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

There are few more festive times in Egypt than Ramadan; it’s a time that sees friends and family come together over fetar and sohour – whether you like it or not. Bubbling feelings of frustration towards extended family aside, though,  you’re quite likely to be expecting guests over the next few days for a typical Ramadan feast – followed by small-talk and typical Ramadan antakha.

Some like to keep things simple when hosting guests, while others like to really put on a show. Whether you like to keep dinner parties and gatherings casual, or completely and utterly over-the-top, these ten shops across Cairo can provide you with everything you need to build your own Ramadan fortress…

American Balloons

With one of the biggest collection of Ramadan decorations in Cairo this year, American Balloons in Maadi will definitely transform any room, thanks to a huge variety ranging from lanterns of all shapes and sizes, to basic boxes and eve cute, festive canon-models

Bingo Gifts and Toys

Established since 1996, Bingo Gifts & Toys has been the game for some time and stocks have a wide array of Ramadan decorations such as lantern lampshades, Kedert Fool (the large pot of beans), coloured cushions inspired by the Islamic motifs and lots more.

Blueberry Gift Shop

Located in Heliopolis, as well as Manial, Bluberry Gift Shop is packed with more unique items, including beautifully coloured stainless steel lanterns, to colourful mus'haf and their custom made Ramadan bouquets.

Candle Connection

Candle Connection is offering something unique this year with its Ramadan candles and candle holders, which comee in round and square shapes with Islamic motifs on them. They seem simple, but when lit, look great – perfect for late-night, chilled hangouts.

Dokan Dapicture

Besides the traditional Ramadan decorations such as lanterns, poufs and cushions, Dokan Dapicture – which delivers – create small sculptures for El Mesaharaty (the guy who wakes up people at sohour time) and Tannoura dancers as well as other sculptures that can add quirky touches.

The Gift Box

Taking Ramadan decorations to a completely new level, the gift box provides bespoke Ramadan themed home accessories such as Ramadan hand towels, sheets and tablecloth. The place also provides home delivery service.

La Baleine

Nasr City’s La Baleine has it all; from Boogie and Tamtam pillows and lanterns, to foul and Hummus Al Sham cart. With La Baleine, you can order your decorations through their Facebook page and they will deliver it to your doorstep within two days.

Pink for Gifts & Toys

Offering a beautiful collection of vintage lanterns, Pink in Heliopolis also provides hanging Ramadan decoration for the famous characters such Bakkar and Fatoota as well as other more demure ornaments.

Sugar Gift Shop

With thirteen branches across Egypt, Sugar offers a number of versatile and varied decorative items. Their Ramadan collection includes everything from Ramadan candles and lanterns, to handicraft canons, plus their creative Ramadan wrapping adds a nice touch.

Tatto Tatti

One of the most unique shops in Nasr City, Tatto Tatti, is home to some quirky handmade Ramadan decorations that often bring together the kitsch and the cool – think Ramadan meets bohemia.

Happy Ramadan!