At This Alexandria Café We’re All ‘Fam’

Although Alexandria is, in fact, Egypt’s second most populous city, it’s often lovingly referred to by its residents as a small town—more commonly described as ‘oda w sala’ (a single room and a hall). Chances are, the people you pass on a daily basis are someone’s friend, cousin, or ex-situationship, which makes dropping by a random café feel both familial and inevitable. Fam, a coffee shop with two branches in this seaside city, has leaned into this charm, embracing the idea that within its walls, Alexandrians become family.

How does Fam manage to capture this sense of closeness? The answer is simple. The coffee shop brings together people from all walks of life—from the Designia Mall regulars to the Mahatet El Raml aesthetic-seekers—united by a shared love for coffee and sweet treats. Legend has it Fam has an almost Hotel California effect: once you’ve visited, you never truly leave. Everyone who steps inside seems destined to become a regular.

Fam’s first move? Enticing you with a steaming cup of creamy matcha, a Spanish latte, or their famed hot chocolate. Then, as you settle into the warm embrace of your drink, they unveil their pièce de résistance: waffles. These golden, aromatic delights have been known to captivate not just their table of origin but the one next to it—and even the occasional passerby drawn in by their irresistible aroma. Not a sweet tooth? The crisp, buttery croissants have your back. And while it may not be mojito weather, Fam’s refreshingly fizzy versions are worth bending the seasonal rules.

With one branch in City Centre’s Rubix Park and another in Masaken El Zobat, Fam offers something for everyone. The Rubix Park spot is ideal for recharging after a shopping spree, providing just enough distance from the mall’s buzz to relax—yet close enough to go back and grab that lip gloss you weren’t sure about. Meanwhile, the Masaken El Zobat branch, conveniently central, is perfect for a quick brunch with that ex-coworker you’ve been meaning to catch up with. And, as Fam’s name suggests, whoever you bring along is likely to feel right at home—becoming part of your Fam in no time.