Cairo: Beer, Belly Dancing and Bumpy Politics in 'Baladi' Bar

26.02.2012

Cairo nightlife is not as lively as it was half a century ago, but Egyptian beer is still on sale, traditional snacks of nuts and chickpeas are still served, and even belly dancers can still be seen. And of course there is still politics to discuss.

At the end of a short passage is the door to a small smoky, windowless room, crammed full of wooden tables and chairs.

Crushed glass and nutshells crunch beneath our feet on the sticky floor. It smells strongly of beer.

The baladi bar has survived as an Egyptian institution and is one of the gems of Cairo nightlife. Belly dancing still takes place in some of Cairo's baladi bars.