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Hurghada Old Town / El Dahar Spice Market (bazaars for spices, souvenirs, textiles)

Beaches and resorts in Hurghada. However, should you be open to being introduced to the local culture, you can go to the Old Town of Hurghada. In this case, the actual Egyptian life is meant to be sampled, and it is called El Dahar. You will have the Colour Market, old buildings and the renowned Spice Market.

Old Town is the main centre in Hurghada. It is the place where the city was born, many years before the boom of resorts. There are small streets that have shops, cafes and markets in the city. They are dominated by the negotiations and the smell of fresh products. It is an ideal site to get away with masses of tourists and to get into the local culture.

The Spice Market: Sense of Things

One of the places to visit is the Spice Market in El Dahar. This is not a store to sell or supply spices. The oils, the herbs and even the teas are used in medicine as well. The variety is huge. Cumin, turmeric and sumac are some of the most popular spices. These are the major constituents of Egyptian food items. You must remember to search for saffron. It is one of the most valuable spices in Egypt.

Local suppliers are retailers who sell spices in large quantities. You can smell them and feel them, and then purchase. This is a wonderful chance to get to know about Egyptian cuisine. The vendors are not hostile; they are keen to pass their knowledge. Ask them about the spices and they will gladly explain to you how to use them in your cooking.

Souvenirs and Textiles: Take Home a Piece of Egypt

The spices are the main attraction, but there is a lot more in the market. There will be a variety of souvenirs. Starting with a handmade jewel to a coloured scarf, there is something that everyone can find. The goods are mostly made by local craftsmen. This renders them ideal as gifts or souvenirs.

Egyptian cotton is one of the best souvenirs to purchase. The fabric is reputed to be soft all over the world. You will find anything, including the sheets and even the clothes that are manufactured using this quality material. There are also numerous stores that offer hand-carved carpets. These carpets are very individual and personal carpets.

In case you are fond of jewellery, you will have a lot of options for yourself. Find silver and gold pieces that are designed. Here, cartouche necklaces are well received. They are custom-made necklaces, which are inscribed with hieroglyphic writing. They are the ideal souvenirs of your visit.

Bargaining: A Fun Challenge

The experience in the Spice Market involves bargaining. Buy at a price lower than that of the vendor. Vendors will tend to respond with an increased price.

You will be to and fro before you both get to a solution. When the price does not suffice, then they can walk out. The vendor often will make a call back with an improved deal. It is all the fun and excitement of shopping in Egypt.

Note, it is amiable bargaining here. Sellers are not attempting to defraud you. They just enjoy the process. Therefore, there is no need to be shy to request a good price. It is just about striking a mutually acceptable price.

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Local Food and Drinks: Taste Egyptian Flavours

After doing some shopping, you can stop and have some local food. It's a popular street food and is good and filling. Shawarma is another type of food from the area. 

Koshari is a healthy combination of lentils, pasta and rice. It is a common street food which is satisfying and tasty. A different local food is Shawarma, which is grilled meat served in a flatbread. You may also forget to taste karkadeh, a cool beverage of hibiscus tea. It has been served hot and cold, and locals love it.

Another drink that you will find everywhere is mint tea. It is a smooth yet easy-flavoured drink. It is ideal to relax after spending a day shopping and travelling around the market.

Why You Should Visit El Dahar and the Spice Market

When one visits El Dahar, they have entered into the very core of Egypt. The Spice Market is a sensual onslaught. The smells, colours, and sounds will be remembered. It is an excellent means of getting the culture of Egypt.

El Dahar is another Hurghada face. It is the location where the locals shop, eat, and live. It is not that much of a tourist spot, and it provides one with the authentic Egyptian experience. Therefore, if you have been wanting something different, do not overlook the Spice Market.

You should take time to analyse the market. Speak to the sellers, get to know what they are selling, and grab a souvenir. El Dahar offers a variety of food, shopping, and curiosity to every food lover, shopaholic, and curious person.