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Best Restaurants in Port Said

Best Restaurants in Port Said

Port Said Egypt Travel Guide

Culinary Overview

Cultural & Historical Context

Staples across Egypt include bread (aish baladi), rice, beans, a wide array of vegetables, and broiled meats.

The food is generally hearty and flavorful, designed to sustain a bustling port city.

Meal Times

  • Breakfast (Fataar): Typically light, often ful medames, ta'ameya, bread, cheese, and eggs.
  • Lunch (Ghaddaa): The biggest meal of the day, usually eaten between 2 PM and 5 PM.
  • Dinner (Aashaa): Lighter than lunch, often enjoyed late in the evening.
  • Sharing: Dishes are often shared family-style.

Ingredients & Flavors

Common Ingredients

Fava beans (ful), lentils, rice, wheat, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and eggplants are frequently used.

Flavor Profile

Expect earthy, savory flavors, often brightened with a hint of citrus (lemon) or fresh seasonings and spices.

Regional Distinction

Seafood features prominently in Port Said because of its coastal position, more so than in Upper Egypt.

Dining Customs

  • Hospitality: Egyptians are known for warm hospitality.
  • Utensils: Bread (aish baladi) is often used as a scoop for traditional dishes.
  • Hands: Use your right hand for eating and passing food when using hands.
  • Tipping: Tipping (baksheesh) is customary.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Delights

Ful Medames & Ta'ameya

National dishes: slow-cooked fava beans and Egyptian falafel (made from fava beans), served with bread.

Hearty breakfast, widely available at street stalls.

Koshary

A unique combination of rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas, spicy sauce made from tomatoes, garlic vinegar, and crispy fried onions.

Find specialized Koshary restaurants for this national dish.

Fresh Seafood

Given Port Said's location, grilled fish, shrimp, and calamari are essential tries. Simple preparations allow natural flavors.

Abundant at seafood dining spots beside the Corniche.

Street Food & Beverages

  • Ful & Ta'ameya Sandwiches: Quick, delicious, and budget-friendly street eats.
  • Street Koshary: Often served from carts or small dedicated shops.
  • Sugary Pastries: Various sweets, often filled with nuts and soaked in syrup.
  • Fresh Juices: Sugarcane (asab), hibiscus (karkadeh), mango, and guava juices are refreshing.

Traditional Drinks & Snacks

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Shai (black tea), Karkadeh (hibiscus, hot or cold), Qahwa (strong Turkish-style coffee), and fresh juices are popular.

Alcoholic Beverages

Local brands like Stella (Egyptian) and Sakara beer, and local Egyptian wines are available, mainly in licensed restaurants and hotels.

Dining Options

Upscale Dining

Dedicated fine dining options are limited. The best choices are typically upscale eateries within 4-star hotels.

  • Refined menus and ambiance.
  • Located mainly within premium hotels.
  • Often feature a more extensive beverage selection.

Mid-Range Choices

Numerous options provide Egyptian, seafood, and some international cuisines. Many are along the Corniche.

  • A good variety of local and some global dishes.
  • Pleasant views, especially Corniche establishments.
  • Balanced pricing for good and experience.

Budget & Street Food

Abundant throughout the city, specifically downtown and near markets, for authentic and affordable eats.

  • Experience true local flavors.
  • Most economical dining options.
  • Plenty of street vendors and small eateries.

Market Experiences

Traditional Markets Souks

Vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and ingredients. A sensory experience for finding local goods.

Engage with local life and discover fresh components.

Street Vendors Near Markets

While not food halls, many vendors offer prepared food for immediate enjoyment.

Ideal for quick, authentic, and affordable meals.

International & Specialties

Italian Cuisine

Certain businesses cater to European tastes.

Asian Eateries

Limited Chinese or other Asian dining choices.

Global Flavors

Options mainly for tourists or cruise passengers.

Seafood Focus

Specialty seafood restaurants are common.

Special Dietary Needs

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

  • Egyptian cuisine is inherently rich in vegetarian options.
  • Ful medames, ta'ameya, koshary, and lentil soup are readily available.
  • Numerous traditional meals are plant-based, making vegan choices plentiful.
  • Always confirm that no animal fats are used in cooking for stringent diets.

Halal & Kosher

Halal Availability

Nearly all meat served in Egypt adheres to Halal standards, reflecting the predominantly Muslim population.

Easily accessible for Halal requirements.

Kosher Limitations

Kosher food options are very limited. Travelers requiring strict Kosher meals should plan accordingly.

Consider bringing own provisions or sourcing from specialized providers in Cairo.

Allergies & Gluten-Free

Common Allergens
Wheat (Koshary)
Dairy (Cheese, milk products)
Eggs (Breakfast dishes)
Fish & Seafood
Nuts (Desserts)
Sesame (Tahini)
Gluten-Free Navigation

This can present challenges as many staple dishes contain wheat. Rice offers a safe staple.

  • Communicate needs clearly using translation tools.
  • Inquire about ways of cooking and ingredients.
  • Focus on roasted meats, vegetables, and rice-based meals.
Allergy Communication

Always inform restaurant staff about severe allergies. Be aware of potential cross-contamination in smaller kitchens.

Utilize language translation applications for precise conversing in Arabic.

Resources for Dietary Needs

Online Menus
  • Research menus of more substantial restaurants online.
  • Identify dishes compatible with your diet.
Restaurant Calls
  • Call ahead to confirm suitable options.
  • Especially beneficial for severe allergies.

Culinary Experiences

Interactive Opportunities

Cooking Classes

Less common specifically in Port Said. Some hotels or tour operators might offer them.

Limited availability More in Cairo
Explore food tours
Food Tours

Local guides can set up food tours to explore street food and local eateries.

Insights into culinary landscape
Book a culinary journey
Unique Dining Concepts

Dining with a view of the Suez Canal has an unique experience.

Several Corniche restaurants
Find waterside dining

Festivals & Special Events

  • Ramadan: Special desserts like Kunafa and Qatayef become prominent.
  • Eid-Adha: Lamb-based dishes feature heavily during this Islamic holiday.
  • Local Festivals: Could include specific foods, but major international food carnivals are absent.
  • Seasonal Foods: Specific ingredients in season can be seen in local dishes.

Unique Dining & Views

Suez Canal Dining

Enjoy meals while watching ships travel through the iconic waterway. Several eateries on the Corniche provide this setting.

A truly memorable dining backdrop.

Waterside Cafes

Many cafes dot the Corniche, providing a relaxed atmosphere for drinks and light snacks.

Ideal for evening strolls and enjoying the breeze.

Insider Tips for Dining

Explore Local Eateries

Venture beyond the main tourist spots for authentic and affordable meals. Downtown area has many gems.

Fresh Juice Stalls

Stay hydrated and refreshed with freshly squeezed juices, a local favorite.

Try Egyptian Bread

Don't miss the fresh aish baladi, a staple with almost every meal.

Maximizing Your Food Journey

Experiment with diverse dishes and dining venues to truly immerse in Port Said's food selections.

  • Embrace street food for authentic local flavors.
  • Look for menus in the two Arabic and English.
  • Be open to new culinary tastes and textures.
  • Carry small denominations for street food vendors.
  • Confirm prices before ordering at local eateries.