(Unforgettable fruit at the Maadi Metro souq)
Chances are, if you are reading this, you are a foreigner. As in, non-Egyptian. Or, as they say it here in Egypt, agnaabi. And, chances are, if you are a foreigner you may be a little intimidated by the souq. You’ve heard of it, but prefer the comfortable orderliness of the commissary or Seoudi. If so, read on to gain some confidence (and motivation) to visit your local souq.
Every neighborhood in Egypt has a souq. My favorite souq in Maadi is actually not the one closest to my home. It is on Road 7, in that authentically Egyptian area most foreigners only see as they cross over the bridge spanning the metro. Today, you will learn how to visit this neighborhood and the Maadi metro souq known locally as souq al-metro.
(Pizza pastries at the Maadi metro souq)
If you live outside of Maadi, take the metro to the second Maadi station (“al-Maadi Station”) and exit on the Road 7 (west) side. Alternatively, direct Uber to take you to the Road 7 Maadi Metro station entrance. If you live in Maadi, I encourage you to walk down to Road 9 and cross over the Metro line to Road 7 on foot. There are at least three crossover points: the southern stairs, the tunnel, and the northern stairs.
(The Road 7 side of the tunnel that connects Road 9 with Road 7)
If you cross via the (slightly smelly) tunnel, you’ll emerge right in the bustle of metro and minibus commuters. The northern stairs will put you at a slightly less chaotic point on Road 7 and will give you the advantage of an aerial view of what you are getting yourself into. Either way, once you set foot on Road 7, put the metro line to your right and proceed forward into the souq. The entrance is not marked, but you’ll find it here.
(Yours truly, headed into the Maadi metro souq)
The Metro souq is small but fully packed with great places. Like this fruit and vegetable stand. If you have the stomach for it, you can buy fresh poultry here – butchered while you wait – including turkey. As a side note, I bought turkey here for my first Thanksgiving in Egypt. I quickly learned that turkey in Egypt is expensive and not nearly as juicy as the American Butterball variety, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.
(Veggies for days at the Maadi metro souq)
Speaking of the gamier varieties of animals, don’t be surprised if you run into a few sheep wandering about as you head deeper into the souq. Keep going straight and you will reach my favorite drygoods shop (‘ataar) in Egypt. The shop is called “Valley of the Kings” (Wadi al-Maluuk), and it is my go-to shop for grains, beans, herbs, spices, all manner of oils, and (my teenager girls’ personal favorite) henna for hair and skin. I’ve been to this shop a thousand times and yet I still find it exotic.
