In Egypt, coffee and tea are more than a drink. It is a social ritual, a welcome, and a reason to pause. The first coffeehouses appeared during Ottoman times. Scholars, poets, and merchants gathered to discuss politics and ideas over small cups of strong brew. Today, those same cafés still line Cairo’s streets, filled with conversation and smoke.
Hospitality in a Cup
Serving coffee or tea is a gesture of respect. When you visit someone’s home, a cup often appears before you ask. Egyptians believe sharing coffee brings warmth and trust.
How to Order Coffee
Egyptian coffee is similar to Turkish coffee, finely ground and brewed in a small pot called a Kanaka. The key detail is sugar, which is added while brewing. You can’t stir it in later, so knowing these words helps:
Sada – no sugar, very bitter
Mazboot – medium sweet, the standard choice
Zeyada – extra sweet
You might also hear ahwa fransawy (French Coffee) for coffee with milk.
Tea Time
Tea, or shai, is equally loved. In Cairo, people drink light tea with mint. In Upper Egypt, tea is stronger and sweeter. Either way, tea is part of daily life from morning to late at night.
Where to Try Coffee & Tea
Start in Khan el Khalili, one of Cairo’s oldest districts. You’ll find traditional coffeehouses that also serve mint tea, and a front row seat to Cairo life. You can also enjoy coffee on a Nile cruise or at a local ahwa where backgammon clicks and conversation flows.
Final Sip
Coffee and Tea in Egypt are not just about caffeine. They’re about slowing down, connecting, and being part of the rhythm around you. Sit back, take a sip, and you’ll see why one cup often turns into two.
