People come from everywhere

To experience Egypt fully, you have to go to a local soup (market). This is where the heart of the country beats daily. It is an overwhelming onslaught to all of your senses!

What is a souq?

It is a local market, where sellers come from near and far to sell their products. Some sellers have a permanent shop from which to sell, but others simply set up shop when they arrive. They find a suitable spot and begin selling. Goods are brought to the market via:
• donkey
• wheelbarrow
• train
• taxi
• pull along trolleys
• and on heads!

When are the souqs open?

Most markets are open daily and for most of the day and half the night. They are usually along streets and alleyways. In some villages though, there is a weekly market, where at the end of a week, the farmers gather their produce and come and sell on the streets. So what is usually a normal road into the heart of the village becomes an area teeming with noise, colours, and smells. There is frenetic activity and shouting as the farmers (and wives) try to sell off their produce. A veritable labyrinth of enthusiasm and freshness! It is best to go earlier in the day (around 9am) once the stalls are set up, the heat is still bearable, and the sellers are at their most enthusiastic!

What do they sell?

These local markets tend to have a lot of produce: fruit, veg, leafy greens. These are all arranged in beautiful, artistic displays, showing how Egyptians love patterns and symmetry. There is also a lot of fish, which is often so fresh, that it is still flapping on the tables, and sometimes they jump right off!
Meat is always popular, though possibly not how you are used to seeing it, nor the types or cuts of meat you are used to seeing. The meat will be hung out in the street, chunks cut off as needed. The innards and organs are very popular here, so watch where you walk, or your head may hit a large lung!
Poultry and rabbits are a much loved source of protein. Many guests find it terribly difficult to accept that these fluffy creatures, innocently hopping around, will be someone’s dinner! But rabbit stew is a favourite of many Egyptians, and often offered in restaurants. Selection of chickens (or ducks, turkeys and even the odd ostrich) is done while they are alive. Then in an alarmingly short time, it will be handed over to you, cleaned and ready to cook.
There will also be a variety of clothing items for sale: pajamas, slip slops, slippers, scarves and veils. The general shops will sell every conceivable piece of plastic and glass for the home: glasses, trays, salt and pepper pots, jugs. Alll made in China!
Spices and lentils are always available. These earthy, pungent spices, are weighed and then put in a bag. Lentils, rice and macaroni are ever-present: the nation loves them!
Bread: every souk will have a gloriously smelling bakery, selling fresh bread and a huge variety of biscuits. These are to be eaten while drinking a cup of black tea, from a glass!
Tea: you will always find a man carrying a tray with glasses of tea or coffee, ready for the sellers or the buyers to reach out to purchase. If you feel the need, someone will always find something for you to sit on, and you can sip you tea, munch on a biscuit and watch the world pass by!

Social

As well as the business of buying and selling, the Souq is the heart of the community. News is shared and spread, laughter and tears, encouragement and news are given and received. Many sellers have been selling in that same spot for generations, so there is often a sense of camaraderie, family, community and caring. Of course the usual angry outbursts between people abound. There will be a heated argument, soon followed by hugging and cheek kissing, ending with shared cups of tea!

WELCOME IN EGYPT!