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

Image via Spaceman USA

We Egyptians adore our ice cream, a beloved treat that’s part of our culture – even in the winter. While we’ve always cherished the classic scooped kind, there’s a new player in town: soft serve. So, what’s the scoop on the difference between these frozen delights? Well, traditional ice cream gets its thick, creamy texture from churning a mix of cream, milk, sugar, and flavours in a freezer. On the other hand, soft serve gets its light, airy feel by blending dairy and sweeteners with air using a special machine. This creates a smoother, silkier treat that can be swirled into beautiful peaks, giving it an edge in Egypt’s bustling ice cream scene.

Conitta

Nestled in the heart of Maadi, Cairo, lies Conitta, a visually enchanting ice cream haven that’s redefining sweet indulgence. This charming spot captivates ice cream lovers with its picturesque ambience and delectable offerings. Conitta’s speciality lies in its homemade stuffed cones and irresistible soft serve scoops, each a work of art in its own right. The vibrant colours of the cones, adorned with various toppings, are a feast for the eyes, while the heavenly soft serve, with its velvety texture, delivers a burst of delightful flavours with every spoonful.

Ikea

Surprising as it may seem, IKEA, known primarily for its furniture and home goods, boasts a culinary experience that pleasantly catches visitors off guard. Amidst the aisles of sleek furniture and household essentials, IKEA’s food offerings at their Sheikh Zayed and New Cairo locations have garnered quite a reputation. What takes many by surprise is the delightful soft-serve ice cream. Creamy, indulgent, and served at an incredibly affordable price, IKEA’s soft serve is a true steal. 

Canele

Canele Patisserie, located on Marghany Street in Heliopolis, has long been celebrated for its delectable pastries and exquisite desserts. However, their recent introduction of a culinary delight has sent waves of excitement through the neighbourhood – a remarkable innovation that marries the beloved soft-serve ice cream with their freshly baked croissants. The mastery of their pastry chefs is evident as they skillfully carve out the perfect pocket within the warm, flaky croissant, ready to cradle a swirl of their velvety soft serve. 

Khalifa

Khalifa Dairy, nestled in Maadi, stands as a testament to the charm of local flavours within the realm of soft-serve treats. Despite being an underdog in the bustling world of dessert parlours, Khalifa Dairy’s unassuming exterior belies the richness and uniqueness of its offerings. Even though the décor is deeply rooted in local aesthetics, it exudes warmth and familiarity. However, it’s the soft serve and desserts that truly steal the spotlight for anyone who is from the neighbourhood. 

Joosy & Frozze

Located in Don Hub within Zayed Dunes, Joosy and Frozze offer an enticing array of colourful desserts like waffles, pancakes, and molten chocolate cakes. Amidst these delights, their soft serves shine brightly. Often overlooked, these creamy treats boast diverse flavours, from classic vanilla to innovative fruity blends. Joosy and Frozze’s soft serve cones add a delightful twist to their already impressive dessert lineup, making them a hidden gem in Sheikh Zayed’s cold desserts scene.

Udu

Udu, the soft serve haven within New Cairo’s Point 90 Mall, is a delightful fusion of Instagram-worthy aesthetics and utterly delicious treats. This charming spot has mastered the art of creating not just delectable soft serve but also visually captivating delights that beckon both taste buds and social media enthusiasts. From the moment visitors step inside, they are greeted by a vibrant ambience designed to be the perfect backdrop for the colourful and flavourful soft serve on offer.