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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 7-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
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Somaya’s family home and loved meeting the family! We loved spending time with them - they were so hospitable and welcoming. They all speak good English (except for her mother who speaks basic English but with the support of her kids communicates very easily). The food was great and we enjoyed the cooking experience - they provide such an amazing cultural experience. One thing to note is that there is no AC in the living room and kitchen so dress in light clothing during the hot months.

Aziz and Mahmoud, Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (54)
I enjoyed an evening exchanging stories, learning how to use delicious local ingredients and a delicious meal with Somaya and her sisters. They generously shared their home, talents and enthusiasm for egyptian culture! I often participate in a cooking class when traveling—it is a great way to visit with local people and fellow travelers. Somaya’s class and dinner was tops!
- mary May 12, 2026
Our family of four had been genuinely exited about cooking with Somaya and experiencing cuisine firsthand, and from the very first moment, we felt completely at home. Somaya welcomed us with open arms, together with her two wonderful sisters, Sohalia and Maram. Their warmth, smiles and kindness immediately made us feel like part of the family. Before we even started cooking, we all sat together and enjoined the most delicious home made cold red rose drink - just what we needed to relax and recharged after our overnight flight. As we talked, the sisters shared stories about their family and live, past, present and future. It felt so natural and heartfelt, like sitting around the table with old friends rather than people we had just met. Then came the moment we were all waiting for and we headed to the kitchen and started cooking! I asked Somaya in advance if she could show us the Egyptian version of shakshuka, and we were amazed. It turned out to be completely different from Mediterranean versions we knew, and delicious. Only later did we learn that the sisters actually von a Travel Spoon competition for their Egyptian shakshuka - which came as no surprise after testing it. The entire experience was filled with laugher, stories, learning, and amazing food, The two hours passes far too quickly, and suddenly it was time to say goodbye, even though none of us really wanted to. We truly hope to stay in touch with these three incredible women. We cannot recommend this experience highly enough to anyone who wants not only to cook wonderful food, but also connect with beautiful people and learn Egyptian culture in the most genuine and joyful way. An unforgettable memory for our family! Thank you Somaya, Sohaila and Maram! Best of luck!
- barry April 19, 2026
We were welcomed to Somaya, Sohaila and their mother's apartment in central Cairo with a hibiscus drink and had a lovely chat and laugh with them before being shown round their apartment and having a delicious Koshary meal and mint tea. We didn't have time to visit the market with them, or help with the cooking, but have got the recipe and lots of happy memories. They are all very happy ladies and it was an honour to be with them for those
- jane February 27, 2026
This cooking class was absolutely wonderful. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed into a beautiful home and treated like family. The experience was hands-on, intimate, and thoughtfully put together. What truly stood out was the level of care and hospitality. They went above and beyond to ensure I was comfortable and enjoying myself. It wasn’t just a class — they welcomed me into their home and shared a truly meaningful cultural experience with me. Spending time with all three of them was such a joy. I’m so grateful for the kindness, flexibility, and warmth they showed. I would recommend this experience to anyone visiting, and I will absolutely be returning whenever I’m back in Cairo. I feel like I have made friends for life!
- dersera February 08, 2026
Somaya, Sohayla (Hope I spelled it right🙏🏽; forgive me if not), and Mom were a major highlight of our trip. My heart is full of love and laughter after our visit. The experience is definitely a must in Cairo and I couldn’t be happier that I and my sister had this time with them.
- candance February 05, 2026
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 7-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
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Somaya’s family home and loved meeting the family! We loved spending time with them - they were so hospitable and welcoming. They all speak good English (except for her mother who speaks basic English but with the support of her kids communicates very easily). The food was great and we enjoyed the cooking experience - they provide such an amazing cultural experience. One thing to note is that there is no AC in the living room and kitchen so dress in light clothing during the hot months.

Aziz and Mahmoud, Traveling Spoon Ambassador

Traveler reviews

5.0 (54)
I enjoyed an evening exchanging stories, learning how to use delicious local ingredients and a delicious meal with Somaya and her sisters. They generously shared their home, talents and enthusiasm for egyptian culture! I often participate in a cooking class when traveling—it is a great way to visit with local people and fellow travelers. Somaya’s class and dinner was tops!
- mary May 12, 2026
Our family of four had been genuinely exited about cooking with Somaya and experiencing cuisine firsthand, and from the very first moment, we felt completely at home. Somaya welcomed us with open arms, together with her two wonderful sisters, Sohalia and Maram. Their warmth, smiles and kindness immediately made us feel like part of the family. Before we even started cooking, we all sat together and enjoined the most delicious home made cold red rose drink - just what we needed to relax and recharged after our overnight flight. As we talked, the sisters shared stories about their family and live, past, present and future. It felt so natural and heartfelt, like sitting around the table with old friends rather than people we had just met. Then came the moment we were all waiting for and we headed to the kitchen and started cooking! I asked Somaya in advance if she could show us the Egyptian version of shakshuka, and we were amazed. It turned out to be completely different from Mediterranean versions we knew, and delicious. Only later did we learn that the sisters actually von a Travel Spoon competition for their Egyptian shakshuka - which came as no surprise after testing it. The entire experience was filled with laugher, stories, learning, and amazing food, The two hours passes far too quickly, and suddenly it was time to say goodbye, even though none of us really wanted to. We truly hope to stay in touch with these three incredible women. We cannot recommend this experience highly enough to anyone who wants not only to cook wonderful food, but also connect with beautiful people and learn Egyptian culture in the most genuine and joyful way. An unforgettable memory for our family! Thank you Somaya, Sohaila and Maram! Best of luck!
- barry April 19, 2026
We were welcomed to Somaya, Sohaila and their mother's apartment in central Cairo with a hibiscus drink and had a lovely chat and laugh with them before being shown round their apartment and having a delicious Koshary meal and mint tea. We didn't have time to visit the market with them, or help with the cooking, but have got the recipe and lots of happy memories. They are all very happy ladies and it was an honour to be with them for those
- jane February 27, 2026
This cooking class was absolutely wonderful. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed into a beautiful home and treated like family. The experience was hands-on, intimate, and thoughtfully put together. What truly stood out was the level of care and hospitality. They went above and beyond to ensure I was comfortable and enjoying myself. It wasn’t just a class — they welcomed me into their home and shared a truly meaningful cultural experience with me. Spending time with all three of them was such a joy. I’m so grateful for the kindness, flexibility, and warmth they showed. I would recommend this experience to anyone visiting, and I will absolutely be returning whenever I’m back in Cairo. I feel like I have made friends for life!
- dersera February 08, 2026
Somaya, Sohayla (Hope I spelled it right🙏🏽; forgive me if not), and Mom were a major highlight of our trip. My heart is full of love and laughter after our visit. The experience is definitely a must in Cairo and I couldn’t be happier that I and my sister had this time with them.
- candance February 05, 2026
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 7 days before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 7 days 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 7 days 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.