Khan el Khalili

Egypt is associated with Pyramids, mummies, temples and pharoahs. Almost all the people travelling to this part of the world miss a very unique place in the capial city of Cairo. The old city, houses one of the world's oldest market place - Khan el Khalili.

It is a true medieval 'bazaar' which has the reminiscence of the rich cultural history of this country. Narrow, yet clean and lively lanes have many local coffee houses serving Arabic coffee and shisha.

.

Another speciality are the Egyptian pancakes which are available in both savoury (with a filling of cheese..could not make out the right combination, but was out of this world !) and sweet which is like some kind of puff pastry with filling of nuts and honey.

Naguib Mahfouz, a very famous Egyptian author has also spend lot of his time here in this market. The Naguib Mahfouz cafe, which is now managed by Oberoi Hotels, serves one of the best Um-Ali. They make it a la minute, and even the pastry is baked on order. For LP 20, it is one of the cheapest and best preparation, another hot seller is the Turkish coffee which is to die for.

Next time one visits Cairo...make sure to be a part of history !