shisha on a budget.

Tout Express

A juice shop and a fast food venue located in Vinny Square in Dokki, Tout Express serves all kinds of fresh juices and sandwiches and is notoriously famous for its drive-in shisha with its delicious and refreshing flavours.

Salsa

Known for serving perfectly refreshing juices and shakes, Salsa is another famous drive-in shisha spot located in the vibrant El Merghany Street. Enjoy some shisha delivered right to your car while ordering sohour from neighbouring fast food venues.

Som3a Basha, Cairo Marriott Hotel

Cairo Marriott’s Ramadan tent, Som3a Basha, is back again this year, promising an authentically Oriental experience. Street-style food carts, Oriental eats and good shisha flavours, Som3a Basha is where you should go if you’re looking to have some shisha and sohour in style.   

Bab El Nil, Fairmont Nile City

Fairmont Nile City’s Bab El Nil is one of the most unique venues of its kind and a near-perfect soohour-and-shisha spot, with its wide variety of shisha flavours, excellent food, a lavish atmosphere and, let us not forget, its breathtaking Nile view.

WaraK Enab

Located inside Gabriel restaurant, Warak Enab serves great shishas which go perfectly well with the restaurant’smodern take on an Oriental atmosphere and the food isn't bad, either.

Hookah Lounge

A shisha list won’t be whole without Heliopolis favourite, Hookah Lounge. In one of the most chilling and colorful ambiances one can find, Hookah lounge is known for serving the best shisha in town.

Enab Beirut

Aside from serving well-executed Levant dishes and great desserts, Enab Beirut is another restaurant that mastered shisha in one of the most authentic and colorful authentic atmosphere's in Cairo.

Al Dabké, Fairmont Heliopolis

Al Dabké is without a doubt one of our favourite Lebanese restaurants, serving authentic and scrumptious dishes, but the restaurant also works as a Ramadan hangout thanks to its perfectly made and promptly tended to shisha.

Wahawi Ramadan Lounge

Located on the rooftop of Le Pacha 1901 in Zamalek, Wahawi Ramadan Lounge has returned for the fourth consecutive year, and is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some great shisha while enjoying the Nile view for sohour.

Happy Ramadan!