Khan el-Khalli is a fourteenth century Souq made up of 900 stalls connected by tight alleyways where it is easy to get lost. The bazaar sells perfumes, jewellery, clothes, souvenirs and antiques and also has an entire section devoted to spices which perfume the air throughout the whole structure. Since tourism in Egypt has become less popular in recent years prices have gone down, and so you can find some great bargains. Learning how to count in Arabic will help you procure what you want for the price you are willing to pay and to exude a level of extreme savvy and cool compared to your fellow tourists remember to refer to the market as simply ‘the Kahn’ as the locals do. To escape crazed bargain hunters and really taste market life settle down to watch the market go by in one of the many restaurants where you can try babbaganoush with baladi bread, beef shwarma, falafel and many more local dishes with a nice cup of star anis tea. Food on the run can be grabbed mid-shop from the many small cooked meat vendors or fruit stalls.

Written by  Alessia Horwich.

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Khan-el-Khalili Market

For unusual and bizarre gifts,you just may want to try your luck at the famous El Khalili Market. Briming with souvenirs and handmade crafts, the shops are set up on a labyrinth of streets, which gives visitors an idea of how medieval markets once felt. Gold and silver, vases and rugs are common items sold by the vendors. Like many markets of this sort, the prices are not set - don't forget to bargain your way down!

There are also lots of restaurant, cafes, and shops in the area if the endless tables of merchandise becomes too overwhelming.

If you want a traditionally Oriental experience, try drinking Hibiscus, Karakare or Helba. For smokers, there is the Shisha, or water pipe, to be tried.

 

Review posted 21st November 2008 by Mary Kate Alfieri.

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