Zooba (Zamalek)

Giza, Egypt

• No.9 Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants 2023
• The Best Restaurant in Egypt 2023

Opting to showcase traditional Egyptian food at its best, co-founders Chris Khalifa and chef Moustafa El Refaey opened Zooba, a small and friendly joint in the centre of bustling Cairo. This is the stellar place for all-things street food. Zooba offers everything from classic koshari, a dish of pasta, lentils and rice, to tagines, but the stars of the menu are undoubtedly the ta’ameya (falafel). Unlike elsewhere in the region, El Refaey favours the fava bean over the chickpea, meaning the insides burst with a vibrant, flavour-packed green hue. Made to order, stuffed into baladi bread and drizzled with fiery harissa, pickled lemon or oozy roumy cheese, this is a must-have dish for all visitors to the Egyptian capital. Having welcomed flocks of visitors to the restaurant since it opened in 2012, Khalifa and El Refaey decided to expand their influence into other corners of the Middle East and beyond. New York now hosts a Zooba, and the pair have intentions to open in Riyadh and Manama.

Key Information

• Average price per person $20
• Lunch and dinner: Mon – Sun
• Visit Zooba (Zamalek)'s Website

Location

16 26 July Street, Al Gabalayah, Zamalek, Giza,