Sphinx International Airport

Sphinx International Airport, opened in 2022 to serve the Grand Egyptian Museum corridor and ease pressure on Cairo International, is still growing into its culinary identity. The single passenger terminal keeps things intimate, and while the dining scene is modest compared to Cairo's sprawling hub, it hits the notes that matter. You'll find a handful of cafés and quick-service counters landside and airside, most clustered near the central departures hall, offering freshly brewed Egyptian tea, strong Arabic coffee, and the kind of warm cheese-filled pastries that make early-morning departures almost bearable.

For a proper taste of Egypt before you board, look for the local bites tucked between the international grab-and-go counters. Ful medames — slow-cooked fava beans dressed with lemon, cumin, and olive oil — often appears on breakfast menus, and you'd be foolish to skip it. Vendors and small kiosks also tend to carry feteer meshaltet, Egypt's flaky layered pastry that can swing sweet or savory depending on your mood. It's humble airport food, yes, but it's genuinely Egyptian, which counts for a great deal when you're about to leave the country.

Because SPX is still expanding its retail and F&B concessions, savvy travelers recommend eating a full meal at one of the restaurants near the Grand Egyptian Museum or in Giza before arriving. That said, the airport reliably delivers on beverages — the karkadeh (chilled hibiscus tea) and fresh mango juice available at several counters are worth every pound. Keep an eye on new openings, because as passenger numbers climb alongside GEM tourism, the dining lineup here is expected to grow meaningfully over the next few years.