We have all been there. It is Ramadan, all the good TV shows have already aired and you are faced with the prospect of either a lonely Iftar or a boring Sohour of bread and foul. What to do? If only there was some magical list full of places that deliver delicious food, entertainment and relaxation all packaged in a nostalgic traditional Ramadan setting. That would solve everything, would not it? We hear you. The Daily News Egypt has decided to sort out the plight of bored people everywhere and presents you with a list of the hottest Cairo Ramadan tents – disclaimer: not all venues will be actual tents – where you can have a great time with friends and family alike.
Breeze
The favourite Kattameya poolside spot transforms into an elegant, understated Ramadan nightspot during this hallowed month. The open air breeze – its namesake – is a blessing during these summer nights. Weekday DJs and weekend live bands make it a fun place to be all week. Minimum charge EGP 150.
Inside Kattameya Heights Golf and Tennis Resort
5th Settlement, Ring Road
Tel: (02) 2758 0512
Le Capitol: Bab el Kahera
This newcomer to the Ramadan tent scene has already provoked a considerable buzz among those in the know. Boasting a 360 degree panorama view with a Tahrir table, a Nile table and many more, quality food and a relaxed atmosphere are to be expected.
Novotel Cairo El Borg
Tel: 010 0010 4646
Ramadana
Cairo premier hotspot Tamarai bows out respectfully to host time-hallowed tradition Ramadana. Ramadan in the 90’s is what Ramadana is all about, and it is set to open its doors today with the airing of the Ahly-Zamalek match. Enjoy the terrace!
Nile City Towers, Floor 3
Corniche el Nile, Cairo
Tel: (02) 2461 9910
Ramadan @ Sequoia
Already one of the snazziest places by the Nile, Sequoia has teamed up with Eklego Design and leader fashion designer Amina K. to bring you a fresh Ramadan theme that will not easily be forgotten. Think tannoura-style fabrics and patterns. A DJ will also be spinning Oriental tunes to keep you in the mood. Minimum charge EGP 150 Sohour, EGP 245 Iftar.
53 Abou El Feda Street
Zamalek, Cairo
Tel: (02) 2735 0014
Faraya
We all know that, in this unbearable heat, the Nile is the place to be. Or a pool. Pools work too. In this case, the recently-refurbished Hilton Zamalek offers you a place to cool off as you consume only the freshest in Lebanese foods as well as several exotic shisha flavours.
21 Mohamed Mazhar Street, inside the Hilton Hotel
Zamalek, Cairo
Tel: 010 0464 0706
Tofaha
Tofaha is the fruity venue that rendered the Abou el Feda Coffeeshop Company branch empty last year with its plush décor and delicious shishas. Now the venue has moved to the Blue Nile boat but lost none of its potency. Don’t expect gourmet cuisine, Tofaha is there to ensure you relax, not stuff your face. Try the karkadeh shisha. Minimum charge (unadvertised) EGP 75-150 Sohour, EGP 150 Iftar.
Blue Nile Boat
9 Saray el Gezira Street
Zamalek, Cairo
Tel: 011 4505 1655
Al Khaima
Cairo events mogul byGanz takes Y-Lounge and makes it distinctly not Y-Lounge with a number of in-the-mood live acts such as fortune tellers, takht acts and live musical performances. Minimum Charge: 5 set Iftar menus between EGP 150 and 250.
23 El Nil Street
Giza, Cairo
Tel: (02) 3659 2911
Tagine
For the seventh year in a row, Tagine fuses modern and traditional for an impressive Ramadan delight. Expect only the best in live entertainment.
First Mall
35 El Giza Street
Giza, Cairo
Tel: (02) 3569 2557
Meshmesheya
Located in the Jasmine ballroom, Meshmesheya leaves traditionalism behind for comfort and sleek modernity. Airconditioning, elegant cuisine and a shisha menu not to be scoffed at.
Fairmont Heliopolis
Orouba Street
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: (02) 26777 30/40
The Terrace
For those in despair at the sheer isolation of the 6th of October area, fear not! Designopolis can celebrate Ramadan with class as well, offering the modern touch The Terrace is so well known for.
Designopolis
38 Kilometre, Alexandria Road
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: (02) 3857 1935
First Indigo
An Iftar replete with Lebanese Ramadan delights awaits you at Indigo along with a stunning Nile view. Minimum charge Iftar EGP 200. Four Seasons Cairo
35 Giza Street, First Residence, First Mall
Giza, Cairo
Tel: (02) 3570 0121
Abdel Wahab
Created with the goal of ousting all possible Lebanese competition, Abdel Wahab has performed spectacularly, with its Lebanese chefs famed throughout Egypt and Lebanese oldies nights to boot.
33 Abou El Feda Street
Zamalek, Cairo
Tel: 012 7700 3333
