Whether you're a new expat or just visiting, one of the first things you'll need to figure out is where to buy groceries in Egypt. The good news? Egypt offers a mix of local markets, international supermarkets, and specialty stores to suit every lifestyle and dietary need. From fresh produce and local spices to imported goods and organic options, here’s a guide to grocery shopping in Egypt.

1. Supermarkets: Where to Find Everything in One Place

Egypt has a variety of well-stocked supermarkets that offer both local and international products. Some of the most popular chains include:

🛒 Carrefour – One of the largest supermarket chains in Egypt, Carrefour carries everything from fresh produce and dairy to imported goods and household items. You’ll find branches in major malls and standalone locations.

🛒 Metro Market – A go-to for high-quality groceries, Metro Market is well-known for its fresh bakery section, international brands, and well-organized aisles.

🛒 Gourmet Egypt – If you're looking for premium meats, organic products, or hard-to-find international ingredients, Gourmet Egypt is a top choice. They also offer delivery services.

🛒 Seoudi Supermarket – Popular with expats, Seoudi has a great selection of imported items, fresh produce, and household goods.

🛒 Spinneys – Offers a mix of local and imported goods, with fresh meat, dairy, and bakery sections.

📍 Where to Find Them: Most of these supermarkets have branches across Cairo, Alexandria, and other major cities. Many also offer home delivery services through their websites or mobile apps.

2. Local Markets: Fresh & Affordable

If you love fresh produce, seafood, and local flavors, Egypt’s traditional souqs (markets) are worth exploring.

🥕 Vegetable & Fruit Markets – Egypt has a rich agricultural sector, meaning you’ll find fresh, seasonal produce at lower prices than in supermarkets. Many neighborhoods have local vendors selling fruits and vegetables daily.

🐟 Fish & Meat Markets – Coastal cities like Alexandria and Hurghada have fantastic fish markets where you can buy the freshest seafood. In Cairo, areas like Obour Market specialize in fresh meat and poultry.

🌿 Spice Markets – Egypt is famous for its spices! Visit Khan El Khalili or local spice shops for authentic cumin, coriander, hibiscus, and more.

💡 Tip: Shopping at local markets can be a fun cultural experience, but be prepared to negotiate prices—bargaining is part of the shopping tradition!

3. Specialty & Organic Stores: Healthy & International Options

For those with specific dietary needs or looking for premium organic products, these stores are great choices:

🥑 Organic & Health Food Stores – Mild Market, Black Lotus, and Health Harvest offer organic vegetables, gluten-free options, and vegan-friendly products.

🧀 International & Gourmet Stores – If you're missing home comforts, Gourmet Egypt, The Grocer, and On the Run Mini Marts stock a range of imported cheeses, snacks, and specialty ingredients.

🍷 Liquor & Wine – Alcohol is not widely available in regular supermarkets, but Drinkies and Cheers offer beer, wine, and spirits for home delivery.

4. Online Grocery Shopping & Delivery

Don’t feel like going out? Many supermarkets and specialty stores in Egypt offer home delivery. Popular online grocery services include:

📱 Breadfast – Great for fresh bread, dairy, and pantry staples with fast delivery.
📱 Carrefour Egypt App – Order groceries and household essentials directly from your phone.
📱 Talabat & Otlob – While mainly food delivery apps, they also deliver snacks, drinks, and convenience items.
📱 Gourmet Egypt & Seoudi Online – Perfect for ordering premium meats, cheeses, and organic products.

5. What’s Readily Available? What’s Hard to Find?

✅ Easily Found: Fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, bread, rice, pasta, meat, poultry, seafood, local snacks, and spices.
🚫 Harder to Find: Certain gluten-free, vegan, or specialty diet products (though they are becoming more common in select stores). Some imported brands may be expensive due to taxes and shipping.