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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Somaya (Food Tour)

Cairo, Egypt

USD
$140-$308 per person

Egyptian Cooking & Farm Experience in Cairo Countryside

Host offerings
  • Cooking studio
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Somaya (Food Tour)

Escape to Dahshur in Cairo countryside with Somaya and her family for a unique experience with local farmers. Enjoy a delicious meal featuring Egyptian specialties, learn traditional cooking and craft techniques, and explore a farm in the area of one million palm trees. Somaya, a graduate of Cairo University, has spent years working in the travel industry, discovering her love for meeting people and sharing Egypt's rich culture. She will share insights into the history and cultural significance of the dishes you’re tasting, giving you a deeper understanding of Egyptian culinary traditions. Whether you’re a food lover or simply seeking to connect with the local culture, this Cairo food tour will leave you with lasting memories of Egypt's rich culinary heritage. Enjoy an unforgettable day in Cairo countryside with Somaya and her family and the local farmers!

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Food tour: (1-18 guests) Embark on a unique food and craft workshop experience in the scenic Cairo countryside. You will be picked up from your hotel in Cairo and driven for an hour from the city center to Dahshur, an area known for its one million palm trees and fertile agricultural land. Hosted by Somaya, her mother, and young sister, you’ll be welcomed at a large farm with a refreshing seasonal drink made from freshly squeezed fruits. Taste traditional Egyptian dishes like feteer meshaltet (a flaky Egyptian layered pastry), falafel (a deep fried fritter chickpeas, herbs, and spices), cheese, black honey, accompanied by fresh mint tea. After your meal, explore the farm where you'll learn about date harvesting (seasonal), enjoy a farm tour, and meet friendly animals like ducks and cows.

Later experience authentic Egyptian culture as local farmers greet you with drums and folkloric songs while demonstrating traditional cooking techniques. Learn the art of flipping the Egyptian baladi bread and throwing it in the traditional oven. While that cooks learn to make energy balls from mashed fresh dates and fresh coconut powder. You will also use the fresh dates to make oras bel agwa (a famous date filled cookie). While the cookie bakes, learn to craft your own palm leaf bracelet and other bedouin craft products, that you can take home!

Wrap up your day with a hearty, organic farm-to-table meal featuring mahshy (stuffed grape leaves), molokheya (gelatinous soup made from the leaves of the jute plant), roasted chicken, and potatoes in tomato sauce. End with a relaxing cup of mint tea before being dropped back to your Cairo hotel, taking with you unforgettable memories of Egyptian culinary traditions and authentic cultural experiences.

This Cairo experience is perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in Egypt’s agricultural and culinary heritage.

Notes:
1. This experience has a 5-day cancellation policy. The standard 48-hour cancellation does not apply.
2. Your 7-8 hour culinary experience in the Cairo countryside includes pick-up and drop-off from a central Cairo hotel in a private AC vehicle (please include your hotel name and address when booking the Cairo food experience online), as well as your driver's meal and tips for the driver and farmers.
3. On days when Somaya is unavailable, her mother and younger sister will accompany you on this tour.

Languages spoken: English, Arabic and Turkish

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Welcome drink: juice made from freshly squeezed seasonal fruits
  • Appetizer: feteer meshaltet (a flaky Egyptian layered pastry), falafel (a deep fried fritter chickpeas, herbs, and spices), cheese, black honey
  • Organic farm-to-table meal: Egyptian baladi bread, mahshy (stuffed grape leaves), molokheya (gelatinous soup made from the leaves of the jute plant), roasted chicken, and potatoes in tomato sauce
  • Dessert: oras bel agwa (a famous date filled cookie)
  • Fresh mint tea

Traveler reviews

5.0 (6)
As a chef and traveler, I look for experiences that reveal the real character of a place — and this visit to a family farm outside Cairo was easily one of the most rewarding parts of our trip. Leaving the city after seeing the pyramids, we watched the world transform: paved streets gave way to dusty village roads, donkey-drawn carts, and a slower, more grounded rhythm of life. The contrast was stunning. Our guides, Somaya and Solyaya, both archaeology students, were exceptional — knowledgeable, engaging, and full of warmth. They gave us wonderful insight into Egyptian life and traditions without ever making it feel like a tour. On the farm, we were welcomed like family. We tried our hands at making flatbread (mine uneven but edible), joined a reed-weaving session, and even climbed date palms — though my fiancée proved far more graceful at both the weaving and the climbing! The donkey rides through the fields were pure fun and a perfect way to end the afternoon. From the smells of baking bread to the laughter shared with our hosts, everything felt honest, generous, and deeply human. If you want to see Egypt beyond its monuments, this is the experience to book — real people, real food, and real connection. Chef Claus & Jeni
- Chef Claus & Jeni October 21, 2025
Oh my, what a phenomenal day! If you are looking for a truly special authentic experience, then look no further. This was one of the very highlights of our entire 10-day trip in Egypt. Spending time on this farm with Somaya, her sister “Cookie”and mother “”Maru” was so impactful in the best way. We shared stories and activities that will last a lifetime. Ride on a donkey cart to the farm, make bread and date cookies and cook them in the outdoor mud oven, enjoy mint tea together in the treehouse, visit the active date farm and climb a date tree, see how they cultivate their own honey, try your hand at weaving a traditional basket - all followed by the absolute best Egyptian meal you’ve ever tasted! This is a must on your trip to Egypt. We will remember this time spent with Somaya and her family forever.
- Fern October 21, 2025
My family of four (including two teenagers) loved going to Somaya's home for a market tour and cooking class.. It was a pleasure to step away from the usual tourist sites and experience everyday life with Somaya and her family. We got to visit a home, have tea together, and of course, learn about Egyptian food and culture. Our hosts were knowledgeable, genuine, and warm. They also thoughtfully adjusted their schedule to accommodate ours. Our only wish was that we could have also gone with Somaya, her mother, and sister on a second trip to the farm. We will take that tour when we return to Egypt. Tips: You may sit on a floor cushion for a brief period during food prep, so wear clothes that allow for comfortable movement. Additionally, shoes are removed upon entering the home, so it's best to wear or bring socks. The hosts provide rubber slip-ons.
- Fiona July 27, 2025
Last night, we had the absolute pleasure of joining a traditional Cairo cooking class and dinner with a local family and we can honestly say it was one of the highlights of our time in Egypt. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like old friends. The family was incredibly warm and generous, sharing not only their kitchen but also stories about life in Cairo, local traditions, and the history behind the dish we prepared. The cooking itself was a joy - hands-on, authentic, and accessible even for beginners and the best part was picking up little family secrets you’d never find in a recipe book. Dinner was truly special. We sat around the table together, savoring the food we’d made, laughing, and exchanging stories late into the night. It felt like being part of the family - a genuine cultural experience that no restaurant could ever match. If you’re looking for an authentic way to connect with Egyptian culture and people, I can’t recommend this experience enough. Come hungry and be ready to leave with a full heart and unforgettable memories!
- Kiddlette July 16, 2025
Our day with these ladies was very memorable. They were very patient, kind, happy to share, and very accommodating. We tried a lot of different traditional Egyptian dishes, learned how to make some, had a very informative farm tour from the owner, and enjoyed a peaceful day out of the city. It was a very nice break from the typical tourist activities. Thank you for inspiring two chefs about Egyptian food!
- Tracy July 15, 2025
Our day with these ladies was very memorable. They were very patient, kind, happy to share, and very accommodating. We tried a lot of different traditional Egyptian dishes, learned how to make some, had a very informative farm tour from the owner, and enjoyed a peaceful day out of the city. It was a very nice break from the typical tourist activities. Thank you for inspiring two chefs about Egyptian food!
- Traveler July 15, 2025
Read More

Somaya (Food Tour)

$140-$308 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 $308 $192 $140
Transportation
 $0 per car
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 $308 $192 $140
Transportation
 $0 per car
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Food Tour
 8:30am-5:30pm

Meet Somaya (Food Tour)

Escape to Dahshur in Cairo countryside with Somaya and her family for a unique experience with local farmers. Enjoy a delicious meal featuring Egyptian specialties, learn traditional cooking and craft techniques, and explore a farm in the area of one million palm trees. Somaya, a graduate of Cairo University, has spent years working in the travel industry, discovering her love for meeting people and sharing Egypt's rich culture. She will share insights into the history and cultural significance of the dishes you’re tasting, giving you a deeper understanding of Egyptian culinary traditions. Whether you’re a food lover or simply seeking to connect with the local culture, this Cairo food tour will leave you with lasting memories of Egypt's rich culinary heritage. Enjoy an unforgettable day in Cairo countryside with Somaya and her family and the local farmers!

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

Food tour: (1-18 guests) Embark on a unique food and craft workshop experience in the scenic Cairo countryside. You will be picked up from your hotel in Cairo and driven for an hour from the city center to Dahshur, an area known for its one million palm trees and fertile agricultural land. Hosted by Somaya, her mother, and young sister, you’ll be welcomed at a large farm with a refreshing seasonal drink made from freshly squeezed fruits. Taste traditional Egyptian dishes like feteer meshaltet (a flaky Egyptian layered pastry), falafel (a deep fried fritter chickpeas, herbs, and spices), cheese, black honey, accompanied by fresh mint tea. After your meal, explore the farm where you'll learn about date harvesting (seasonal), enjoy a farm tour, and meet friendly animals like ducks and cows.

Later experience authentic Egyptian culture as local farmers greet you with drums and folkloric songs while demonstrating traditional cooking techniques. Learn the art of flipping the Egyptian baladi bread and throwing it in the traditional oven. While that cooks learn to make energy balls from mashed fresh dates and fresh coconut powder. You will also use the fresh dates to make oras bel agwa (a famous date filled cookie). While the cookie bakes, learn to craft your own palm leaf bracelet and other bedouin craft products, that you can take home!

Wrap up your day with a hearty, organic farm-to-table meal featuring mahshy (stuffed grape leaves), molokheya (gelatinous soup made from the leaves of the jute plant), roasted chicken, and potatoes in tomato sauce. End with a relaxing cup of mint tea before being dropped back to your Cairo hotel, taking with you unforgettable memories of Egyptian culinary traditions and authentic cultural experiences.

This Cairo experience is perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in Egypt’s agricultural and culinary heritage.

Notes:
1. This experience has a 5-day cancellation policy. The standard 48-hour cancellation does not apply.
2. Your 7-8 hour culinary experience in the Cairo countryside includes pick-up and drop-off from a central Cairo hotel in a private AC vehicle (please include your hotel name and address when booking the Cairo food experience online), as well as your driver's meal and tips for the driver and farmers.
3. On days when Somaya is unavailable, her mother and younger sister will accompany you on this tour.

Languages spoken: English, Arabic and Turkish

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Welcome drink: juice made from freshly squeezed seasonal fruits
  • Appetizer: feteer meshaltet (a flaky Egyptian layered pastry), falafel (a deep fried fritter chickpeas, herbs, and spices), cheese, black honey
  • Organic farm-to-table meal: Egyptian baladi bread, mahshy (stuffed grape leaves), molokheya (gelatinous soup made from the leaves of the jute plant), roasted chicken, and potatoes in tomato sauce
  • Dessert: oras bel agwa (a famous date filled cookie)
  • Fresh mint tea

Traveler reviews

5.0 (6)
As a chef and traveler, I look for experiences that reveal the real character of a place — and this visit to a family farm outside Cairo was easily one of the most rewarding parts of our trip. Leaving the city after seeing the pyramids, we watched the world transform: paved streets gave way to dusty village roads, donkey-drawn carts, and a slower, more grounded rhythm of life. The contrast was stunning. Our guides, Somaya and Solyaya, both archaeology students, were exceptional — knowledgeable, engaging, and full of warmth. They gave us wonderful insight into Egyptian life and traditions without ever making it feel like a tour. On the farm, we were welcomed like family. We tried our hands at making flatbread (mine uneven but edible), joined a reed-weaving session, and even climbed date palms — though my fiancée proved far more graceful at both the weaving and the climbing! The donkey rides through the fields were pure fun and a perfect way to end the afternoon. From the smells of baking bread to the laughter shared with our hosts, everything felt honest, generous, and deeply human. If you want to see Egypt beyond its monuments, this is the experience to book — real people, real food, and real connection. Chef Claus & Jeni
- Chef Claus & Jeni October 21, 2025
Oh my, what a phenomenal day! If you are looking for a truly special authentic experience, then look no further. This was one of the very highlights of our entire 10-day trip in Egypt. Spending time on this farm with Somaya, her sister “Cookie”and mother “”Maru” was so impactful in the best way. We shared stories and activities that will last a lifetime. Ride on a donkey cart to the farm, make bread and date cookies and cook them in the outdoor mud oven, enjoy mint tea together in the treehouse, visit the active date farm and climb a date tree, see how they cultivate their own honey, try your hand at weaving a traditional basket - all followed by the absolute best Egyptian meal you’ve ever tasted! This is a must on your trip to Egypt. We will remember this time spent with Somaya and her family forever.
- Fern October 21, 2025
My family of four (including two teenagers) loved going to Somaya's home for a market tour and cooking class.. It was a pleasure to step away from the usual tourist sites and experience everyday life with Somaya and her family. We got to visit a home, have tea together, and of course, learn about Egyptian food and culture. Our hosts were knowledgeable, genuine, and warm. They also thoughtfully adjusted their schedule to accommodate ours. Our only wish was that we could have also gone with Somaya, her mother, and sister on a second trip to the farm. We will take that tour when we return to Egypt. Tips: You may sit on a floor cushion for a brief period during food prep, so wear clothes that allow for comfortable movement. Additionally, shoes are removed upon entering the home, so it's best to wear or bring socks. The hosts provide rubber slip-ons.
- Fiona July 27, 2025
Last night, we had the absolute pleasure of joining a traditional Cairo cooking class and dinner with a local family and we can honestly say it was one of the highlights of our time in Egypt. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like old friends. The family was incredibly warm and generous, sharing not only their kitchen but also stories about life in Cairo, local traditions, and the history behind the dish we prepared. The cooking itself was a joy - hands-on, authentic, and accessible even for beginners and the best part was picking up little family secrets you’d never find in a recipe book. Dinner was truly special. We sat around the table together, savoring the food we’d made, laughing, and exchanging stories late into the night. It felt like being part of the family - a genuine cultural experience that no restaurant could ever match. If you’re looking for an authentic way to connect with Egyptian culture and people, I can’t recommend this experience enough. Come hungry and be ready to leave with a full heart and unforgettable memories!
- Kiddlette July 16, 2025
Our day with these ladies was very memorable. They were very patient, kind, happy to share, and very accommodating. We tried a lot of different traditional Egyptian dishes, learned how to make some, had a very informative farm tour from the owner, and enjoyed a peaceful day out of the city. It was a very nice break from the typical tourist activities. Thank you for inspiring two chefs about Egyptian food!
- Tracy July 15, 2025
Our day with these ladies was very memorable. They were very patient, kind, happy to share, and very accommodating. We tried a lot of different traditional Egyptian dishes, learned how to make some, had a very informative farm tour from the owner, and enjoyed a peaceful day out of the city. It was a very nice break from the typical tourist activities. Thank you for inspiring two chefs about Egyptian food!
- Traveler July 15, 2025
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 $308 $192 $140
Transportation
 $0 per car
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
Food Tour
 $308 $192 $140
Transportation
 $0 per car
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
Food Tour
 8:30am-5:30pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.