Cafes and restaurants make changes to suit World Cup fans CAIRO: On June 9, the world had its eyes set on Germany and the opening ceremony of the World Cup. Coinciding with the summer, the tournament poses a little dilemma. One cannot just stay at home to watch the matches and resist going out. Many restaurants and cafes have picked up on this and have screens so customers can follow the games while enjoying the company of their friends. Not only that, but since the tournament will be shown exclusively on a subscription network, many Egyptians can only watch the games in cafes and restaurants. Besides, as worldwide belief dictates, watching sports is an activity best done in groups. Choosing a venue however, is not an easy decision. From the small traditional cafes to the lavish restaurants and coffee shops, almost all have prepared for the World Cup by increasing the options and making it even harder to choose. But, each place has it pros and cons. Here is a round up of the best and most popular places in Cairo to help you make a better decision. Last week, Champion s Sports Bar opened its doors at Almaz of the Cairo Marriott Hotel and Casino under the auspices of the German embassy in Cairo. Located on the Marriott s open-air rooftop, Almaz opens every year during the summertime. This year, in celebration of the World Cup, Champion s Bar is open for guests to come and watch the games on big screens while enjoying the breathtaking Nile View. The food offered, combined with shisha, add a special flavour to the place. With the elegant decor and the comfortable, spacious seating areas, guests can enjoy the summer air by the Nile while living the excitement of the matches with their friends and around 150 other soccer fans. Conveniently located in Maadi, Heliopolis, Mohandiseen, Zamalek and Alexandria, is the ever renowned Chilli s, where huge screens (almost cinema-size) are placed around the restaurant especially for World Cup fans. At Chilli s, Nile City in Zamalek, the balcony is the place to watch the games while enjoying the offerings of the famous Mexican cuisine. All the other restaurants on the floating boat will also show the games. At Chilli s, Heliopolis, watching the games on the screens available at the open-air seating is highly recommended. Like all Chilli s branches, there is a minimum charge of LE 25. But if you are watching the game over a full meal (drinks, appetizers, main course and desert), you will pay much more. Also, all branches cater to both smokers and non-smokers. For watching the matches while having snacks and shisha, the Grand Café is the place to go. Located in Heliopolis, Maadi, Giza and on the Cairo-Alexandria Road, wherever you live in Cairo you'll be able to find one not too far away. Known for its casual comfortable atmosphere, you can go in shorts and a T-shirt to enjoy the games with friends. There is a minimum charge of LE 25. At Le Tabasco restaurant and café, the matches are to be played on big screens distributed around the place. It is recognized for its cosy and pleasant atmosphere and its popularity. The guaranteed premium service is also one of the perks. There is LE 25 minimum charge on week nights and LE 50 on weekends. To enjoy watching the World Cup matches on big screens over a delicious Egyptian meal head straight to Sequoia in Zamalek. The menu includes kebab, fatta (rice, bread and salsa) and all the traditional dishes of Egyptian cuisine with the option of shisha. The décor of the restaurant is also all-Egyptian with classical short wooden tables and couches. Popular among Egypt s youth, the place has a festive mood. Reservations are required to guarantee a place in this always-packed restaurant; there is a minimum charge of LE 35 on week nights and LE 50 on weekends.
