Refreshments and Dinner at Kahn El-Khalili

We have several favorite eating spots in the Khan. In recent years we had favored Mahony's and had planned to have lunch there on our first trip this year.  Unfortunately, they have dropped the food service and now only serve drinks.  Maybe they will be back again next year?


We stopped in at the popular Naguib Mahfouz restaurant instead.  This is more like a five-star hotel restaurant than a "Khan" style eatery, but the food and service are excellent. The mixed grill served here is an elegant if pricey sampler.


For authentic Egyptian cuisine, you just can't beat Farhat.  That is the name on the menu and as a result, turns up in a few places on the Internet.  But if you want to "Google it" - try "Farahat"!  Their specialty is pigeon - so naturally, I started out my meal there with a glass of pigeon soup - not too bad, a bit like chicken noodle without the noodles.


The mixed grill at Farhat is much less expensive than at Naguib Mahfouz - as it should be, the overhead is much lower.  There are no costumes on the waiters, no front doors (half the tables are out in the alley) and the washroom consists of an outdoor sink  at the end of the alley.  The restaurant is easy to find in that alleyway off Al-Azhar Street!   You will see mostly locals enjoying dinner here.





Our favorite spot for a cup of tea and a lemonade is El-Hawagy. The owner takes care to welcome us each year. All guests receive good service and it is a great place to sit, to visit and watch people and street vendors.






When we arrived with a couple of pretzels from one of the street vendors, the owner graciously brought some complimentary tahina sauce for us along with the usual mint for our tea.