A Cairo institution for liver sandwiches and traditional Egyptian street food. The Alexandrian liver sandwiches are legendary. Multiple branches maintain consistent quality with fast, friendly service.
El Shabrawy is one of Cairo's most enduring and beloved street-food chains, with multiple branches spread across the city serving the Alexandrian liver sandwich that has become its signature and calling card. The chain has operated since the 1970s and built its loyal following through consistency and honest pricing in the Egyptian fast-food tier. The Alexandrian liver sandwich is the dish for which El Shabrawy is known: beef liver sliced thin and flash-fried on a hot griddle with sweet peppers, hot green peppers, and cumin, then stuffed into a roll of fresh bread and finished with tahini. The preparation differs from Cairo-style liver in its heavy use of peppers and speed of cooking. Beyond liver, the menu extends to brain sandwiches, mixed meat preparations, kofta, hawawshi, and foul and falafel options that make El Shabrawy a full quick-service destination rather than a one-trick specialist. Branches operate until 2 AM most nights, making them popular late-night destinations for Cairenes returning from evenings out. The dining format is fast-food: counter ordering, quick delivery, and functional seating. Prices remain at the lower end of the Cairo dining spectrum, with liver sandwiches typically costing 20 to 35 Egyptian pounds. Multiple Cairo branches in neighborhoods including Zamalek, Mohandiseen, and Heliopolis ensure convenient access from most parts of the city.
Signature dishes
- Alexandrian Liver Sandwich — $3
- Brain Sandwich — $4
- Mixed Sandwich — $4
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM
- Reservations
- Walk-in
Location
Multiple locations in Cairo
30.0589, 31.2267 View on map
Highlights
- Cairo institution since the 1970s famous for its Alexandrian liver sandwich
- Liver flash-fried with sweet and hot peppers, cumin, and tahini in fresh bread — the signature dish
- Multiple branches open until 2 AM across Cairo for reliable late-night eating
- Budget pricing: liver sandwiches at 20–35 Egyptian pounds with the full Egyptian street-food range
- Branches in Zamalek, Mohandiseen, Heliopolis, and Downtown cover most Cairo neighborhoods
Tips for visiting
- The Alexandrian liver sandwich is the essential order — order it spicy (har) for full effect
- Late-night visits from 11 PM to 1 AM are when the chain is at its liveliest with Cairo's night crowd
- Brain sandwich (mokh) is an adventurous option for those open to offal; it sells alongside the liver
- Branches vary slightly in bread freshness — branches in Zamalek and Mohandiseen are generally reliable
Accessibility
El Shabrawy branches vary by building. Most are street-level premises with counter ordering and basic table seating. The fast-food format generally allows wheelchair access to ground-floor seating, though specific branch layouts differ.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What is an Alexandrian liver sandwich?
Beef liver sliced thin and flash-fried on a griddle with green peppers, hot peppers, and cumin, then stuffed into fresh bread with tahini. The Alexandria style emphasizes peppers more than the Cairo version.
Does El Shabrawy serve anything besides liver sandwiches?
Yes. The menu includes hawawshi, brain sandwiches, kofta, foul, falafel, and other Egyptian street-food staples alongside the liver.
Is El Shabrawy open late?
Yes, most branches operate until 2 AM, making them one of the more reliable late-night food options in Cairo.
How much does a meal cost?
Sandwiches range from 20 to 40 Egyptian pounds each. A satisfying meal of a liver sandwich, falafel, and a drink costs under 80 Egyptian pounds.