Twenty Four Seven Hamra

Whether you’re jonesing for a cigarette, want even more vodka for after-party binges, have a sudden urge for unhealthy munchies, or are just looking for some water and cat food, then Twenty Four Seven is your all day, all night destination.

Smack dab in the middle of Hamra Street, the small, two-story corner shop located in the Hamra Square Centre, just next to T-Marbouta restaurant, is jammed packed (and I am overflowing to the brim) with any imaginable unhealthy essential. The store, originally open on Snoubra Street in Qoraitem, is literally your every childhood fantasy come to life, with varieties of local and imported junk food that is oh so good but oh so bad for you. From sodas, to chips, to cereals and cookies, ideal sugar-packed munchies are guaranteed to keep you awake and tweaking for days on end – like the iconic wide-eyed owl logo so characteristic of the mini-mart (another store whose names shall remain unmentioned has gone as far as to copy and adopt the nighthowl as their own). It is worth repeating that Twenty Four Seven also sells alcohol and also has some healthier options if you're able to resist temptation (labneh, cheese and other prepackaged sandwiches and salads).

Have a quick chat at counter with a friendly and musical clerk either belting out Adele’s, In the Deep, or head banging to some Metallica playing just a little too loud, if you don’t get lost in the unending choice of gum or rolling papers. While your “hanging” out, you can also buy a woven bracelet or try to make sense of the strange corner of travel goods, like bleach pens, mosquito bite balm, laundry cord, or single packaged wet wipes. Because, you never know when you might need a lemon-scented towelette.