Cairo According to: May Elghety

May Elghety began her acting career at the age of five, the daughter of a family that was no stranger to television and film. In 2016, her career skyrocketed after taking part in the acclaimed political drama ‘Eshtebak’, while her most recent film, Lee Cronin’s 'The Mummy’, released worldwide just last April to massive commercial success. But here’s something you may not know about the actress: she voiced a role in the hit video game ‘Battlefield 6’, and in 2022, she had a brief music career when she released her ethereal-sounding, five-track EP, ‘Pink’.

Here, May Elghety tells us about the two films that mean Cairo to her, the two palaces she’d wish to revisit for the first time, and the two film studios that act as her landmarks in Cairo.

A place that means Cairo to me:

I’m risking sounding cliché, but Khan El Khalili during Ramadan is unmatched. Having tea or coffee at El Fishawy or eating feteer at “فطاطري الحسين” just feels like the essence of Cairo to me. It’s always the first place I take my non-Egyptian friends to, because it gives them a real taste of the city, the energy, the history, the chaos, the warmth… all of it in one place.

Complete the following, Cairo is special because…

It’s overwhelming in the most beautiful way. The city’s name itself means “the vanquisher,” and throughout its history it has taught its people resilience. It’s diverse, loud, exhausting and inspiring all at once somehow. I genuinely believe if you can make it in Cairo, you can make it anywhere.

My favourite neighbourhood:

Garden City. I’d give anything to live there one day. My own neighbourhood is very quiet and isolated, which I appreciate sometimes, but it can make me feel detached from the city itself. Garden City has this beautiful historic architecture and greenery that feels almost cinematic. It’s one of my favourite places in Cairo to simply walk around in.

My go-to food spot is:

For a sit-down meal, I love Mayrig in Arkan. It’s an Armenian restaurant with amazing food and lots of vegetarian options, which I deeply appreciate.

For something quick while shooting, it’s usually Zooba. And Hana Korean BBQ in Zamalek is definitely another favourite.

My go-to café:

Granita Zamalek and L'Aubergine.

Honourable mention to Biyadi in Arkan, a bit of a hidden gem with excellent coffee.

My go-to date spot:

Cairo Opera House to see The Cairo Symphony Orchestra or any ballet.

What isn’t a Cairo landmark but should be?

Studio Misr or Egyptian Media Production City. These studios were home to films and television productions that shaped generations across the Arab world. I remember going on a tour of EMPC as a child. I’m not even sure if they still do them, but they absolutely should bring that back.

A song that feels like Cairo:

'Alf Leila wa Leila' by Umm Kulthum.

A movie that feels like Cairo:

'El Kit Kat' or 'Chitchat on the Nile'. Both films capture the contradictions of Cairo and its people against the backdrop of Egypt’s sociopolitical reality at the time. There’s something deeply Egyptian in the absurdity of both films, the way humour, denial, escapism, and tragedy all exist side by side. They feel chaotic, philosophical, and painfully honest in a way that still feels very familiar today.

A place in Cairo I wish I could re-visit for the first time:

Abdeen Palace or Baron Empain Palace. They’re just breathtaking.