Egyptian Food Fights: Ranking The Best Koshary in Cairo For 2025

Ask any Egyptian what defines our comfort food, and you’ll hear just one answer: Koshary. Cheap, filling, and loaded with flavor, this mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and tangy tomato sauce is as much a street legend as it is a lunchtime staple.

But not all Koshari is created equal.

Cairo’s Koshari scene is packed with family-run shops, neon-lit chains, and tiny side streets, each serving its own twist on this iconic dish.

Let’s put the city’s top Koshari contenders head-to-head using a clear grading system for the best Koshary in Cairo!

The Criteria for “The Best Koshary in Cairo”:

Sauce Quality: Tangy, spicy, and plentiful tomato sauce is a must.
Crunch Factor: Freshly fried, crispy onions—not soggy or stale.
Balance: The right ratio of carbs and legumes. No pasta overload.
Value: Affordable pricing with generous portions.
Digestibility: Satisfying but not coma-inducing, and, hopefully, you won’t spend the night at the bathroom.

The Best Koshary Spots to Try in Cairo

Below is an updated, consistent ranking of must-try Koshari spots. Each includes specific highlights, keeping the descriptions uniform for easy comparison.

Koshary Abou Tarek

Locations: Main branch Downtown, with another in New Cairo. But Downtown is the real deal!
Why the hype? The OG of Koshari legends, Abou Tarek’s sauce is always on point, and the portions are famously massive.
Surprise: Their spicy sauce is not for the faint-hearted, and their consistency stands out even when busy.
Caution: Prepare for long lines, especially at lunch; speedy service but packed atmospheres.

Koshary El Tahrir

Locations: Multiple branches all over Cairo (Zamalek, Nasr City, Dokki, and more. It’s now even in London!).
Why the hype? The student and office-worker favorite for years. Always delivers on crispy onions and solid sauce.
Surprise: Their vinegar chili sauce is an unexpected must-try that regulars swear by.
Caution: Flavor can be a little safe for spice fans, and peak hours get busy quickly.

Cairo Kitchen

Locations: Zamalek, New Cairo, and delivery across several Cairo neighborhoods.
Why the hype? Modern and playful take on classic Koshari, with quality ingredients and creative toppings. Also great for your tummy if it’s your first time having Koshary. (Looking at you, foreigners!)
Surprise: Offers gourmet additions and even gluten-free variations.
Caution: Pricier than your typical hole-in-the-wall joint; might feel a bit too modern for purists.

Koshary El Zaeem

Locations: El Omraniya, Al-Qanater Al-Khayreya and El Matareya. Yes, you’ve probably never been to any of these places.
Why the hype? Famous for large portions and super-fast service, a lifesaver for late-night cravings.
Surprise: The flavor is deeply savory, and the fried onions win loyal fans.
Caution: Sometimes the heat level varies from visit to visit, and could be hard to reach.

Koshary Hend

Locations: Nasr City (primarily), with other branches in Heliopolis, Mohandeseen, and Giza.
Why the hype? Family-run, generous portions, and a true community favorite.
Surprise: Staff remember regulars’ orders, and you’ll always get extra sauce if you ask.
Caution: Takeaway only and sometimes sells out early on busy days.

Koshari ElOmda

Locations: El-Sayeda Zainab, Talbeyah Al Qebleyah, and Al Haram.
Why the hype? Clean, affordable, with a balanced flavor that draws families and students.
Surprise: Lentils here are the unsung hero! Always perfectly cooked.
Caution: Portions are great for the price, but the location can get crowded on weekends.