Abou Tarek (Koshary Abou Tarek) – Cairo, Egypt

Overview

Abou Tarek is one of Cairo’s most iconic koshary spots — a no-frills institution famous for serving Egypt’s beloved dish of rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas topped with spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. Since 1950, this multi-story restaurant has become a must-visit for both locals and visitors craving authentic, budget-friendly Egyptian comfort food.

Why Go

• The history: started by Youssef “Abou Tarek” Zaki from a cart, now grown into a landmark.
• Koshary done right — widely considered among the best in Cairo for both flavor and authenticity.
• Atmosphere: bustling, communal, with multiple floors and vibrant Cairo energy.

Menu & Format

• Main Dish: Koshary — components include rice, lentils, macaroni/pasta, chickpeas, tomato-garlic sauce, crispy fried onions, sometimes vinegar or garlic sauce.
• Extras: Boxes & variety (small / medium / special), some locations deliver or offer “box” versions.
• No extensive menu — the focus is singular, perfecting koshary.

What to Order

You can’t go wrong with a regular or special koshary plate. If available, try the “Special Box” version or the larger portion for maximum satisfaction. Ask for extra crispy onions or a bit more garlic sauce if you like bold flavors.

Atmosphere & Vibe

The place is busy, loud, and full of energy. Workers, families, students converge. The decor is simple; seating spans several floors. Lines form during peak meal times, but service is efficient. The building is known for its neon signage and bustling street-corner presence.

Price Range

A basic plate of koshary is very affordable — roughly ₤EGP 3-10 depending on size. Boxes cost more. Abou Tarek is seen as offering excellent value — high flavor, large portions, low cost.

History

Founding goes back to Youssef Zaki (Abou Tarek), who began selling koshary from a cart. He eventually purchased a small shop on Champollion Street and expanded upward over time — multiple floors were added, business grew, but koshary remained the heart of the operation. The recipe, especially the sauce and toppings, is said to be preserved closely.

Good to Know

• Location: Maarouf, Champollion Street, Downtown Cairo.
• Opening Hours: Many locations open morning through evening; check local branches for specifics.
• Branches: Multiple across Cairo — Mokattam, New Cairo, Zayed, etc. Also “Abou Tarek koshari & Sweets” in Sharjah, UAE.
• Vegetarian / Vegan Friendly: Koshary is naturally vegan/vegetarian (no meat). Toppings like sauce or fried onions common.

Best For

• Anyone wanting to try authentic, budget-friendly Egyptian food
• Tourists or travelers interested in cultural food experiences in Cairo
• Vegans / vegetarians looking for hearty, satisfying options without meat

Writer’s Tip

Go at non-peak times if possible (mid-morning or mid-afternoon) to avoid long queues. But even during busy times, ordering is quick. Try visiting the original downtown location for full ambiance — the sound, smell, and scale are part of the experience.