Not every health-conscious shopping trip is about packaged supplements or organic labels. Cairo’s traditional attar and spice shops are a useful place to explore culinary herbs, spices, seeds, pulses, nuts and dried fruit — everyday ingredients that have long been part of Egyptian kitchens.

Saleh El-Attar Sons is an established Egyptian importer and retailer in the spices, herbs, pulses and dried-fruit trade. The company’s official website describes its business as operating in Egypt and abroad, with a broad range of spices and pantry products.

Locations and contact

Nasr City / Heliopolis listing: 52 Rabaa Investment Buildings, El-Nozha Street, near Zad Market. Al-Azhar: 48 Al-Azhar Street, Cairo (listed as the company’s head office on its official website). Phone: +20 2 26910304 for the Nozha branch; +20 2 25888672 / 25888673 for the head office.

Maps and directions

For cooking, ask about whole versus ground spices, freshness and storage. If you are buying herbs for health reasons, remember that traditional use is not the same as proven medical effectiveness; check with a qualified clinician before using medicinal herbs alongside medication.

Further information: Saleh El-Attar Sons official website · Nasr City branch listing.

Featured image credit: Bellies En-Route. This is a representative photograph of a Cairo attar shop, not a confirmed photograph of Saleh El-Attar Sons.

Before you go: Store hours, stock and branch details can change. Contact the business or check its current listing before travelling. “Natural” and “organic” are not interchangeable; check product labels and certification where that matters.