Not eating meat or chicken is not the easiest of endeavors in Egypt. Yes, our traditional dishes are vegan-friendly and absolutely scrumptious, but just how much Foul and Koshari can someone eat before their stomach rebels?

Getting your daily dose of protein is crucial so if you decide to stop eating meat for ethical, religious or even health reasons, do not despair, here are a few tips on where to get your vegetarian fixes right here in Cairo.

Rohana Green: This is a vegetarian haven, it is a catering service for vegetarians and specializes in fresh, locally sources vegetarian dishes. They also have vegan, gluten-free and various other dishes catering for special dietary. Check their Facebook page for more information or call them on +2 (010) 16951-1046

Burger Factory’s Vegetarian Burger: The Burger Factory has a scrumptious vegetarian burger on their menu, so next time your friends are out for burger, you don’t have to sit there eating fries. Their mushroom burgers are topped with caramelized onions, cheese, tomato, lettuce and barbecue sauce.

The Burger Factory • 114 26th of July Street, intersection with Hassan Sabry Street, Zamalek • Tel. +2 (010) 0175-9085

The Vegan Kitchen: The Vegan Kitchen is a family-run restaurant that has a menu specifically created for vegans, using organic and mostly local ingredients. The interior reflects a green feel, with recycled woods and an earthy ambiance. It was created by a vegan nutrition consultant and an eco-builder.

L’Aubergine: L’Aubergine is one of the few places that has a vegetarian menu, so it is a staple on a meat-free diet.

L’Aubergine Heliopolis • 31 Omar Ebn El Khattab Street • Tel. +2 (011) 5444-1234

L’Aubergine Zamalek • 5 Sayed Bakry Street • Tel +2 (02) 2738-0080

AHEF: The Adventist Health Education Foundation (AHEF) has  introduced a range of meat substitutes in Cairo that are available in various supermarkets. They  have a range of products, including vegetarian burgers, koftas, steak, frankfurters and even fried chicken. Read a vegetarian’s review on AHEF products here.

AHEF • 16 El Kobba Street

The Agricultural Research Center: Following the Ministry of Agriculture, the center has sells their own products, which include soy and tofu products, lactose-free ice cream and others.

The Agricultural Research Center • 9 El Basatin Street (byCairo University) Giza.

Nature’s Gifts Store: Nature Gifts Store (NGS) is a favorite among organic eaters but it is also a good source to buy quinoa, wheat germ, buckwheat, soy protein and whey protein. Best bit is; they deliver right to your doorstep and you can arrange for weekly veggies and fruits deliveries too.

Superfood Egypt: Superfood Egypt has a variety of organic foods, including various vegan ones.

Health Harvest: Health Harvest has several organic foods that are great for vegetarians, including quinoa, organic beans and more.

Bio Shop: They have a range of tofu and soy products as well as veggie burger

Bio Shop • 27 Road 231, Maadi • Tel. +2 (02) 2521-2103

Get local: Foul, falafel, koshari, fereek (cracked green wheat that is usually used to stuff pigeons), couscous, lentils in all its forms — soup or rice-like (‘ads maghrouf or ads as far)  and bulgur (borghol) are great sources of vegetarian protein.

Read more about vegetarian-friendly food sources here.

Read more about qunioa here and wheat germ here.