Zooba Zamalek

Zooba was opened in Zamalek in 2012 by Chris Khalifa and chef Moustafa El Refaey with a simple idea: take the street food that Egyptians eat every day and cook it with fresh local ingredients and a modern eye. The small, brightly decorated original branch on 26th of July Street has since become a reference point for Cairo's casual dining, and the brand has expanded abroad, including a branch in New York. It also features on the list of the Middle East and North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants.

The menu is a tour of Egyptian classics. Ta'ameya, the Egyptian falafel made with fava beans rather than chickpeas, comes stuffed into baladi bread with options such as harissa, pickled lemon or roumy cheese. There is koshari, the much-loved mix of rice, lentils, pasta and spiced tomato sauce, along with ful, tagines, salads and creative sandwiches. The restaurant likes to play with familiar flavours, for example by serving beans in a soup or lentils in a salad, and its dukka-spiced fries are a popular side.

Zooba suits solo travellers, couples, families and anyone wanting a first taste of Egyptian street food in a clean, relaxed setting. Portions are reasonable, prices are moderate and there are plenty of vegetarian choices, since much traditional Egyptian street food is meat-free. It is a good place to learn what the dishes are before trying them at a street stall or a busier local restaurant.

Service is quick and informal, and the space is small, so expect to share tables or take food away at busy times. No booking is needed. Zooba serves lunch and dinner every day, and delivery is available through the main Cairo food apps if you are staying nearby. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for a meal.

The restaurant is on 26th of July Street, the main road through Zamalek, a short walk from the Cairo Marriott and the shops and cafés around Brazil Street and Shagaret El Dor Street. Abou El Sid, a more formal Egyptian restaurant, is on the same road, and Cairo Tower and the Opera House are a short taxi ride south across the island. Breakfast-style dishes such as ful and ta'ameya also make it a good early stop before a day of sightseeing.