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I remember during a road trip from Luxor across the Eastern Desert when we stopped to fill up at a remote petrol station and Fanfan went inside to buy some snacks. She bought 2 big bottles of water, 1 tin of coke, 2 fruit juices, and 4 packs of crisps totalling 86EGP (£1.40) and I’m still trying to get my head around how cheap it was. Even just call in at the local Spinneys supermarket or Drinkies off license and it’s ridiculous how cheap things are in Egypt. Away from the tourist resorts.
Anyway, I remember my first ever meals in Egypt following an evening arrival in Hurghada where we stayed in a relatively basic hotel on Hurghada Marina. We ate at a waterfront restaurant, I had the beef fattah, FanFan had the beef tajin, with a bunch of local drinks and beers. To this day it is still the most memorable meal we’ve had in Egypt. The next morning we had an amazing Egyptian breakfast before embarking on our road trip from Hurghada to Luxor. Anyway, rhe reason I’m sharing this is to show the options outside of resorts and how eating (almost) like a local are often more memorable than the resorts.
The All Inclusive Drinks
On our last stay I popped up to the bar asked for “an extra large whisky”, “how large?” “as large as they go!” The guy poured me a plastic blue (for the pool) pint glass of neat whisky. I brought it back to the guest room for late night tipples for the rest of the stay (it lasted a day). Because, as I mentioned above, prices are silly cheap here. Local alcohol is probably similarly priced to water.
However these are locally produced spirits, almost specifically for tourists since Egypt is a Muslim halal country. On this instance it was Mosaic Whisky (The Bartender Edition 750ml) which you can grab online for 220EGP. Approx. £3 GBP for a ten glass bottle. Bought in bulk by massive resort groups like Red Sea Hotels and you could probably half that. Go through 2 bottles in a week’s stay and thats roughly 3 quid.
There are international drink options at some resorts, but these come with a pricy uptick on packages, or as additional paid options. Otherwise the local spirits are not terrible. They at least work well for standard cocktails. Neat however they do taste a bit weird. The whiskeys for example are sweeter, I’m guessing made from molasses over malts, and taste more like rum. They’re pretty much interchangeable used in mojitos etc. The gins are a bit closer.
Anyway, there will be a bar open pretty much 24/7 on the resorts. These include the spirits and cocktails as above (quick list incl. oozo) and anything you can make with them. Then there are the beers which typically include Sakara and of course Stella (not Artois). Red wine, white wine, rose wine often on tap, fancier bottles on occasions with a-la-carte, and maybe some cheap bubbly. All local unless paying a premium.
The All Inclusive Buffet Restaurants
Freshly baked balady bread, fava bean medames, hummus, falafel, Egyptian cheese, local olives, filfil chillies, random yogurts and dips… I like to put together an Egyptian breakfast each morning so I don’t feel bad later when I veer off course. But it’s not always so simple with bits dotted through the various sections of a massive buffet. Between the breads, the cheeses, the fried foods, the veggies and the condiments…
Meanwhile Fanfan would hit the omelette bar (all in but the cheese – weird), croissant, beef sausages, and a cappuccino. A basic continental breakfast bar the beef sausage. While alcohol flows on the resorts I’ve yet to find any pork (both Halal) so no luck with the English breakfasts or Ulster fries without chicken or beef substitutes.
While there are various restaurants on these all inclusive resorts (which I’ll come to) there will always be one main buffet restaurant serving breakfast (07:00-11:00), lunch (12:00-16:00) and dinner (18:00-21:00). Or something similar. Giving an hour or two to clear and setup the next service of the day.
Cafes and Snack Bars
As an example, I am writing this from the Bosphurus Snack Bar at the Al Kasr Sahl Hasheesh. It is just one of many bars offering food and drinks. This one Turkey inspired with an à la carte menu including Turkish favourites like shawarma, kebabs and Lahmacun (like Turkish pizza). Alongside the usual bar menu of the resort. Only annoyance is the lack of spice in these places, as they are possibly dulled down for tourists, although Middle Eastern cuisine isn’t known for its spice to begin with (Heinz hot sauce often the best we can find).
Anyway, It’s one of 3 large pavilion islands of the main pool, then there’s a vitamin bar, and a donut bar, and… I get lost in these places. They also open different times from the main buffet dining and the a-la-carte restaurants so there is more or less somewhere to feast at all times of the day.
A-la-carte Restaurants
I remember our first stay at an all inclusive, staying 2 nights at the Makadi Spa, part of a wider resort area of Makadi Bay near Hurghada. Arriving we are given the grand tour by guest relations and shown the à la carte restaurant options for evening meals. Casa Romana – Italian, Mandarin – Asian, Mariscos – Seafood, Parrilla – Steakhouse, La Taverna Espagnol – Spanish, Shimmers – Beachfront dining. Then there are more in the wider resort area for those that want to explore further. Again, all inclusive, even with neighbouring resorts.
Anyway, at the time I asked the concierge how to book the à la carte restaurants, for a romantic evening, and no problem, no hurry, just message and we’ve got you a table. Messaged him just after for evening dining and no response. So i called instead to the restaurant itself and they don’t deal with reservations. I was then forwarded to a central cafe where it’s organised and everything is fully booked for the week ahead. I complained to front desk and they managed to squeeze us a spot at the Mandarin on our 2nd night. Our last favoured option but it was okay.
For this reason I always book long in advance. Email ahead of time even and say we’re looking for something special on our anniversary etc. try to wangle a spot before they’re quickly filled up. We got a surprise birthday drum procession at our recent stay at Jaz Makadina (The Grill). “Whose birthday is it?” And we’re both sat looking blankly at each other (tbf it was our anniversary). We also had to turn away the drum procession because of our 3 month old baby was asleep. But we did get an awesome birthday cake.
Anyway these à la carte options are included with most all inclusive packages, possibly an option for everyday, but I prefer when limited to one or two visits per week as it gives everyone an opportunity to experience them. But other than giving a more leisurely standalone restaurant experience, I’m always looking forward to get back to the treasuretrove of awesome food at the main buffet, big cocktails at the bars, and just chilling around the pools and beachfront of the resort.
FAQs
What food is included at all inclusive resorts in Egypt?
Most all inclusive resorts in Egypt include a main buffet restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, alongside cafés, snack bars and several à la carte restaurants. Larger resorts typically offer the greatest variety, with themed restaurants and food available throughout most of the day.
What drinks are included at all inclusive resorts in Egypt?
Most all inclusive packages include unlimited local beers, wines, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, tea, coffee, fruit juices and bottled water. Imported alcoholic drinks are often available for an additional charge.
Do Egyptian all inclusive resorts serve alcohol?
Yes. Although Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, tourist resorts are licensed to serve alcohol. Local beers, wines and spirits are usually included as part of your all inclusive package, while imported brands typically cost extra.
What beer do they serve at all inclusive resorts in Egypt?
The most common beers are Stella, the Egyptian lager rather than Stella Artois, and Sakara. Some hotels also stock imported beers such as Heineken, although these may come at an additional cost.
Can you drink the tap water in Egypt?
It is generally recommended to stick to bottled or filtered water. All inclusive resorts provide plenty of drinking water, and bottled water is inexpensive throughout Egypt.
Do Egyptian resorts serve pork?
Pork is uncommon in Egypt due to the country’s Muslim majority. Instead, you will usually find beef or chicken sausages at breakfast, alongside plenty of other hot and continental options.
Are the à la carte restaurants included?
Usually, yes, although this depends on the hotel and holiday package. Some resorts allow unlimited visits, while others include one or two à la carte meals per stay. Reservations are normally required.
Should I book the à la carte restaurants in advance?
Yes. The most popular restaurants can book out quickly, particularly during busy holiday periods. If the resort allows advance reservations, it is worth booking before you arrive or as soon as you check in.
Is food available all day at all inclusive resorts in Egypt?
Pretty much. While the main buffet closes between meal services, cafés, pool bars and snack bars usually remain open, making it easy to grab food or drinks throughout the day.
Can you eat outside your all inclusive resort?
Absolutely. While the resorts offer excellent value, I would recommend trying at least one local restaurant. Some of my favourite meals in Egypt have been outside the resort in places such as Hurghada and Luxor.
Is the food good at all inclusive resorts in Egypt?
In my experience, yes. The buffets offer an excellent mix of Egyptian and international food, while the à la carte restaurants provide a more relaxed dining experience. Do not overlook the local Egyptian dishes, as they are often among the highlights of the buffet.