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

Another Ramadan is ahead of us, Cairo is preparing for a month of daily feasts and coming together. But beyond the family gatherings, mosalsalaat binge-watching and late night snacking, it’s the city’s kheimas (tents) that are adding a sparkle to proceedings.

Whether you are looking for top-notch food, quality time with your family and friends, or even want to enjoy a good shisha without having to tear yourself apart from the TV set, there’s a place for you out there in one those tents listed in this article-which happen to be the best in Cairo.

Fawanees at InterContinental Semiramis

Nile Terrace’s Fawanees is the perfect spot to chill after a long day of fasting; an endless variety of culinary choices for fetar and sohour and tasty shisha, professionally served in a warm ambience with a magnificent Nile view and, of course, a live entertainment program. For reservations and more information call 02-2798-8188 or 02-2798-8000.

La Gourmandise at Four Seasons at the First Residence

One of the most popular tents, Four Season’s La Gourmandise, is stepping up the game this year; from a buffet that gathers many traditional delicacies for fetar, to a carefully-selected a la carte menu for sohour  (425++LE). Between these two, La Gourmandise is sure to keep one entertained with an excellent selection of shishas, desserts, live entertainment and private TV screens by the pool. For reservations and more information call 02-3567-1600.

Bab Al Qasr at Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski

Offering more than just a buffet of Oriental delicacies for both sohour and fetar, the second round of Royal Maxim Kempinski’s Bab Al Qasr promises to go big on live entertainment this year; hosting an Oriental Takht on weekdays and some of Egypt’s best acts on weekends, including Hakim, Mahmoud El Esseily, Massar Egbari and many more. For reservations and more information call 0109-7111-151.

3altawla at Galleria 40

Sheikh Zayed’s swanky spot, Galleria 40, hosts the second year of 3altawla; a sohour experience that gathers the biggest variety of places to choose from; Gaby’s, Tutti Matti, Mesteka and Ayadina, so there’s something for everyone. In addition, 3altawla hosts live performances and many other family-friendly activities. For reservations and more information call 0111-300-5140.

Riverside Tent

With a wide selection of oriental delights for fetar (185LE) and a busy schedule full of entertainment, nights at Riverside Tent in Zamalek are never boring. Bringing some of the best artists in the Arab world, Riverside sees performances by Mai Selim, Adaweyya, Massar Igbari and many more. For reservations and more information call 0121-280-1290.

Ala El Nil at Imperial Boat

A new venture by the man behind Theaterof Dreams, Mahmoud Zidan; Ala El Nil is the latest addition to Cairo’s Ramadan tent collective. Taking place at Imperial Boat in Zamalek, Ala El Nil serves a variety of Lebanese and Egyptian dishes and shisha, while in the way of entertainment, Playstation, Tawla and various live performances await. Stay tuned for more information.

Wust El Balad at The Nile Ritz-Carlton

Last year, Wust El Balad made its debut at The Nile-Ritz Carlton in Downtown, shaking the scene with its unique setting that wraps the magic of the Orient with modern touches. This year, Wust El Balad returns to offer a unique sohour experience with top-quality shisha, live entertainment and TV screens. For reservations and more information call 02-2577-8899.

Shahrazad at Le Meridien Cairo Airport

Le Meridien Cairo Airport promises a quintessential Oriental experience at Shahrazad, where traditional, flavoursome food, shisha and daily live entertainment are all under the one roof.  For reservations and more information call 02-2265-9600.

Welad El Zawaat at JW Marriott Hotel

One of the longest-standing tents, JW Marriott’s Welad El Zawat, has been a favourite Ramadan spot for many since 2009. Located at the hotel’s club house, Welad El Zawat guarantees a jolly good time for all, offering a delicious range of foods, good shisha, fun activities and live entertainment, too. For reservations and more information call 02 24115588.

Si Omar at Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers

Fairmont’s Ramadan tent, Si Omar, is turning 14 this year, which means that there will be a handful of great surprises and celebrations, add that to Si Omar’s classy but friendly ambience, great shisha and food and Fairmont’s VIP service; Ramadan nights couldn’t get any better. For reservations and more information call 02-2267-8485.

Stay tuned for more of Ramadan in the capital on Cairo 360!