The Moghul Room

The Moghul Room is the Indian restaurant of the Marriott Mena House, the historic hotel at the foot of the Giza pyramids. The hotel began life in 1869 as a hunting lodge for Khedive Ismail and opened as a hotel in the 1880s, and over the years its guests have included Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie and Charlie Chaplin. The Moghul Room has been part of its dining offer for many years and has a loyal following among Cairenes as well as hotel guests.

The menu covers popular dishes from across India, with curries, tandoori grills, biryanis and breads from the clay oven. Vegetarian dishes are well represented, which makes it a useful choice for groups with mixed diets. The kitchen has had several well-regarded chefs over the years, and spicing can usually be adjusted on request.

The restaurant suits couples, families and anyone staying near the pyramids who wants a change from Egyptian or international food. It is a particularly convenient choice after an afternoon on the plateau or at the Grand Egyptian Museum, since there is no need to travel back into central Cairo for a good dinner. Prices are at the upper end of the Cairo market, reflecting the hotel setting.

The Moghul Room is open daily from 16:00 to 23:00 and welcomes guests from outside the hotel. Booking is recommended, especially at weekends, and can be made by phone. Smart casual dress is appropriate. Allow around two hours for a relaxed meal. Hotel security checks at the entrance are routine, so allow a few extra minutes when arriving.

The Mena House stands at the end of Pyramids Road, right beside the entrance to the Giza plateau, and taxis and ride-hailing cars can drop you at the main door. Before or after dinner, the hotel's lobby lounge and the 139 Pavilion terrace offer drinks with views of the Great Pyramid, which is floodlit in the evening and makes a memorable backdrop. Staying guests can charge meals to their room, and the hotel's other restaurants, including Italian and international options, offer alternatives if your group cannot agree. The Moghul Room is also a practical dinner option on the evening you arrive, if your flight lands at Sphinx International Airport to the west.