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

Ice cream: It’s the perfect accompaniment to hot summer days, but let’s not use the time of year as an excuse to savour some of that creamy deliciousness. Ice cream and all its dairy derivatives and cousins are substantial enough to be savoured any time of the year. Here are seven places that offer the crème de la crème…

Dara’s Ice Cream

Consistent, versatile, and flavourful; this is what Dara’s Ice Cream experience stands for. The flavours never fail to impress, from creamy Pistachio and Caramelised Almond to Salted Caramel Crunch and Peanut Butter. Starting with one branch in Galleria40, Dara has spread her love for ice cream to four more locations around the capital: Zamalek, New Cairo, Waterway, and Maadi. The stores’ vibes, delicious flavours, and small details are what sets Dara’s stores apart.

Gelato Mio

Gelato is a fresh Italian dessert that has made its way to our hearts over the last few years. It is considered a lighter version of ice cream, and we love it just as much. Gelato Mio is one of those gelato pioneers that got us trying carrot orange, pomegranate, and even hibiscus gelato – now they offer Gelato Macarons, Gelato cakes, and Gelato Cookie Sandwiches. Safe to say, Gelato Mio has won in the Gelato game in Cairo, with branches open in Zamalek, Maadi, Heliopolis, Sheikh Zayed, and Ismailia.

Mandarine Koueider

Legendary isn’t an overstatement when it comes to Koueider. This dessert place made its mark in Cairo back in 1928, and it is still going strong. And even though the original family owners are no longer affiliated, Mandarine Koueider has kept its place, offering a fantastic array of local desserts and freshly made ice cream. Even though their most famous location is in Zamalek, they expanded to other areas, including Heliopolis, Nasr City, Maadi, New Cairo, Masaken Sheraton, and Al-Rehab City.

Rigoletto

Another ice cream old timer is Rigoletto, a childhood favourite that is still leading in the scene. It started under the name Dolce Vita in 1987 and then became Rigoletto a year later. No matter how they put it, their ice cream selection will always taste like nostalgia. Their flavours change over the years, and amongst their classical options, you’ll find Bubblegum, Vanilla Croquant, Mocha, Cinnamon Dates, Coconut Raisin, and many more.

The Batter Half and Co.

Well-known for great-looking desserts and cakes, The Batter Half and Co. also has an amazing ice cream selection. This shop has proved to excel in more than just pretty cakes; from classics like Coffee, Nutella, and Lemon to unique flavours like Rose, Mastic, and Red Velvet – The Batter Half is, and Co. is undoubtedly worth the win.

Stavolta

Authenticity is vital when it comes to Italian delicacies, and Stavolta is all about ice cream authenticity. They offer gelatos and sorbets that are out of this world, from classical Italian flavours like Mascarpone to more Levantine ones like Tamarind and Hibiscus. Bright looking and always cheerful, Stavolta has branches in Zamalek, Maadi, Sheikh Zayed, and New Cairo.

Frozzy Twist

The first to introduce fresh ice cream rolls, Frozzy Twist is a must-have when it comes to ice cream parlours in Cairo. Mixing ice cream with classical and childhood favourites is what they do best; you can find asaleya, Kikat, marshmallows, and even Basbousa ice cream rolls. So the next time you want to try a different ice cream experience, Frozzy Twist is the place.