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

One thing you can’t help but love about Cairo is that it very readily absorbs, so to speak – which is particularly the case when it comes to food.

While we have our own food-oriented holidays and celebrations – Eid, Sham El Nessim, et al – Cairo goes crazy for American holidays, because, well, those guys know how to celebrate with food and then some. This is no more apparent than with Thanksgiving, which is why some of the city’s best eateries are ditching their regular menus for the day (Thursday 24 November) and laying out turkey and all, yes all, the trimmings. Here are the best five.

Lucille’s

Home of the ‘World’s Best Burger’ and Road 9 mainstay, Lucille’s, knows a thing or two about how the American’s dine. Starting from 2PM, the restaurant’s special Thanksgiving dinner will have all your old favourites, but it’s first come, first served, so no dilly-dallying around.

Romanov, The Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski

For a more high-end Thanksgiving experience, look no further than The Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski, where a lavish four-course dinner awaits at one of the hotel’s best restaurants , Romanov, for a mere 250LE++ per person – and Cairo has been warned to leaves space for the restaurant’s trademark Pumpkin Pie!

The Tipsy Teapot

One of the quirkier places to enjoy the most wholesome of holidays, The Tipsy Teapot, has become synonymous for its seasonal specials and Thanksgiving is no different. The Maadi restaurant’s menu reads impressively and costs a fantastic 150LE++ per person.

Eish & Malh

As one of the best additions to Cairo’s dining scene in the last few years, Downtown bistro, Eish & Malh, is also getting in on the act this year, with special plate with all the trimmings as well as a vegetarian option – both for  125LE. Served up between 1PM and midnight, there will also be some live music to boot in the evening.

Roy’s Country Kitchen, Cairo Marriott Hotel

Another restaurant that knows a thing or two about American dining, Roy’s Country Kitchen is almost certainly the best option for those that really want to feast. Why? One word: buffet. The Cairo Marriott Hotel restaurant is big on portions and flavours and this Thanksgiving is set to stay true to that.