WHY EGYPT NEEDS FOOD HALLS

The rise of food halls, offering curated dining experiences in urban spaces, is reshaping how we think about food, culture, and public spaces  

These dynamic environments—often housed within mixed-use developments—blur the lines between retail, dining, and entertainment, providing a fresh approach to urban socialisation.  

While food halls in their modern format have gained traction in various global markets, they have yet to fully take root in Egypt.  

This presents a unique opportunity according to Rowan Kandil, TGP Regional Design Manager in Egypt, to explore the potential impact food halls could have on Egypt’s food scene, its urban landscape, and the commercial real estate sector. 

THE POWER OF FOOD HALLS – A DUAL VALUE PROPOSITION 

As someone who works in design, particularly in food and beverage spaces, I’ve seen firsthand how food halls around the world create an exciting space for people to come together over food, explore new tastes, and connect. And I can’t help but feel that Egypt, with its deep and diverse food culture, is ready for its own version of this.  

Food halls have become more than just places to eat—they are central to modern urban life, serving as hubs where people gather, discover new flavours, and connect over shared experiences.  

For developers, they represent a new paradigm in real estate, creating flexible, high-traffic spaces that drive profitability and add value to existing property portfolios. For consumers, food halls offer a vibrant alternative to traditional dining experiences, combining variety, convenience, and a deeper engagement with food culture. 

BENEFITS FOR DEVELOPERS 

1. Maximising Space Flexibility: Food halls can transform underutilised or unconventional spaces into vibrant food destinations, making them an ideal investment for real estate developers looking to rejuvenate old warehouses or underperforming retail locations across Egypt.  

2. Increasing Foot Traffic: By attracting a wide demographic, food halls generate consistent foot traffic, benefiting not only the food vendors but also surrounding retail and entertainment businesses. 

3. Enhancing Property Portfolios: Integrating a food hall into a mixed-use development elevates the overall appeal of the property, positioning it as a cultural and social hub within the community. 
   

THE ROLE OF FOOD HALLS IN EGYPT’S CULINARY LANDSCAPE 

Egypt’s rich food culture is deeply intertwined with daily life. The smell of freshly baked baladi bread, the comfort of traditional dishes like molokhia, and the sense of community fostered by shared meals are all hallmarks of Egyptian food culture.  

As urban life evolves, so too must the spaces where people experience food. A modern food hall in Egypt could provide a platform for both preserving these culinary traditions and introducing innovative new dining concepts. 

A SPACE FOR EXPLORATION 

Egypt’s vibrant streets and flourishing food markets offer a wealth of choices, yet there is often a divide between casual street food and more formal dining options. A food hall could bridge this gap, offering a range of dining experiences under one roof.  

Imagine a space where diners can enjoy traditional Egyptian staples alongside modern fusion dishes, all while witnessing the creative process through open kitchens. This would provide consumers with an interactive, sensory-rich experience that goes beyond just eating. 

EMPOWERING CHEFS AND ENTREPRENEURS 

For Egypt’s culinary entrepreneurs, the barriers to opening a full-scale restaurant can be significant. Food halls offer a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for chefs and small business owners to showcase their talents, test new concepts, and build a loyal customer base without the financial strain of running a standalone restaurant.  

This model not only democratises access to the food market but also encourages culinary innovation. 

At TGP International, where we focus on designing spaces that foster connection and discovery, we've seen firsthand how food halls can create opportunities for rising culinary stars.  

By offering a flexible, supportive environment, food halls allow chefs to focus on what they do best: creating great food. The presence of open kitchens—where customers can watch chefs prepare dishes—also humanises the dining experience, fostering a deeper connection between the chef and the consumer. 

CONNECTING FARM-TO-TABLE: SUPPORTING LOCAL AGRICULTURE 

Food halls also offer the opportunity to spotlight locally sourced ingredients, creating a direct link between Egypt’s agricultural communities and its urban consumers. Egypt’s fertile lands produce an abundance of fresh, high-quality ingredients, yet much of this produce goes unnoticed in favour of imported alternatives.  

Incorporating farm-to-table concepts within a food hall could serve to educate diners about where their food comes from, fostering a greater appreciation for local produce. At TGP, we’re always exploring ways to integrate these stories into our design, creating a dining experience that connects consumers not only to their food but also to the land and the people behind it. 

CREATING NEW SPACES FOR COMMUNITIES

Food halls are not just about food; they are also about place-making. In Egypt, cities like Cairo and Alexandria are home to many historic buildings and underutilised spaces that could be revitalised with the right vision.  

Transforming these locations into food halls could breathe new life into them, turning them into bustling community hubs that reflect the vibrancy of Egypt’s culinary heritage. 

As urban populations grow, the need for spaces where people can gather and socialise is increasing. Food halls can fulfill this need by providing venues where people from all walks of life come together, fostering community interaction in a casual, inviting setting.  

These spaces can also help reposition urban areas as cultural and economic focal points, drawing both locals and tourists alike. 

A NEW KIND OF TOURIST ATTRACTION  

Tourists come to Egypt for the history, the Pyramids, and the Nile. But what if they also came for an incredible food experience?  

A food hall could add something special to Egypt’s tourism appeal. Imagine a food hall near the Pyramids or in the heart of downtown Cairo, where visitors could sample a little bit of everything Egypt has to offer—from street food favourites like Koshary to gourmet takes on classic dishes.  

Food halls provide flexibility, allowing tourists to grab a quick bite or settle in for a more immersive dining experience. By integrating a food hall into the tourism landscape, Egypt could better enhance its appeal to food-loving travellers, offering a distinct, memorable experience that complements its historic sites. 

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER  

At the end of the day, food has always been about connection. Whether it’s a meal shared with family or a dish discovered on a trip, it brings people together in ways that few other things can. Egypt’s food scene is already incredible, but a food hall could take it to the next level—offering a space where tradition meets innovation, where locals and tourists mingle, and where chefs and farmers get the recognition they deserve.  

I truly believe that with the right vision, the right space, and the right support, a food hall in Egypt would be a game-changer, not just for the food industry but for how we experience food as a culture. It’s more than just a trend—it’s a way to bring us closer to the food we love, the people who make it, and the communities we live in.