Mohamed Ahmed Restaurant

Mohamed Ahmed Restaurant is Alexandria's most celebrated address for ful and taameya, operating on Shakour Street in the Al Attarin district since 1957. It is a breakfast and all-day institution rather than a fine-dining destination: the kitchen specializes in ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans) and taameya, the Egyptian version of falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, served with tahini, pickled vegetables and stacks of fresh baladi bread. The dining room spans two floors and is plain but bright, with quick table service, shared tables during rush hours, and a lively, fast-paced atmosphere driven by locals grabbing a meal before work and visitors seeking the city's best-known breakfast spot. There is no alcohol, wine list or cocktail programme; tea and fresh juice are the standard accompaniments. Because of its reputation, Mohamed Ahmed draws long queues at breakfast and around midday, particularly on weekends, though the restaurant's long hours from 6am to 1am mean quieter windows exist in the late morning and late evening. A meal typically costs EGP 30-90 per person, among the most affordable full meals in Alexandria. No reservations are accepted or needed, as the format is fast, walk-in service with high table turnover. Visitors should expect to share a table during busy periods and to order at the counter or from a server who takes orders quickly given the volume of customers passing through.