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

If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to stir up nostalgia in Egyptian households, it’s feseekh ana renga. These salty seafood staples have long been tied to holiday traditions like Sham El-Nessim but for the die-hard fans? Any day is a good day for renga. That’s where Salahef El Renga comes in, an offbeat street-side spot in Cairo shaking up how we think about Egypt’s classic seafood with playful fusions like herring sushi, spicy herring strips, and even herring baked in béchamel sauce. Naturally, we had to check it out.

A Local Spot with Big Personality

Tucked away in the lively neighbourhood of Abdeen, Salahef El Renga is all grit and charm. It’s a small setup—just a few plastic tables outside and a team of three running the show—but it buzzes with character and the kind of warmth you can only find in Cairo’s old streets.

We started simply with a renga sandwich (EGP 30)—nothing fancy, just the original flavour we all know and love. We followed that with a bottarga sandwich (EGP 20), which leaned on the saltier side, and a pistachio herring sandwich (EGP 30). While the pistachio sounded exciting, the taste was more sweet than nutty, and the flavour didn’t fully come through.

The Sahloof Platter: For the Brave and Hungry

Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying their signature Sahloof Platter (EGP 210)—a full-on sampler of their most experimental dishes. It came with a mini Shakharmon tajin (baked renga with béchamel), two pieces of red bottarga sushi, two spicy renga strips, and a side of fries, salad, local baladi bread, and Jonato lemon juice.

The Shakharmon was a wild card that paid off—warm, creamy, and surprisingly comforting. The sushi was a fun twist, though not mind-blowing. The spicy herring strips, however, stole the show: flavourful, crispy, and with just the right amount of kick. As for the juice… let’s just say it wasn’t their strongest play.

Foodie Fun, But Bring Your Patience

One caveat: the food took nearly an hour to arrive despite being told it’d only be a 10-minute wait. The sushi seemed to slow things down. So, if you’re in a rush, maybe stick to the sandwiches—but if you’re up for a laid-back foodie adventure, it’s worth the wait.

Curious Combos & No Shortage of Creativity

Salahef El Renga doesn’t shy away from experimentation. The menu also includes gems like Honey Nut Herring, Moringa Renga, and even Feseekh Syrup Shots. Prices for these creative spins start at EGP 80.

In a city full of culinary surprises, Salahef El Renga stands out for daring to remix the old with the new. While not every flavour hits the mark, the creativity is undeniable—and for lovers of traditional Egyptian seafood with a sense of adventure, it’s a refreshing change. Between the laid-back street vibe, the quirky menu, and the unapologetically local spirit, it’s the kind of spot that doesn’t take itself too seriously—except when it comes to its fish. Just bring your appetite, a bit of patience, and an open mind.

You’ll find them at 111 Mohamed Farid Street, Abdeen, right next to the Cottonil branch. For inquiries or orders, call 01111751229—they’re open daily from 2:00 PM to 11:59 PM.