Salem's Honest Guide

Eat Like a Local,
Not a Tourist.

Hurghada has 500+ restaurants. 480 of them are tourist traps. Here are the other 20.

🦐 The Seafood Situation

You are on the Red Sea. If you eat burger and fries every night, I will personally be offended. We have some of the best seafood in the world. But you must know where to go.

Warning: Don't go to the places where a guy stands outside with a menu screaming "Hello my friends best price!". The good places don't need to scream.

The Seafood Legends

Must Try

Starfish Restaurant

The Famous One Sheraton Road

The most famous seafood restaurant in Hurghada. A bit expensive, busy, loud, but the quality is consistent. It's a huge machine of seafood. The soup is legendary.

Salem's Order: Seafood Soup (Creamy) & Butterfly Shrimp.
Price: €€€

Al Halaka (The Fish Ring)

Local Favorite Near Fish Market

This is my favorite. Located right next to the Fish Market. The fish literally crosses the street to get to the kitchen. Zero fancy decoration, 100% flavor.

Salem's Order: Fried Calamari & Grilled Singari Fish.
Price: €€ (Best Value)

El Mina

Clean & Reliable

Another classic. Cleaner and quieter than Al Halaka. Good for families who want authentic food but proper AC and service.

Salem's Order: The Mixed Seafood Platter.
Price: €€

πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡¬ The Real Egyptian Stuff

El Masry

Sheraton Road

You want meat? You come here. Grilled Kofta, Kebab, Pigeon (Hamam). No alcohol, very traditional. The waiters are fast and serious.

GAD

Everywhere

It's the Egyptian McDonald's, but healthy(ish). Great for breakfast (Foul & Falafel) or late night Feteer (Egyptian Pizza). Cheap, fast, loud.

Koshari (Anywhere)

Specially El Tahrir or Hind

The carb bomb. Rice, pasta, lentils, onions. If you pay more than 50 EGP (1 Euro) for this, you were robbed.

πŸ’‘ Salem's Golden Rules for Eating

⏰ Timing is Everything

Restaurants are empty at 7:00 PM. We eat late. The vibe starts at 9:00 PM.

πŸ₯— The Salad Risk

In 5-star places? Safe. In small street shops? Skip the green salad. Eat the pickles (Torshi) instead.

πŸ’΅ Tipping (Baksheesh)

Leave 10-20 EGP on the table for the waiter. It means a lot to them.

Worried about getting sick?

Read the Stomach Safety Guide ➜