Market
Ancient Egyptian god
Alexandria is a city steeped in layers of history—from the ancient Library of Alexandria to modern cafes echoing French colonial charm. But it’s more than just its past. Alexandria is alive with salt air, lemon juice, and sizzling fish skewers.
Locals take their seafood seriously here, and few places are as beloved as Balbaa Village. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s a ritual. People drive in from Cairo just to eat here.
As you walk in, you’re greeted with a seafood market counter. Point at what you want: sea bass, shrimp, calamari, lobster—they’ll grill it, fry it, or bake it to perfection.
Sayadia rice: Brown, spiced rice cooked in seafood broth. A must.
Grilled shrimp: Butter-brushed, charred on the edges, served with tahini and lemon.
Fried calamari: Crispy outside, juicy inside, no chewy rubber here.
You’ll get a spread of mezze—tahini, baba ghanoush, pickles, and fluffy Egyptian bread—before your main even hits the table.
Try the karkadeh (hibiscus tea) iced for a sweet, floral finish.
Save space for Om Ali (Egypt’s answer to bread pudding) for dessert.