Café Riche, Historical coffeehouse at Talaat Harb Street, Cairo, Egypt
Café Riche is a two-story coffeehouse on Talaat Harb Street with traditional wooden furnishings, high ceilings, and walls lined with vintage photographs. The upper floor functions as a restaurant serving Egyptian and international cuisine, while the ground level maintains the classic coffeehouse atmosphere with beverages and light fare.
This establishment emerged during Cairo's modernization and quickly became a meeting point for revolutionaries during the 1919 uprising against British rule. The basement functioned as a secret printing facility where resistance materials were produced.
Writers, journalists, and intellectuals have gathered here for decades, making it a gathering place for creative minds and serious conversation. The walls display photographs of notable visitors and events that shaped Cairo's cultural life.
The establishment remains open throughout the day and welcomes walk-in visitors to both floors without requiring advance reservations. You can easily spend several hours here, moving between the coffeehouse and restaurant sections depending on your preference.
A hidden underground tunnel connected the building to neighboring structures, allowing political activists to escape during police raids. This secret passage was critical for safety during turbulent periods in the early 20th century.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
