How a 103-Year-Old Cairo Café Witnesses Egypt’s History

In the heart of Cairo’s Tahrir Square, amid the turbulence of political change and shifting city life, one red-bricked corner has stayed open through 103 years of upheaval. Its warm lattice windows and red-and-white checkered tablecloths belong to Riche Café, a historic hub that has quietly witnessed the unfolding of Egypt’s modern story—one cup of coffee at a time.

Since 1908, Riche Café has survived revolutions, elections, and decades of closure. Today, it remains one of the few businesses still open on Tahrir Square, its yellow lamplight a beacon amid the city’sMAC changes. This is where Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz once debated politics and where a hidden underground room once printed anti-colonial pamphlets.

A Historic Landmark in Cairo’s Heart

Riche Café opened in 1908, making it 103 years old as of the report. Located on the corner of Tahrir Square in central Cairo, it has remained a rare constant through the area’s cycles of boom and protest. While many shops around it shut down during recent unrest ahead of parliamentary elections, Riche Café kept its doors open, casting a gentle yellow glow from its windows into the street.

Writers, Revolutionaries, and Hidden Spaces

The café’s interior defies expectations. There’s no front desk—just a cluttered desk stacked with magazines, books, and notes. The café was once a regular meeting spot for literary titans like Nobel Prize-winning author Naguib Mahfouz, who gathered here with peers to observe and discuss the world. Locals note the presence today of British sculptors, German teachers, and prominent Egyptian journalists and publishers.

Beneath the café lies a forgotten world. Descend a narrow staircase behind the bar and you’ll find a 20-square-metre basement that once served as both a speakeasy and a revolutionary hideout. During the 1919 anti-British uprising, this space was transformed into an underground print room where students produced leaflets under candlelight. A rotating bookshelf hides a secret chamber with a concealed stairway to the outside—an escape route for those hunted by colonial forces.

After independence, the space fell silent for decades until it was reopened as a private lounge for artists and writers in the 1990s. Though not open to the public, it remains a cherished spot for local cultural figures to celebrate book launches and milestones.

Coffee, Culture, and Continuity

Today, Riche Café serves as a living archive of Cairo’s intellectual life. Patrons sip strong Turkish coffee and Arabic tea while discussing the latest protests in Tahrir Square. Regulars include a French-educated writer in a red fez, a media mogul in a dark jacket, and international artists drawn to the café’s unique atmosphere. Despite political uncertainty and economic shifts, the café endures as a space where conversation flows as freely as the coffee.

The walls are lined with black-and-white photos chronicling the square’s transformation over the decades. These images serve as a visual timeline, capturing everything from early 20th-century carriages to modern-day demonstrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was Riche Café in Cairo established?

Riche Café was established in 1908, making it 103 years old as of the time of reporting. It has been located on Tahrir Square in Cairo throughout its history.

Did Riche Café play a role in Egypt’s 1919 revolution?

Yes. During the 1919 anti-British revolution, the café’s basement was converted into a secret printing room where students produced anti-colonial leaflets. They worked by candlelight and used the space as a hideout from authorities.

What famous writer frequented Riche Café?

Nobel Prize-winning Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz was a regular at Riche Café, where he met with other writers and intellectuals to discuss literature and current events.

Is the underground bunker at Riche Café open to the public?

No. The hidden underground room, which includes a secret escape passage, has been used privately since the 1990s by artists and writers for celebrations but is not open to the general public.

What drinks are typically served at Riche Café?

Patrons at Riche Café commonly drink strong Turkish coffee and Arabic tea. These beverages are part of the café’s traditional offerings and are enjoyed during conversations about politics and culture.

What historical photos are displayed at Riche Café?

The café features black-and-white photographs showing Tahrir Square across different eras, documenting its transformation from early 20th-century scenes to more recent political events.

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