Egyptian Beer: Where To Buy And What To Know

Beer has been a significant part of Egyptian culture since ancient times, and it remains the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country. In modern times, the Egyptian beer market is dominated by two major breweries: Al Ahram, which produces the iconic Stella, and the Egyptian International Beverage Company (known as Egybev), which produces Luxor Classic, among other brands. While these beers are widely available within Egypt, it is unclear where they can be purchased internationally. Some online retailers, such as Etsy, may offer Egyptian-themed merchandise or souvenirs related to beer, but it is important to note that the availability of authentic Egyptian beer outside of Egypt may be limited.

Online: Etsy

If you're looking to buy Egyptian beer online, Etsy is a great place to start. With over 140 results for "Egyptian beer", you're sure to find something that piques your interest.

Etsy is a great platform for finding unique and handcrafted items, and its sellers offer a wide variety of Egyptian-themed products, including beer-related items. You can find everything from beer glasses and mugs with Egyptian designs to bottle openers and beer coolers featuring Egyptian motifs.

For example, you can find an Egypt King Tut Bell Bottle Opener, a Dead Egypt Beer Holder, or an Egyptian Glass Genie Bottle. If you're looking for a unique drinking vessel, Etsy also offers an Extra Large mug, a 29 oz handmade stoneware mug with Egyptian hieroglyphs.

In addition to these, Etsy also offers a range of other Egyptian-themed products that can enhance your beer-drinking experience, such as the Ancient Egypt Pharaoh Full-Colour Ceramic Mug and the Cairo, Egypt Skyline Etched Pint Glass.

So, whether you're looking for a unique beer-drinking vessel, decorative beer-related items, or Egyptian-themed gifts for a beer lover, Etsy is definitely worth exploring. With its diverse selection, you're sure to find something that suits your taste and adds a touch of ancient Egyptian charm to your beer-drinking experience.

In-store: Convenience stores in Sharm

If you're looking for Egyptian beer in Sharm El Sheikh, you'll be able to find it in convenience stores and supermarkets. In fact, during a trip to Sharm El Sheikh, a traveller found a small convenience store in Sharm that sold Meister Max and Sakara King.

There are about a dozen liquor stores in Sharm El Sheikh, including three that are part of the Drinkies chain. Drinkies is the official partner of Al Ahram Beverages, the largest local Egyptian producer of alcoholic beverages. You can order from Drinkies for delivery through their hotline or website, but you'll need a local SIM card to do so. There is also a Drinkies app for iOS and Android, through which you can order delivery to your hotel.

If you want to find a liquor store yourself, you can ask a cab driver to take you to one. Tell the driver "liquor store" or "Drinkies shop" and they will understand. However, they will likely take you to a store that is further away so that they can earn more money from the fare. Cab fares in Egypt are very low, so this is still a cheap option.

In terms of the beer itself, Stella Lager is perhaps the most commonly found beer in Egypt and is the beer most associated with the country. It is a traditional lager and part of the Heineken family (Al Ahram). Sakara Gold is similar to Stella Lager and is also widely available. Sakara King is another offering from Sakara, with a higher alcohol content of 10%. Meister Max is a strong, German-style beer from Al Ahram.

If you're looking for a beer to enjoy by the pool or at the seaside, Sakara Gold is a good option. For something stronger, you might want to try Sakara King or Meister Max.

In-store: Local hotel pool bar

If you're looking to purchase Egyptian beer from your local hotel pool bar, you're in luck! Many travellers have reported being able to find a small selection of Egyptian beers at their hotel, with some reporting that their hotel pool bar stocked Sakara Gold, which is said to be the second most popular beer brand in Egypt.

While the availability of Egyptian beer at your local hotel pool bar may vary depending on the specific location and offerings, it is worth checking with the bar staff or hotel management to inquire about their selection of Egyptian beers. They may have a few options available for you to choose from, or they may be able to special order specific Egyptian beers upon request.

In addition to the hotel pool bar, you may also want to explore other options within the hotel premises, such as the main hotel bar or any specialty liquor stores located within the hotel complex. These locations may have a wider variety of alcoholic beverages, including Egyptian beers, and can be convenient options for purchasing your desired drinks without having to venture too far from your accommodation.

If you are unable to find your preferred Egyptian beer at the hotel pool bar or within the hotel premises, you may need to explore alternative options. This could include visiting local liquor stores or independent bars, pubs, or restaurants in the area, which often offer a range of domestic and imported alcoholic beverages, including Egyptian beers. Additionally, some sources suggest that you can purchase alcohol from smaller stores or even order delivery through specific apps or hotlines.

In-store: Cairo and Sharm al Sheikh

If you're looking to buy Egyptian beer in Cairo and Sharm al Sheikh, there are a few options available to you. While in Cairo, you might want to start your search in local convenience stores, as these often stock a range of Egyptian beers, including the well-known Stella Lager, which is produced by Al Ahram and is part of the Heineken family. You can also find Sakara Gold and Sakara King in Cairo, which are both produced by the same company as Stella. If you're looking for something a little stronger, you can try Meister Max, another offering from Al Ahram, which has an ABV of 8%.

For those seeking a non-Heineken option, Luxor Classic Lager, produced by Egyptian International Beverages Co., can be found in the tourist area of Sharm. This was the first non-Heineken beer discovered on a trip to Cairo and Sharm al Sheikh, and it pairs well with local Egyptian food like Kushari and Kofta. However, it is much less available than the Heineken options, so you may have to search a little harder.

When in Sharm, you can also try local convenience stores, which often stock Meister Max and Sakara King, as previously mentioned. These stores provide a great opportunity to try these unique Egyptian beers and decide which you prefer.

While Cairo and Sharm al Sheikh may not be the top destinations for beer enthusiasts, they do offer a selection of passable local beers that can enhance the enjoyment of your seaside vacation. So, if you're looking to try some Egyptian beers, be sure to check out the options available in these cities!

In-store: Giza

In Giza, there are a few options for purchasing Egyptian beer. One option is to visit the local grocery stores, which often stock a variety of snacks and beverages, including beer. Exploring the back streets of Giza can lead to interesting finds, such as an alcohol shop named Stella, located in a residential area. This shop offers Egyptian Stella beer, which is different from Stella Artois, and provides a unique experience away from the touristy areas.

Another option is to visit the Pyramid Brewery in Giza, which was established in 1897 and has a long history in the country's beer industry. The brewery produces and sells a beer also named Stella, with its own unique recipe. This brewery is now part of the Al Ahram Beverages Company (ABC), which controls a significant share of Egypt's beer market.

When exploring Giza, it is important to note that Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, and alcohol consumption may vary across different social circles. Beer, however, is considered the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country, with Stella being the preferred local option.

In terms of pricing, Egyptian beers are generally affordable, with an average price of around 15 Egyptian pounds per beer in Cairo. The purchasing experience may vary, and it is recommended to explore various neighbourhoods to find the best options. Additionally, Giza's upscale districts, such as Zamalek, Maadi, and Heliopolis, offer a different drinking culture with British-style pubs and bars.

Overall, Giza offers a range of options for purchasing Egyptian beer, from local grocery stores to breweries and pubs. Exploring these options can provide a unique insight into the country's beer culture and history.

Frequently asked questions