If you frequent this café, which opened way back in 1908, you don't just go for a meal and something to drink, as it's also popular with famous Egyptians. Café Riche, located on Talaat Harb Street, is a well-known downtown landmark. "I live along way from here, but I love this place. I've been coming here three times a week since graduating in 1960. I like talking with the other patrons about politics," says Azer Farag, a veteran customer of this popular café. "Café Riche is an intellectual hub. In the past, it was frequented by late legendary Egyptian authors and singers like the young Naguib Mahfouz, Om Kalthoum and Taha Hussein, as well as Ahmed Fouad Negm [the famous poet who is still alive], many of whose portraits adorn the restaurant walls. “This place has been attracting famous literati, singers, actors and actresses for over a century. Elderly patrons like myself can remember Naguib Mahfouz's weekly meetings at the café, which were faithfully attended by writers Youssef el-Qaed and Gamal el-Gitani," Farag adds. Café Riche has witnessed many historic events over the past century. King Farouk courted his second wife, Nariman Sadek, there, while, one day in 1919, Youssef Wahba Pasha lay in wait at one of its tables for the Coptic Prime Minister, the man he tried, but failed, to assassinate. Several members of the nationalist movement during the 1919 Revolution also met in the secret room in the basement, to plan their activities and print their fliers. "People interested in politics, especially left-wingers, used to meet here. Life in Egypt has changed, as have the clientele, but Café Riche hasn't lost its charm, attracting Egyptians and visitors from all over the world, who are often surprised by chance meetings with famous Egyptians," Farag commented.
