Dining · Cairo
El Fishawy Cafe
A historic coffeehouse in the heart of Khan el-Khalili in Islamic Cairo, loved for its antique mirrors, mint tea and authentic Oriental atmosphere.
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The story
El Fishawy dates to the 18th century; sources differ on its founding year, from mid-century to its close, with 1797 the most often cited. It carries the name of the Fishawy family, who have passed its management down the generations, and today it is run by the seventh. It sits in a narrow lane of Khan el-Khalili, near the Al-Hussein Mosque and Al-Azhar. It is known for its framed mirrors, marble-topped tables and time-worn walls, and for serving mint tea, Arabic coffee and shisha. Over the decades it has drawn writers, artists and public figures, most famously Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz.
Good to know
- The Fishawy family has run the cafe across at least seven generations.
- French-language writing has long called it the mirrors cafe, for the many mirrors that hang throughout.
- Naguib Mahfouz was its most famous regular and wrote parts of his work here.
- Published sources describe it as open around the clock, with a different crowd by day and by night.
Visiting tips
The cafe is in a lane of Khan el-Khalili near the Al-Hussein Mosque. Sources describe it as open around the clock and very busy, so you may wait for a table. Please check hours and prices before visiting.