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| The shop from outside |
If you’ve ever walked through the heart of Alexandria, you
might have noticed a wonderful smell of coffee in the air. Follow that scent,
and it will lead you to Saad Zaghloul Street, where you’ll find Sofianopoulo
Coffee Store. This is not just any coffee shop—it’s a place with more than 100
years of history, still serving amazing coffee today.
A Legacy That Began in 1908
Let me take you back to 1908. A Greek businessman, M.
Sofianopoulo, opened the original store as a post office. Over time, the shop
gained popularity and by 1932 transformed into the legendary coffee shop we see
today. As the decades passed, the original Sofianopoulo store was eventually
split into two separate stores. Despite this separation, both managed to
preserve the legacy and traditions of the original, serving the iconic coffee
that made Sofianopoulo legendary. The essence of Sofianopoulo remains strong,
with its rich history reflected in the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans.
Sacks of beans shipped from faraway places like Ethiopia, Yemen, and Brazil
created an unforgettable scent that solidified its reputation as a coffee
haven.
The two seperated stores
That’s right, it’s not just about coffee here. It’s about
the connection to Alexandria’s multicultural history—where Greeks, Italians,
Egyptians, and many other cultures lived side by side. Even now, Sofianopoulo
is one of the few remaining landmarks that remind us of this era.
A Place Where Coffee Meets Tradition
Now, picture yourself walking into Sofianopoulo. The first
thing that hits you is the smell of fresh coffee—roasted, ground, and brewed
right in front of you. You won’t find any flashy décor or fancy lattes with
syrups here. No Wi-Fi. No distractions. Just you, a counter full of locals, and
the hum of conversation as people savor their drinks.
This is what makes Sofianopoulo different: it’s all about
the tradition. The coffee is prepared the old-fashioned way, using classic
machines that have been part of the shop for decades. And every cup tells a
story of craftsmanship. Whether you’re sipping a black Turkish coffee or trying
a lighter blend with hints of hazelnut, it’s like stepping back in time.
There’s no rush here. No need to check your phone for
notifications—this is a place where you sit, relax, and truly enjoy your
coffee, just like they did decades ago. There’s a certain magic in that.
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| Different kinds of coffee beans |
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| A part of the cozy,historical shop |
A Favorite Spot for Icons
Over the years, Sofianopoulo has been a meeting place for
many famous visitors. Egyptian legends like Om Kolthoum and Abdel Halim Hafez
used to stop by for a cup of coffee. You can almost imagine them enjoying their
drinks while working on their next big ideas.
But it’s not just for celebrities. Sofianopoulo has always
been a place for everyone—students, workers, artists, and travelers. It’s a
place where people gather, share stories, and connect over their love for good
coffee.
Even today, the shop continues to bridge the past and the
present. While it sticks to its traditional roots, it has added flavored coffee
options to attract younger customers. Whether you’re sipping a classic espresso
or trying something new, every cup here tastes like a piece of Alexandria’s
history.
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| Painting of icons who visited Sofianopoulo |
A Living Museum of Coffee
But Sofianopoulo is not just a café. It’s a living museum.
As you take a seat, you’ll notice the vintage coffee-making equipment, the old
photographs on the walls, and the sacks of beans from decades past that fill
the room with their earthy scent. There’s something about it that makes you
feel like you’re not just having a coffee—you’re stepping into a piece of
Alexandria’s history.
And it’s not just the interior that’s nostalgic. Every sip
connects you to the city’s past, a time when Alexandria was at the heart of
Mediterranean culture. The shop is more than a place to get your caffeine
fix—it’s a reminder of how coffee can bring people together, transcending
generations.
A corner seat in the shop
Why You Should Visit
In today’s world of fast-paced, modern coffee shops,
Sofianopoulo is a rare gem. It’s not just about the coffee—it’s about stepping
into a piece of Alexandria’s history. There are no modern-day distractions.
There’s just you and your cup of coffee, immersed in the rich history that has
defined this place for over a century.
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| The coffee bar |