Cairo’s local street food is the best. The city is home to tons of traditional Egyptian food, which features delicious BBQ and Grill dishes like Mahshi (meat and rice stuffed into vine leaves), Okra tajin, and Molokhia green soup. If you want to try something different, you have to eat the Hawawshi (Egyptian bread stuffed with minced beef and onions), Mombar (stuffed intestine), and Rozz Meammar (Baked rice with milk). Moussaka (an Eggplant dish), Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Pigeon), and Akkawi (Oxtails) are a must-try in Egypt.
In this article, we will review the top 8 Traditional local Egyptian BBQ and Grill restaurants in Cairo for you to choose between.
1. El Monoufy El Kababgy (New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed, and Nasr City)
El Monoufy El Kababgy is a local BBQ and grill restaurant in Cairo. It has 3 branches which can be near you wherever you are. The branches are in New Cairo, Sheikh Zayed, and Nasr City. It serves Egyptian food with a modern twist on traditional recipes.
The vibe is great and the music is traditional so you get to enjoy a real traditional time. The portions are large so it’s advised to order different plates and share to try different plates. You can start with a Molokhia soap or an Orka Tageen, you won’t regret it. You can also start with some vegetarian appetizers.
Mahshi (stuffed vine leaves) is a must-try, Moussaka (an Eggplant dish) is tasty, and Hawawshi (local bread stuffed with minced beef) is just perfect but don’t try it if you aren’t a spicy lover. Mombar (stuffed intestine) is overstuffed with rice so it’s not the best place to try it unless you are leaving Cairo tomorrow.
Rozz Meammar (Baked rice with milk) is a must-try if you love things that are mixed with milk, another option can be the Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Pigeon) which is grilled to perfection there. Akkawi (Ox tails) could be another good option for you if you are open to trying something new. Its meat melts in the mouth and you are going to love it.
The service is good even though the place can be crowded. Don’t hesitate to ask another time if you believe that the water has forgotten your order.
2. El Prince Restaurant (Imbaba, near El Zamalek)
El Prince Restaurant is one of Egypt’s best Traditional BBQ and Grill restaurants. It has only one branch and is located in Imbaba (a local area near El Zamalek). Beware of pickpocketing as the area is crowded and a little poor!
The prices are reasonable with this quality and good portions. Sometimes there is a waiting list, especially on weekends. But once you are seated and ordered, expect the food to be ready and served in 10 minutes.
They are very famous for their fried liver, it’s tasty and a must-try there. The Tagines are also very popular, from the traditional Moulokhia green soup to the Bamia (Okra), and the Akkawi Tagines (Oxtails). The Hamam Mahshy (Stuffed Pigeon) is grilled to perfection and is served with the famous Rozz Meammar (Baked rice with milk).
Beef Kofta and Chicken Tawook are the safe bets if you are afraid to try something new. They do it well-done, so make sure to ask otherwise at the beginning if you want. Don’t forget to try the Hawawshi and Mombar (stuffed intestine) if you are up for something really special.
If you are vegetarian, you can order Moussaka (Eggplant dish) can be a good vegetarian meal. The service is good and quick, and a small tip at the end would be expected.
3. Sobhy Kaber (Shoubra, near El Zamalek)
Sobhy Kaber is one of the oldest and most traditional BBQ and Grill restaurants in Cairo. It has only one restaurant in Shoubra, a local neighborhood in Cairo. The decor is modern and chic, which creates a relaxed vibe throughout the establishment.
The menu is diverse and offers a range of dishes; from appetizers like house-made hummus and pita bread to main courses as the tasty grilled shoulder with roasted vegetables (a must-try there). The molokhia green soup is perfect and the okra Tagine is well done.
If you want something saucy, try the Rozz Meammar ( Rice cooked with milk in a tasty way). If you want to try a bit of everything, order the mix grill so you can try different types of Egyptian meat-style dishes like Lamb kebab (minced lamb flavored with spices), Chicken tawouk (chicken breast), or Mousaka (an eggplant dish).
If you want a challenge, try the Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Pigeon), Akkawi (Oxtails), and fried liver. They cook them perfectly there. The portions are generous so take that into consideration. The waiters provide a good service and try to speak English but that’s not always the case. But you can always communicate.
4. Abou El Sid Restaurant (El Zamalek, City Stars Mall, and Mall of Egypt)
Abou El Sid Restaurant is one of the best restaurants for traditional BBQ and Grilled Egyptian food in Cairo. It has three main branches: one in El Zamalek, another in City Stars Mall (Nasr City), and a third one at Mall of Egypt in Sheikh Zayed City. What makes Abou El Sid restaurant different is that it is mostly in a mall and is easily accessible and air-conditioned. So you can try the traditional food without having to go to local areas if you are hesitant.
Good appetizers include lentil soup, which is delicious and comes with bread. Molokhia green soup is also a great starter or you can try the okra tagin. They use local herbs that you won’t find anywhere else. Moussaka which is basically eggplant cooked with meat sauce and topped off with béchamel sauce is a must-try. You can also order it without the beef if you are vegetarian.
Shredded veal meat and Hawawshi are good options if you like meat. Hawawshi can be a bit spicy, so be prepared. However, if you don’t like spicy things then avoid ordering this dish because it does have quite a kick to it! Fried liver, Mombar (stuffed intestine), and Akkawi (Oxtails) are cooked well if you are up for it.
5. Bebo Restaurant (Shoubra, and Heliopolis)
Bebo restaurant is one of the most famous local BBQ and grill restaurants in Cairo. It has 2 branches in Shoubra (a local area near El Zamalek) and Heliopolis. We recommend going to Heliopolis branch as it’s easily accessible and there isn’t a risk of pickpocketing.
The sausage is tasty; Mombar (stuffed intestine) is fatty but very delicious; kebab and fried liver are their famous dish and a must-have there. Molokhia tajin (green soup) is like a homemade one; Mahshi with kaware’ tajin (vine leaves with cow’s calves) is a must-have!
You can order “Mix Bebo” which gives you a bit of everything: you’ll get about 2 pieces of steak, a few pieces of fried Liver, Mombar (stuffed intestine), and sausage.
The atmosphere and vibe are quite quiet but nice nevertheless; It’s quite expensive compared to others but they serve big portions so it’s worth it! Staffs are super friendly and always smiling even though they’re understaffed sometimes
6. Kasr El Kababgi (New Cairo)
With a big seating capacity, Kasr El Kababgi is a great traditional BBQ restaurant to enjoy some local Egyptian food. The restaurant offers some great options for groups and private rooms can be reserved upon request.
The food here is prepared quickly and served generously at affordable prices which are definitely worth it considering how tasty everything is! You’ll find traditional dishes like Molokheya soup or okra tajins on the menu alongside grilled meats like chicken breasts and mixed grill which are always excellent choices when eating out at any Egyptian restaurant! We highly recommend the mixed grill in your first time so that you can try everything and decide which one you love most to order in the next meal.
7. Hamam Abdoh (New Cairo)
Hamam Abdoh is a local traditional Grill with only one branch in New Cairo. The decoration is really good and very suitable to the traditional local vibe. The place is clean and the staff are professional. The molokhia soup is a bit watery but it tastes good too!
The stuffed pigeon is delicious! Kofta, Tarb, and Hawawshi are well-spiced with local herbs which makes them taste really good. Beef Kofta and Chicken Tawook are also delicious. If you want something saucy, the puff pastry is done with milk and minced beef so it’s very soft, delicious, and mouthwatering! Finally, the Fatta is done to perfection as well and you can order it either in chicken or beef.
8. Tajoury Oriental Restaurant (El Manial Island, Old Cairo)
Tajoury Oriental Restaurant is one of the most famous BBQ restaurants in Cairo. Everything here is well done with love and attention to presentation. Traditional Egyptian music plays in the background while you enjoy your meal.
For starters, you will be served with an assortment of breads with dipping sauces. Molokhia and okra tajins are really tasty as well as their best plate which is sharkasya (ice served with chicken & a creamy walnut sauce), kebab, lamb kofta or rice with nuts make a good combination too! The goulash with minced meat and stuffing is must must-try! The prices of this place are very good and the quantities of food are generous too!
