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

Image via Monica Magdy

Tucked away in the vibrant streets of Zamalek, Pain Des Rois brings a slice of Parisian charm right to the heart of Cairo. If you’ve ever dreamt of savouring authentic French pastries with a perfectly brewed coffee without boarding a flight, this quaint café at 13 Brazil Street is your passport to indulgence. Though they’ve expanded to La Vista Bay on the North Coast, we decided to visit their Zamalek location—and let’s just say it was a royal experience with every bite and sip!

Image via Monica Magdy

The ambience at Pain Des Rois in Zamalek is a delightful blend of elegance and warmth. As you step inside, you’re greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly baked pastries and rich coffee, instantly transporting you to a cosy Parisian café. The interior is tastefully decorated with soft lighting, vintage-inspired furnishings, and a colour palette that combines earthy tones with subtle touches of maroon. 

Image via Monica Magdy

With a menu displaying mouth-watering choices, selecting just one dish at Pain Des Rois felt like an impossible task. However, we couldn’t resist the allure of their famed Turkey and Cheese Omelette (EGP 185). The omelette was a masterpiece, resting elegantly atop a slice of perfectly toasted brown bread. The moment we cut into it, the knife glided through with ease, revealing the tender, fluffy interior. Each bite was an explosion of flavour as the omelette, turkey, cheese, and bread danced together on the palate, creating a symphony of exquisite taste.

The sides were just as impressive. The fried potatoes, golden and crisp on the outside, gave way to a soft filling with each bite. Accompanying them were vibrant, fresh veggies, their colours popping against the plate. Both sides were drizzled with Pain Des Rois’ signature sauce, adding an extra layer of deliciousness that elevated the entire dish to new heights. 

Image via Monica Magdy

Of course, we couldn’t resist the temptation of trying one of Pain Des Rois’ legendary savoury pastries before we left, and our choice was the smoked salmon croissant sandwich (EGP 165). With its golden, flaky exterior, the croissant crackled lightly under our touch, revealing a soft, buttery interior that promised indulgence. 

Inside, a generous layer of velvety cream cheese hugged the warm, airy layers of the croissant, providing the perfect bed for a handful of fresh arugula. On top lay the star of the show—a slice of smoked salmon, delicately draped, its rich pink hue contrasting beautifully with the vibrant greens. Thin slices of onion added a sharp, crisp bite, while a gentle squeeze of lemon brought a tasty sour tang that lifted the flavours to another level.

Image via Monica Magdy

To end our delightful day at Pain Des Rois on a truly sweet note, we couldn’t resist indulging in their renowned Chocolate Mille-Feuille (EGP 130). This dessert is a testament to their mastery of French pastry. Imagine delicate layers of crisp, buttery pastry stacked with creamy, luscious filling, all enveloped in a rich, velvety chocolate sauce. 

Each bite is a perfect harmony of textures and flavours, with the crispiness of the pastry contrasting beautifully against the smooth, decadent chocolate, with a crumbly piece of Lotus biscuit topping it off, adding a delightful crunch and a hint of caramelised sweetness.

Image via Monica Magdy

To complement this masterpiece, we sampled two of their celebrated iced lattes: the Spanish Latte (EGP 112) and the Pistachio Latte (EGP 112). Each sip through the bamboo straws was an exquisite experience, as the robust coffee flavours blended seamlessly with the creamy, flavoured syrups. The Spanish Latte’s bold, spiced undertones and the Pistachio Latte’s nutty richness created a perfect harmony with the dessert, enhancing every mouthful of the mille-feuille.

Pain Des Rois doesn’t just serve exceptional food; it elevates the entire experience, thoughtfully blending high-quality ingredients with an eco-conscious touch and a commitment to a superb dining atmosphere.