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

In this edition of the Editor’s Choice Awards, we celebrate delightful flavours, exceptional coffee, and fluffy baked goods. Here are some of the bakeries you don’t want to miss out on around the capital. 

Pistachio 

Presenting delightful sweets, Pistachio is the go-to for well-balanced flavours and lovely treats. 

Ladurée

Known for their sweet Parisian macarons, Ladurée brings fresh pastries and exceptional hot chocolate with recipes straight from the city of love. 

Keki

Bringing fluffy Japanese pancakes to the bustling streets of Cairo, Keki is known for its standout ambience and flavourful Japanese baked goods. Ideal for days working from home or study days out, indulge in their exceptional treats and refreshing coffee completely stress-free.

The Batter Half

Satisfying your sweet tooth with desserts and a range of customised cakes, The Batter Half has three branches around the capital that should not be missed. From Zamalek to Sheikh Zayed and New Cairo, The Batter Half serves sweetness with a versatile menu and fresh ingredients.  

PAUL

An authentically French chain, PAUL brings Paris right here to Cairo. Freshly baked bread, crêpes, sandwiches, macarons, soups, cakes, pastries, coffee… PAUL truly has something for everyone!

Ratios Bakery

With two locations in the heart of Maadi, Ratios Bakery is the go-to for an exceptional breakfast. Once you step into the location, you will be met with the refreshing smell of baking. Every detail screams elegance and provides a well-rounded experience packed with fresh food and the feel of a 6:00 am breeze.

Madeleine Bakery

Established by a French owner, Madeleine Bakery brings French flavours to the Maadi. With sandwiches, pastries, and cakes, Madeline is a haven for everything baked. 

Bouchée

Overlooking the aesthetic streets of Korba, Bouchée is the go-to for a Friday morning breakfast in Heliopolis. With sweet delights, standout coffee, and views that take you back in time, the Bouchée experience is truly ECA-worthy.

Restless Coffeehouse

With a diverse breakfast menu, between Egyptian falafel and Lebanese Manaqish, Restless Coffeehouse has something for every guest. The outstanding breakfast experience presents a range of delicacies, perfect to kick off the day on a high note.

Fornalia Artisan Bakery & Café

Nestled in Zamalek, Fornalia Artisan Bakery is a standout location. With a wooden, beige and white theme, every corner radiates tranquillity. The balcony on the upper floor is surrounded by greenery, making it the ideal location to relax and unwind before kicking off a long day. Indulge in an exceptional food experience, elevated with a calming atmosphere.

Cult Café

Cult Café has made a name for itself with its hip, eclectic vibe and top-tier coffee. As a recipient of the ECA Awards, Cult Café offers an extraordinary coffee experience that draws both locals and visitors. The café is renowned for its expertly brewed beverages, featuring single-origin beans and unique blends. The minimalist décor, paired with a warm and inviting atmosphere, makes it a perfect spot for working remotely or catching up with friends. The menu, filled with both classic and innovative coffee drinks, ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Leaven

Leaven stands out as a beacon of coffee excellence, earning the coveted ECA Award for its outstanding contributions to the coffee culture. Known for its artisanal approach, Leaven offers a menu that highlights its passion for high-quality coffee. Each cup is brewed with precision and care.

Bäxters Artisanal Bakery & Café

Bäxters Artisanal Bakery & Café is not just about pastries and fresh sourdough bread – it’s an iconic destination for coffee. This charming spot combines the best of both worlds, offering exceptional baked goods alongside expertly brewed coffee. The café’s dedication to quality is evident with every cup of coffee, whether you’re enjoying a smooth latte or a bold espresso.

The Daily Kneads Bakery by What The Crust

We’ve chosen The Daily Kneads Bakery by What The Crust for its outstanding coffee and bakery offerings. This innovative café is known for its creative approach to both coffee and baked goods, making it an ultimate go-to.

Del Sol Café

Nestled in Sheikh Zayed, enjoy the bohemian atmosphere at Del Sol Café. Boosting excellent WI-FI for those looking to work or study, Del Sol is one of Sheikh Zayed’s hidden gems where you can get the perfect dose of caffeine and catch up with some friends. 

Koffee Kulture

Soon to open their first branch in New Cairo, Koffee Kulture has mastered the art of bagels and matcha delights. Between their standout strawberry matcha late and bagels accompanied by their signature sweet potato fries, Koffee Kulture is an experience not to be missed. 

Jared’s Bagels

Jared’s Bagels has become a staple in the local coffee scene, earning the distinguished ECA Award for its exceptional coffee and delightful bagels. Known for its warm, community-focused atmosphere, Jared’s Bagels offers a perfect blend of delicious bagels and expertly brewed coffee. The café sources high-quality beans to create a range of beverages, from robust espressos to creamy lattes, ensuring every cup is a treat.

Eden Bakery & Coffeehouse

Eden Bakery & Coffeehouse is celebrated for its outstanding contributions to the coffee and bakery world. This cosy establishment based in Maadi offers a serene escape with its charming ambience and exceptional menu.

Pain des Rois

Café Pain des Rois has earned a spot on this list for its dedication to excellence in coffee and bakery offerings. This elegant café is known for its artisanal approach and offers a refined menu that highlights the owner’s passion for high-quality ingredients and craftsmanship. The coffee, brewed with precision and care, ranges from rich espressos to delicate pour-overs, catering to diverse tastes. 

Ralph’s German Bakery

From the shores of Dahab to Cairo’s Downtown Mall and Arkan Plaza, Ralph’s German Bakery presents a well-rounded breakfast experience. Between platters, freshly baked goods, and standout coffee, Ralph’s is, without a doubt, an ECA-worthy breakfast experience. 

Brown Nose

Brown Nose is famous for its dedication to the art of coffee. With a meticulously curated selection of beans sourced from around the globe, every drink is roasted in-house to perfection. Whether you’re seeking a rich, velvety espresso or a refreshing cold brew, Brown Nose promises a delightful experience.

Seven Fortunes

Seven Fortunes has become a haven for coffee enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Having become a staple in the caffeine-enthusiast scene, Seven Fortunes is celebrated for its commitment to quality and innovation in every cup.

30 North

Known for their luscious pancakes and speciality coffee, 30 North is the ultimate go-to for memorable breakfast dates.

Genco Specialty Coffee

Known for its flakey and buttery croissants and masterfully brewed coffee, Genco Specialty Coffee is the go-to for the best croissants and caffeine runs in Maadi. In addition to the fresh flavours, Genco is a pet-friendly spot where you can enjoy breakfast with your furry friend. 

Blooms and Beans

Nestled in Sheikh Zayed’s Arkan Plaza, Blooms and Beans is a coffee shop and a flower shop all in one. The greenery surrounding the place both in and outdoors, paired with the smell of fresh coffee, makes Blooms and Beans a standout location. If you’re looking to elevate your Instagram feed and get a kick of refreshing caffeine, this is the place to go.

Nomadic Espresso Bar

Mastering everything espresso, Nomadic Espresso Bar specialises in serving exceptional espresso shots. Elevated with its special in-house techniques and recipes, Nomadic Espresso Bar is a coffee not to be missed. 

20 Grams Specialty Coffee Bar

Providing refreshing coffee accompanied by fresh, in-house sweet delights, 20 Grams is a standout ECA experience.

Eight Ounce Specialty Coffee

With a dedication to premium quality specialty coffee, Eight Ounce is another go-to for the perfect caffeine hit.

Simonds Bakery & Café

Established in 1898, Simonds has mastered the art of everything sweet and withstood the test of time, continuing an incredible legacy for many generations. With perfectly balanced flavours, Simonds is the go-to for sweet delicacies that taste just right.