If you’re going on a trip to Egypt, remember the word Kahwas. Kahwas is egyptian for coffee and can also mean coffee shop. They are Egypt‘s equivalent to the British pub.
Kahwas are everywhere and very perfectly placed. After you walk the market you’ll most likely appreciate a little shade and a cup of coffee. Just keep in mind that you aren’t home and the brew may be different from what you’re used to.
There are two kinds of Kahwas in Egypt. The traditional coffee shops are populated mainly by men. They normally serve Turkish coffee, tea, tamarind and other traditional drinks. The modernized cafes, on the other hand, are more like what westerners are used to. They sometimes serve food and cocktails as well as some of your more familiar coffee mixes but expect that it still won’t be like your cup of joe back home.
Kahwas in Egypt are places to hang out. Many people go there to have coffee and read a paper or play a game of chess. Some go just to read a book while they enjoy their Turkish coffee. Some places are regular meeting places of various organizations or important people. Think of the Kahwas as the local communication hubs. You need to know where the people who matter to your business hang out if you want to get their attention and of course you need to be there.
If you ask your tour guide to bring you to a Kahwas, they will most likely bring you to one at Hussein or at Khan el Khalili. One of the best known is the el Feshawi which has been operating since the time Egypt was still a monarchy. There is also the Robaeyyet El Khayaam which is close by to those who will stay at the Marriot.
No matter where you go, it will be an experience.
[tags]coffee,Egypt,cafe,coffee shop,tour,turkish coffee[/tags]
Originally posted on August 4, 2006 @ 8:59 pm