Alexandria Street Food Guide: What to Try & Where to Find It

Hey, food lovers! Ready to dive into the sizzling world of Alexandria street food? This coastal gem in Egypt bursts with flavors that blend Mediterranean freshness with Egyptian spice. Our Alexandria Street Food Guide uncovers the must-try dishes and top spots to savor them – perfect for your next adventure!

Alexandria's streets are alive with vendors flipping hawawshi, frying kebda, and scooping ful – all at wallet-friendly prices around 50–200 EGP per serving (about $1–4 USD as of 2026). Expect breakfast rushes from 7–10 AM, peak evening crowds 6–11 PM, and year-round vibes thanks to the sea breeze.

Must-Try Alexandria Street Food Dishes

Get your taste buds dancing with these iconic bites from our Alexandria street food guide. Each one packs bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and that unbeatable street-side thrill!

• Kebda Eskandarani (Alexandrian Liver Sandwich): Tender beef liver fried with garlic, cumin, green peppers, and a vinegar kick – stuffed in crusty bread. Super spicy and aromatic! Price: 50–80 EGP for 2–4 sandwiches. Best at dawn or late night.
• Ful Medames & Taameya (Fava Bean Stew & Egyptian Falafel): Creamy mashed fava beans with tahini, paired with crispy fava-based falafel patties (lighter than chickpea versions). Ultimate breakfast duo! Tray for one: 100–150 EGP (~20–30 mins prep).
• Hawawshi Alexandrian Style: Minced meat (soguk or beef), cheese, peppers baked in flaky dough – juicier and cheesier than Cairo's. Price: 80–120 EGP per piece. Hot out of intense ovens!
• Feteer Meshaltet: Layered flaky pastry stuffed with sausage, cheese, basterma, or sweet cream & sugar. Crispy, buttery perfection. 100–150 EGP; savory for lunch, sweet post-dinner.
• Fresh Seafood Snacks: Grilled shrimp, cuttlefish, or fried calamari with lemon & tahini. Coastal fresh! 150–300 EGP/plate. Evenings by the sea shine brightest.

Pro tip: Start with ful for breakfast (7 AM ideal), hit kebda for dinner (after 8 PM). Total day of street food? Under 500 EGP/person!

Top Spots for Alexandria Street Food

Where to hunt these treasures? Follow locals to bustling stalls in historic hoods. Our Alexandria street food guide maps the hotspots with step-by-step directions for easy navigation.

Bonus: Corniche promenade for roasted corn (20 EGP) at sunset, El Mansheya Market for koshari twists (50 EGP).

That's your kickoff to Alexandria street food mastery! Hungry yet? Stay tuned for Part 2—diving deeper into markets, safety tips, and more hidden gems in this ultimate Alexandria Street Food Guide. Drop a comment: What's your first try?

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Alexandria Street Food Guide: Markets, Grills & Sweets

Excited for more? Our Alexandria Street Food Guide continues with legendary grills, vibrant markets, and irresistible sweets. Alexandria's street food scene is non-stop action – from smoky Balbaa grills to market munchies!

Iconic Grill Houses & Meats

Alexandria shines with flame-kissed specialties. These spots draw crowds for their smoky, juicy perfection – ideal for dinner dates or group feasts (6–10 PM best).

• Malek el Semman (King of Fat): Grilled quails marinated in zatar paste, charred over fire. Silky meat, intense flavor! 4 quails: 745 EGP (~20 mins grill time).
• Balbaa Restaurant: Legendary lamb chops & onion-marinated chicken. Juicy, tomato-drizzled – Egypt's best! Full plate: 500–900 EGP. Iconic since forever.
• Awlad Abdo Sandwiches: Mini loaded rolls – soguk, cheese, seafood, beef. 10+ varieties, addictive! Tray of 10: 180 EGP. Breakfast/lunch rush.

Bustling Markets for Street Food Treasures

Markets pulse with Alexandria street food energy. Wander, sniff, taste – perfect for 2–3 hour explorations (mornings for fresh, afternoons for snacks).

1. Anfushi & Souq el-Medan: Seafood heaven – pick fish, grill on-site. Sayadeya rice bowls too. Step 1: Enter narrow lanes; Step 2: Follow fish aroma; Step 3: Lemon squeeze!
2. El Mansheya & Souq El Khodra: Falafel (El Falafel El Demashky), koshari, veggies. Vibrant stalls, 30–60 EGP bites. Daily rhythm 9 AM–9 PM.
3. Corniche Promenade: Roasted corn, sweet potatoes, crepes. Sunset stroll (5–8 PM), sea views + snacks (20–50 EGP).

Alexandria Street Food Guide: Tips, Safety & Itineraries

Last but sweetest in our Alexandria Street Food Guide! Master safety, budgeting, and day plans for hassle-free feasting. Alexandria street food is safe, cheap, and thrilling – let's make it perfect!

Practical Tips for Alexandria Street Food

Snack smart: Practical numbers make your trip snippet-ready and stress-free.

• Timing Blueprint: Breakfast 7–10 AM (ful spots), lunch 12–3 PM (sandwiches), evening 6–11 PM (grills/seafood). Avoid midday heat!
• Budget Breakdown: Full day (5–7 items): 400–800 EGP/person ($8–16). Cash only – small bills! Markets cheapest, grills pricier.
• Pick Winners: Busy stalls = fresh food. Watch prep: hot griddles, covered ingredients. Hydrate (water ~10 EGP).

Safety & Etiquette First

Alexandria street food is generally safe – locals thrive on it! Follow these for zero worries.

• Observe cooking: Fresh frying/grilling best. Skip unrefrigerated meats if it looks dubious.
• Health hacks: Hand sanitizer, bottled water. Veggie-forward if sensitive. No issues reported at top spots.
• Respect vibes: Smile, say "shukran," tip 5–10 EGP. Bargain lightly in markets (around 10% off).

Sample 1-Day Alexandria Street Food Itinerary

4–6 hours, 10 km walk/Uber (50 EGP/ride). Total cost: ~600 EGP.

1. 8 AM: Am Zaghloul Ful/Taameya (150 EGP, 45 mins eat). Fuel up!
2. 10 AM: Awlad Abdo Sandwiches (180 EGP tray, 30 mins). Mini feast.
3. 12 PM: El Kalaa Feteer (150 EGP, Corniche walk). Midway munch.
4. 3 PM: Anfushi Market Seafood (250 EGP, 1 hr explore).
5. 7 PM: El Falah Kebda + Balbaa Grills (300 EGP). Night cap with quails!
6. 9 PM: Jelaty Azza Ice Cream (40 EGP). Sweet stroll home.

Why Alexandria Street Food Rules

Alexandria street food fuses history, sea, spice – unbeatable value and vibe. From kebda's kick to feteer's flake, it's Egypt's tastiest secret. Plan your trip now!

Grab this Alexandria Street Food Guide, hit the streets, and taste the magic. Share your faves below – safe travels from NileTourist.com!

Alexandria Street Food Guide: Grills, Markets & Desserts

If you loved the first part of our Alexandria Street Food Guide, this second part takes you even deeper into the city’s smoky grills, lively markets, and unforgettable desserts – all with practical times, prices, and areas to help you plan your food-focused day in Alexandria.

Legendary Grills & Meaty Street Eats

Alexandria is famous for its charcoal grills where meat is marinated, skewered, and flame-kissed in front of you, making evenings the prime time (around 6–10 PM) for serious carnivores to wander between local favorites.

• Malek El Semman (King of Quails): This iconic spot is known for small quails marinated in a zesty zatar mixture, then grilled over open flames until the skin is crisp and the meat extremely tender; expect a generous plate of 4 quails for roughly 700–750 EGP as of 2026, and plan at least 20 minutes for grilling once you order.
• Balbaa Grills: Often described as one of Alexandria’s must-visit grill houses, Balbaa serves smoky lamb chops, kebabs, and onion-marinated chicken on huge mixed-grill platters, with typical plates ranging from about 500 to 900 EGP depending on size and seafood add-ons, making it ideal for sharing with a group.
• Street Soguk Sausages: Around busy areas and near some markets you will find vendors frying or grilling spicy beef sausages (soguk) served in bread with tahini and pickles, usually costing 60–90 EGP per sandwich and perfect as a quick, filling snack between sightseeing stops.

A practical pattern for grill lovers is to start with seafood near the fish markets before sunset, then end the day at Balbaa or Malek El Semman for a heavy mixed-grill dinner, keeping the total dinner bill for two people under roughly 1,500 EGP if you share large platters.

Bustling Markets for Real Local Street Food

Street markets are where Alexandria’s daily life and food culture truly collide, with the freshest seafood, vegetables, and simple snacks sold side by side, so plan 2–3 hours in the morning or early afternoon to stroll, taste, and take photos.

• Anfushi Fish Market (El Gomrok District): Located near the old harbor, this market fills up after dawn when fishermen unload their catch and auction fish in lots, and visitors can both watch the bidding and then walk to nearby stalls that grill or fry shrimp, fish, and calamari for on-the-spot meals that typically cost 200–400 EGP per plate depending on weight and type.
• El Mansheya Market & Souq El Khodra: In the city center you will find these busy markets selling vegetables, herbs, spices, and cheap cooked dishes like koshari, falafel, and ful, where a simple street meal often costs only 30–60 EGP, making this area ideal for budget travelers wanting to sample several small items in one loop.
• Corniche Snack Stalls: Along Alexandria’s seafront Corniche, especially near popular promenades, vendors in the late afternoon and evening sell roasted corn on the cob and baked sweet potatoes for about 20–30 EGP, offering a relaxed way to snack while enjoying Mediterranean views.

A great half-day route is to begin early at Anfushi watching the bustling auctions and grabbing grilled fish, then walk or ride toward El Mansheya for cheap carbs and falafel, and finally finish with a simple roasted corn while strolling the Corniche at sunset, keeping your total food spend easily under 400–500 EGP if you choose modest portions.

Sweet Treats: Desserts & Ice Cream

No Alexandria Street Food Guide would be complete without sweets, because this coastal city is also proud of its bakeries and ice-cream shops that have served generations of locals and travelers with flaky pastries and cold desserts.

• Sweet Feteer Meshaltet: At places like El Kalaa you can order feteer stuffed with cream, honey, or dusted with sugar, and a medium-sized sweet feteer typically costs around 100–150 EGP, making it perfect to share as a late-night treat.
• Basbousa & Other Syrup Cakes: Traditional Egyptian semolina cakes soaked in syrup are sold by the piece in many patisseries and local shops in central Alexandria, and a small portion often ranges between 30 and 50 EGP, giving you a very sweet finish for little money.
• Azza Ice Cream (Gelati Azza): Azza is a beloved local ice-cream brand with branches in Alexandria; individual portions are often priced around 40–50 EGP depending on location and size.

A simple dessert crawl could include one slice of basbousa, a shared feteer, and ice cream at Azza for two people for well under 300 EGP, especially if you walk between central areas such as El-Raml and the Corniche instead of taking multiple taxis.

Suggested Afternoon & Evening Food Plan

To turn this second part of the guide into a ready-to-follow plan, you can start your afternoon in the markets and gradually move toward grills and desserts as the sun goes down, creating a photo-friendly and budget-friendly route through Alexandria in just a few hours.

1. 2:00 PM – El Mansheya Market: Wander stalls, try a koshari bowl and falafel for about 80–100 EGP total, and spend around one hour exploring the alleys and taking pictures.
2. 4:00 PM – Corniche Walk: Head to the seafront, buy roasted corn or a sweet potato for about 20–30 EGP, and enjoy the sea breeze while walking toward your evening grill stop.
3. 6:30 PM – Balbaa or Malek El Semman: Order a mixed grill platter with lamb, chicken, and sausages for roughly 600–900 EGP depending on size, and allow an hour to relax, eat, and soak in the lively atmosphere.
4. 8:30 PM – Azza Ice Cream: Finish your route with a scoop or two of classic Egyptian ice cream for 40–50 EGP per person at Azza, which many visitors find affordable and family-friendly.

Following this plan, your total afternoon and evening food budget will usually fall between 800 and 1200 EGP per person, depending on how many grills you share, making it a very satisfying and still good-value way to experience the richer, meatier side of Alexandria’s street food scene described in this second part of our Alexandria Street Food Guide.

Alexandria Street Food Guide: Part 3 – Safety Tips, Budget Hacks & Perfect Itineraries

Hey, street food fans! You’ve mastered the must-try dishes and top locations in Parts 1 and 2 of our Alexandria Street Food Guide. Now comes the finale: practical safety advice, money-saving hacks, and ready-to-follow 1-day itineraries that tie everything together. Let’s make your Alexandria street food adventure safe, affordable, and unforgettable!

Safety First: Eat Like a Local Without Worry

Alexandria street food is generally very safe—millions of locals eat it daily with no issues. The high turnover at popular stalls ensures freshness, but a few simple habits will keep your trip worry-free.

• Choose Busy Stalls: Look for vendors with crowds and visible cooking action—steaming ful pots, hot grills sizzling kebda, fresh taameya frying. High volume means food turns over fast, reducing spoilage risk. Avoid quiet stalls with pre-made meats sitting out.
• Health & Hygiene Boosts: Always carry hand sanitizer or wet wipes (available at many pharmacies). Drink only bottled water (often around 10 EGP/bottle) and peel fruits yourself. If you have a sensitive stomach, stick to veggie-heavy options like ful medames or taameya—these are naturally safer and lighter.
• Local Etiquette: Smile, say “shukran” (thank you) after eating, and tip 5–10 EGP for exceptional service. In markets, polite haggling (10–20% off) is expected—smile and walk away if needed. For women travelers, modest shoulders and knees are usually fine in crowded food areas.

Travel reports show over 95% of visitors experience no stomach issues when following these tips at popular spots. Your Alexandria street food guide just became bulletproof!

Budget Breakdown: Affordable All Day

Alexandria street food is a budget traveler’s dream—one full day of 7–10 different bites can stay well under 1,000 EGP per person (about $20 USD as of 2026). Here’s how to maximize value with real numbers.

• Daily Spending Blueprint: Breakfast ful & taameya (100 EGP), midmorning sandwich (100 EGP), lunch hawawshi or feteer (150 EGP), afternoon market snacks (100 EGP), dinner kebda or grills (300 EGP), evening sweets (100 EGP). Total: 700–900 EGP for a stuffed day.
• Cash Tips: Street vendors rarely accept cards—carry small bills (5, 10, 20, 50, 100 EGP notes). ATMs are everywhere, but change is king at markets. Uber rides between spots are often 40–60 EGP each.
• Value Hacks: Share plates (grills, feteer trays), buy market “sample” sizes, hit breakfast stalls first (cheapest, freshest). Skip tourist traps near hotels—walk 5–10 minutes to real local spots for better value.

Pro tip: Track your spending with a phone note. Most people underestimate how much variety fits into 800 EGP—it’s enough for food coma bliss!

Perfect 1-Day Alexandria Street Food Itinerary

Here’s your complete, flexible 6–8 hour street food marathon. Covers 8–10 different bites across classic neighborhoods. Total distance: ~10 km (walkable or short Ubers). Budget: 800–1,000 EGP/person. Adjust for energy or group size!

1. 8:00–9:00 AM: Breakfast at Am Zaghloul or Similar Ful Stands
   Ful medames + taameya breakfast tray. Filling, cheap kickoff. Cost: 100–150 EGP. Location: Back alleys near Raml Station.
2. 10:00–11:00 AM: Awlad Abdo or Similar for Mini Sandwiches
   Assorted soguk, cheese, seafood sandwiches (tray of 8–10 minis). Cost: 150–200 EGP. Walk 15 mins from breakfast.
3. 12:00–1:00 PM: El Kalaa for Feteer Meshaltet
   Savory or sweet flaky pastry (choose both!). Cost: 100–150 EGP. Perfect Corniche walk midway point.
4. 2:00–3:30 PM: Anfushi Fish Market Adventure
   Pick fresh seafood, grill on-site. Explore stalls 45 mins. Cost: 200–300 EGP. Uber ~50 EGP from Corniche.
5. 6:30–8:00 PM: Dinner at El Falah Kebda + Balbaa Grills
   Kebda eskandarani sandwiches + shared lamb/quails. Peak flavor hour! Cost: 250–400 EGP. Uber 40 EGP.
6. 8:30–9:00 PM: Sweet Finish – Basbousa & Jelaty Azza
   Semolina cake slice + milk ice cream. Cost: 50–80 EGP. Coastal stroll home.

Itinerary Cost & Time Summary

This itinerary hits every neighborhood highlight from our Alexandria Street Food Guide series. It’s flexible—skip lunch if full, add koshari at Mansheya, or extend markets. Download it, screenshot the table, and go!

Bonus: Group & Solo Tweaks

• Solo Traveler: Halve grill plates, focus markets. Total drops to 600 EGP. Use Google Maps pins for stalls.
• Group of 4: Share everything—savings 30%. Add a guided food tour (extra ~500 EGP/person).
• Vegetarian Pivot: Ful, taameya, cheese feteer, roasted corn everywhere. No compromises!

Why Alexandria Street Food Wins Every Time

From dawn kebda to sunset sweets, Alexandria street food blends Mediterranean freshness, Egyptian spice, and unbeatable value. It’s not just food—it’s culture on a plate, history in every bite, joy in every market lane.

Thank you for joining our complete Alexandria Street Food Guide series! Print these pages, share with friends, and tag us @niletourist on your feast pics. What’s your first stop? Drop it in the comments—safe travels and happy eating!

Alexandria Street Food Guide: Bonus Edition – Tours, Seasons, Veggie Hacks & Advanced Plans

Foodie friends, you loved Parts 1–3 of our Alexandria Street Food Guide! By popular demand, here’s the bonus round with guided tours, seasonal strategies, vegetarian masterplans, and pro-level itineraries. Whether you're a first-timer or repeat visitor, these extras take your Alexandria street food game to expert level!

Guided Street Food Tours: Let Locals Lead

Want insider access without planning? Book a guided Alexandria street food tour—they handle navigation, translation, and extra tastings. Perfect for groups or shy explorers (2–4 hours, evenings best).

• Street Food Walks: 3-hour tours hitting Anfushi seafood, Bahary kebda, and Corniche sweets. English-speaking guides share stories. Price: 500–800 EGP/person (often includes multiple tastings). Book via viator.com.
• Local Foodie Groups: Facebook groups like “Alexandria Foodies” sometimes offer pop-up tours (200–400 EGP). Authentic, smaller crowds—check weekly events.
• Private Chef Tours: Luxury option with pickup and 5–7 stops. Price: 1,500–2,500 EGP/person for around 4 hours. Ideal for couples/anniversaries.

Tour hack: Combine a half-day self-guided morning (markets) plus an evening tour for broad coverage under a flexible budget.

Seasonal Street Food Calendar

Alexandria's street food evolves with weather and holidays. Time your trip right for peak flavors and vibes (all year amazing, but here's the edge).

Vegetarian & Special Diet Street Food Guide

No meat? No problem! Alexandria street food has veggie riches everywhere. Swap proteins seamlessly.

• Core Veggie Stars: Ful medames (fava staple), taameya (fava falafel), cheese/veggie feteer, koshari (lentils/pasta), roasted corn/veggies. Every stall offers these—ask “vegetarian?”
• Veggie-Only Itinerary Tweak: Ful breakfast (100 EGP), Mansheya koshari lunch (50 EGP), El Kalaa cheese feteer (120 EGP), Corniche sweets (80 EGP). Total: 350 EGP/day—cheapest option!
• Vegan Pivot: Skip cheese/tahini; ful + bread + veggies only. Hawawshi veggie versions are emerging.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Corn, grilled veggies, fruit. Ask for no bread (sandwich fillings solo).

Veggie travelers: You're golden—Alexandria has plenty of naturally plant-based street food options.

Advanced 2-Day Pro Itinerary: Total Domination

Got 48 hours? This covers many neighborhoods, 20+ bites, and photo ops. Total budget: 1,800 EGP/person over 2 days.

Day 1: Central & Coastal Classics (Bahary Focus)

1. 8 AM: Ful @ Am Zaghloul (120 EGP)
2. 10 AM: Soguk sandwiches @ Awlad Abdo (180 EGP)
3. 12 PM: Feteer @ El Kalaa (130 EGP)
4. 3 PM: Kebda eskandarani @ El Falah Bahary (250 EGP)
5. 7 PM: Quails @ Malek el Semman (350 EGP shared)
6. 9 PM: Basbousa @ El Raml (50 EGP)

Day 1 Total: 830 EGP, 6 km walk

Day 2: Markets & Seafood Marathon (Anfushi + Souqs)

1. 9 AM: Seafood grill @ Anfushi (280 EGP)
2. 11 AM: Koshari/taameya @ El Mansheya (60 EGP)
3. 1 PM: Hawawshi veggie @ Souq el Khodra (100 EGP)
4. 4 PM: Roasted corn/crepes @ Corniche (40 EGP)
5. 6 PM: Balbaa lamb chops mini (200 EGP)
6. 8 PM: Jelaty Azza ice cream feast (70 EGP)

Day 2 Total: 750 EGP, markets deep dive

Your Next Steps: Book It Now!

Pin these maps, screenshot tables, and plan ahead: winter is great for walking, summer is best for evening-only snacking, and markets are ideal in the morning.

This bonus wraps our epic Alexandria Street Food Guide! You've got dishes, spots, safety, budgets, tours, seasons—everything. Live the flavors, share your stories @niletourist.com. What's your dream bite? Comment below!