Cairo According to: Miguel El Aspany

You may have seen him on your feed, speaking with just about any and everyone in his charming Spanish-twanged, slang-infused Egyptian Arabic that gets better every video. But before moving to Egypt and posting his Arabic-learning journey in late 2023, Miguel El Aspany was a corporate banker in London (though he also worked at Atlético Madrid once upon a time. Yes, we stalked his LinkedIn.) Those days are behind him now. With a following nearing two million across all platforms, Miguel isn’t simply repackaging Egypt for fans back home, but has become, as many of his fans comment on each video, one of us.

Here, Cairo's Arabic-speaking Spaniard tells us where precisely his life in Egypt first began, his favourite food spots out of the many, many that he’s tried, and gives CairoScene a free tip on how to go on a good date.

What’s a place that means Cairo to you?

Zamalek. That's where my life in Egypt really began. But the place that completely changed everything for me was Gezira Club. Most people think of it because of its members, but for me, the real magic was the staff. Many of them came from neighbourhoods like Imbaba, Ain Shams, Bulaq, and Shobra.

They welcomed me from day one, helped me learn Arabic, and introduced me to the real Egypt. Through them, I discovered the country's culture, its people, and a way of life I would never have experienced otherwise. It's also where I met many of my closest friends. Gezira Club is a unique place—right in the heart of Cairo—and for me, it will always feel a little bit magical.

Complete the following: Cairo is…

Vibrant. It's a city where you can go anywhere and every neighbourhood feels completely different. There's always something new to discover, so you never get bored. At first, it might seem chaotic, but underneath that chaos there's an energy that's hard to explain. And no matter where you go, there's one thing that never changes: the people. They're incredibly welcoming, and that's what makes you fall in love with Cairo.

What’s your favourite neighbourhood?

I honestly couldn't pick just one—Cairo is incredibly diverse, and every neighbourhood has its own personality. If you want to experience the city's history and timeless charm, I'd say go to Downtown and get lost in its streets.

If you're looking for luxury and modern living, New Cairo is the place to be. But if you really want to connect with the soul of Cairo, go to Shobra. Spend time in the local streets, talk to people, sit at a shabi ahwa, and you'll experience the authentic Cairo that made me fall in love with this city.

Your go-to food spot?

It's hard to pick just one because it depends on what I'm in the mood for.

For breakfast, my favourite is the Syrian restaurant in Rehab City. It has amazing food, great value, and one of the best breakfasts you can have.

If I'm craving something more shabi, I go to Darwish in Shobra. It's proper local Egyptian food: generous portions, incredible grilled meat, great value for money, and the kind of place that's always packed with locals. That's exactly why I love it.

But for seafood, I'd choose White & Blue at the Greek Club in Alexandria. The seafood is outstanding, and the atmosphere and sea views make it one of my favourite restaurants in Egypt.

Your go-to café?

A local ahwa—every single time. That's where you really connect with the people. You sit down with a tea or coffee, watch a football match, play dominoes or backgammon, and simply enjoy the atmosphere. It's authentic, unpretentious, and full of life. If you want to understand Cairo, spend an evening at a local ahwa.

Your go-to date spot?

For me, a date is about making the other person feel special. That's why I'd choose somewhere like Kazoku, The Brasserie, the new Nobu, or Villa Belle Époque in Maadi. I believe a woman deserves a place where she can relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and feel appreciated. At the end of the day, a great restaurant sets the scene—but the real goal is making her smile.

What isn’t a Cairo landmark but should be?

For me, it's not a building; it's the people. Neighbourhoods like Imbaba, Ain Shams, Shobra, and Bulaq should be considered landmarks because of the people who live there. They're some of the most humble, generous, and genuine people I've ever met.

Even when they don't have much, they're always ready to help, welcome you, and share what they have—with a smile. If there's one thing everyone should experience when they visit Cairo, it's the kindness of the people in these neighbourhoods. That's the real landmark of Cairo, and of Egypt as a whole.

Tell us a song that feels like Cairo.

‘Don't Worry, Be Happy’ by Bobby McFerrin.

It might sound unexpected, but it perfectly captures how Egyptians deal with life. No matter how chaotic things get, people somehow keep smiling, laughing, and finding a way to enjoy the moment.

What's a place in Cairo you wish you could revisit for the first time?

The Pyramids. The first time you see them, they're almost impossible to comprehend. You think you know what to expect because you've seen thousands of photos, but standing in front of them in real life is something else entirely.