Snack Time

McDonald's had a virtual monopoly on western-style fast food in the central area of Luxor until November 2006, when Snack Time opened just a few doors away. Snack Time has immediately taken the upper hand.

McDonald's has fine views from the upper floors, through large windows. Snack Time has views that are at least their equal, but they have a balcony so you can enjoy a full panorama of Luxor Temple without even having to look through glass. Snack Time also has a broader range of foods including not only burgers, but also pizzas, sandwiches, salads, a better range of desserts and a wide choice of drinks.

Prices are very keen. Pizzas are from LE14, Burgers from LE12 and a coke is just LE2.75. They also sell probably the best hot chocolate in Luxor at LE6.5 and fresh juices are from LE3.5.

Upstairs there is an area for children, including an excellent play area with wooden climbing, crawling and sliding apparatus.

A great bonus is that, if you take your laptop, you can connect to their broadband WiFi absolutely free. McDonalds now offer this as well.

Free internet surfing, excellent cheap coffee, lunch for just pennies more than in the traffic-laden local side streets - pounds less than the tourist restaurants - and the best temple views in town.

Some people will continue to go to MacDonald's because they are familiar with the name and the products. Anyone who thinks about it for a minute will go to Snack Time instead.