The holy fasting month is here. It’s time to welcome Ramadan nights in stylish lounges featuring lavish menus from a wide selection of cuisines, while trying a new taste for iftar or sohour at the hands of expert chefs. Here are some suggestions from Egypt Independent on places that create the perfect environment for enjoying the cozy Ramadan atmosphere.
Bab al-Nil
Located on a terrace, Bab al-Nil at Fairmont Nile City Hotel serves Syrian cuisine with a two-course sohour menu ranging from LE130 to LE220. Follow your favorite soap operas and Ramadan shows on big LCD screens. Enjoy chess, cards, backgammon and computer games with your family and friends as a takht (Middle Eastern music ensemble) plays in the background. The tent opens its doors from 10 pm to 2 am. Address: Corniche al-Nil Tel.: 02246198633
Ramses Hilton Hotel
Break your fast and enjoy a spectacular iftar buffet served daily from sunset at the Terrace Café overlooking the Nile River. Shisha lovers can enjoy their a variety of flavors in an atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of Ramadan, while the Garden Court Café serves a la carte sohour dishes as a band provides live entertainment.
You can also enjoy Ramadan nights in an authentic Egyptian atmosphere and with a cool summer breeze around the swimming pool at Ayam we Layaly, with a large variety of sohour dishes and your favorite shisha. Address: 1115 Corniche al-Nil Tel.: 0225777444
Sequoia
Sequoia’s outdoor tent offers a luxurious set menu for iftar during the first week of Ramadan at a minimum charge of LE245 all-inclusive, with a separate price for shisha only. Starting 26 July, an iftar buffet will be available with an extensive array of delectable food and beverages. Priced at LE150 per person, the a la carte sohour is available daily from 9 pm to 3 am. Address: 53 Abou al Feda St., Zamalek Tel.: 0227350014
On the Nile (3anil) Restaurant
On the roof deck of Zamalek’s Imperial boat, indulge in Lebanese dishes from two scrumptious menus for LE100 and LE130. With Playstation and board games, as well as a breezy atmosphere and live music, the restaurant guarantees a unique Ramadan experience. Sohour is every day from 9 pm to dawn. Address: Saraya al-Gezira St., Zamalek Tel.: 0227371960
Arabesque
Throughout Ramadan, Arabesque brings you rich oriental flavors for iftar with a minimum charge of LE100. The three menus comprise some of Egypt's favorites, including molokhiya, home-made style chicken, mixed grill, and okra with meat and rice. For dessert treat yourself to specialties such as basbousa, kunafa with nuts and muhalabiya. As the perfect accompaniment, both appetizer and beverage lists offer a wide selection of drinks and salads. Address: 6 Qasr al-Nil St, next to After Eight Tel.: 0225747898 – 0225748677
The Cashmere Tent
The Cashmere Tent offers a variety of iftar selections to choose from. The three-course menus range from LE135 to LE175. You can order a la cartesohour with minimum charge of LE75 on weekdays and LE100 on weekends. Address: Fifth floor, 1191 Corniche al-Nil, inside World Trade Centre. Tel.: 0225744236.
First Mall at Four Seasons Hotel
The five-star hotel offers two different places for iftar and sohour. For iftar, enjoy an open buffet menu for LE165 per person on big, comfortable sofas in Indigo Restaurant overlooking the Nile. On the hotel’s ground floor, Tagine Tent will serve an a la carte sohour from 9 pm to 4 am for LE75. Address: 35 Giza St. Tel.: 0235717-803
