Egypt is renowned for the remnants of its great civilisation. Along with the Great Pyramids of Giza, the towering temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel, and the vivid interiors of the royal tombs, Egypt’s cuisine is another treasure waiting to be discovered. True, it lacks frills and flourishes, and thus often overlooked when compared with its big-hitter Middle Eastern sister cuisines (say Turkey and Lebanon). However, food in Egypt is a hearty fare packed with simple, fresh, and honest flavours. The absence of embellishment is redeemed by its earthy palate that warms your soul and nourishes your body.
In this blog, we have curated a list of the top 10 food in Egypt – each one a delectable excuse to fall in love with this historic country. It also covers insider tips, vegetarian and vegan friendly dishes, traditional breads, and local drinks, all of which makes eating in Egypt an unforgettable experience.
Top 10 Local Foods in Egypt:
1. Koshari – The National Dish of Egypt.
Description: Ask any Egyptian about one must-try dish in Egypt, and the answer will invariably be ‘koshari’. The ultimate comfort food in Egypt, Koshari is a carb-crammed delight made with layers of rice, vermicelli, macaroni pasta, lentils, chickpeas, a spicy tomato sauce, and crispy fried onions. Often, another garlicky vinegar sauce called ‘dukka’ is sprinkled.
The exact origin of this Egyptian staple is debated. The Egyptian Book of Genesis mentions ‘Koshir’ (which meant food of the rites of God), which was relished as breakfast and consisted of lentils, wheat, chickpea, garlic, and onions. It may have evolved into today’s koshari. Some also believe that koshari was inspired from the Indian dish ‘khichdi’ (rice and lentils cooked together with vegetables), brought to Egypt by the British colonizers in the 19th century.
Where to try: Koshari and Abou Tarek are synonymous. Furnished with psychedelic lightings and located in Downtown Cairo, it is the most famous koshari restaurant in Egypt and even regarded as a national icon. You can also try koshari at Sayed Hanafy and Koshari al-Tahrir in Cairo, and Ala el-Sokhn in Alexandria.
Insider tip:
Alexandria’s koshari differs from Cairo’s. In Alexandria, rice is cooked with curry and cumin, and includes yellow lentils, lightly pickled tomatoes, fried eggs, and French fries.
2. Taameya – The Egyptian Falafel.
Description: The beloved Middle Eastern Falafel is known as Taameya in Egypt. This ball-shaped deep-fried fritter is perhaps the most sought-after street food in Egypt. While the Middle Eastern version uses chickpeas, its Egyptian counterpart is prepared with grounded fava beans. The list of ingredients also includes fresh herbs such as parsley, coriander, and dill, and spices like cumin, coriander, onion, and garlic.
Taameya is mainly eaten for breakfast. It is generally stuffed in warm pita bread or aish baladi (Egyptian flatbread) and served with tahini, hummus, arugula leaves, and pickled vegetables.
Where to try: Don’t shy from the street vendors who sell the tastiest falafels. While going on a road trip to Saqqara and Dahsur, we didn’t get the chance to have a breakfast. So, our driver halted at a small town on the way and packed Taameya sandwich from a roadside shack. It was super delicious! Also, you can try Taameya in any restaurant serving Egyptian cuisine, such as Zooba, Felfela, Khufu’s, and Abou el Sid.
Insider tip:
Taameya is a filling dish, perfect for those long days when you miss lunch while being busy exploring Egypt’s historical sites.
3. Ful Medame – The Hearty Stew
Description: Another breakfast favourite, Ful Medame (or simply Ful) is a slow-cooked stew. Its primary ingredient is cooked fava beans and seasoned with olive oil, cumin, garlic, and lemon juice. It is often topped of with diced tomatoes, sliced onions, and chopped parsley or coriander. Sometimes, it is jazzed up with boiled eggs and pickled vegetables.
Ful is typically served with soft pita bread. A satiating dish, it is also packed with essential nutrients and perfect for Egypt’s grueling heat.
Where to try: Ful is quintessentially an Egyptian street food. Look out for stalls that are busy and high turnover for fresh food. You can also visit Zooba, Gad, and Sobhy Kaber in Cairo, Khufu’s in Giza, and Mohammed Ahmed Restaurant in Alexandria.
Insider Tip:
- Eat ful with bread, not cutlery. Tear warm baladi bread and scoop it up by hand.
- Mix ful with olive oil, lemon, garlic, or chilli.
4. Molokhiya – The Slimy Soup
Description: You either love it, or hate it – when it comes to Molokhiya, there’s no middle ground. The bright green – coloured soup is made from chopped jute leaves which gives it a slimy texture. The foreign palate may find this glutinous consistency bizarre, but Molokhiya is loved by the Egyptians.
One of the signature dishes of Egypt, Molokhiya is cooked with chicken, rabbit, and beef broth. Seasoned with a mixture of fried garlic and coriander, it is eaten with vermicelli rice.
Where to try: Any restaurant specializing in Egyptian dishes serve Molokhiya. Explore Zooba and Hagoga for chicken-based soup. For seafood infused Molokhiya, go to Fish & Chips in Downtown Cairo, and rabbit-based broth, Abou el Sid in Zamalek.
Insider Tip:
- The secret of molokhiya lies in ‘tasha’ – sizzling garlic and coriander fried in ghee and poured into the stew at the very end.
- Eat molokhiya with rice or baladi bread, rather than eating it like a soup.
5. Hawawshi – The Minced Meat Pie
Description: Another favourite Egyptian street food, Hawawshi is made with crispy flatbread pockets stuffed with a tantalising filling of minced meat, onions, parsley, bell pepper, and spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, and black pepper. The stuffed flatbread is then baked or grilled until the meat is tender and the bread is crunchy. To put it simply, Hawawshi is Egypt’s answer to hamburgers!
Where to eat: Hawawshi is basically a street food in Egypt. Explore the small eateries and small vendors in Downtown Cairo for authentic flavours. You can also try this delicious pie at Hawawshi al Rabea, Hawawshi Haroon, and Arabiata in Cairo. You can also relish Hawawshi with seafood filling at Asmak al Madina in Helwan.
Insider Tip:
- The Alexandrian version is prepared by placing the stuffing in between two circular layers of dough and then baked.
- Try the Iskandarani spicy version for a bold flavour.
- Eat them hot and fresh. The bread is crispy and the meat juices are best when warm.
6. Feteer – The Egyptian Layered Pastry
Description: Feteer is an Egyptian flaky pastry crafted with flour and oodles of ghee. The dough is kneaded skilfully as it can make or break the Feteer. It is elastic and neither sweetened or salted. The dough is rested well after which it is flattened to form a very thin layer and folded repeatedly into layers lathered with ghee. It can then be stuffed or left plain, and put into the oven to cook.
Savoury Feteer is often stuffed with grounded meat, cheese, and vegetables, while the sweet version has chocolate spreads, nuts, bananas, and honey. If left plain, the flaky Feteer is topped with powdered sugar and sugarcane molasses, or simply enjoyed with a side of salty cheese.
Where to eat: You will find dedicated spots for Feteer in Cairo such as El Zaeem, Mum Feteer, El Horreya Cafe, Desoky and Soda, and Naguib Mahfouz Cafe.
Insider Tip:
- Watch the mini culinary performance of stretching the dough paper-thin and layering it with generous dose of ghee.
- Feteer tastes best when it is served straight from the oven, so always order it fresh.
- Try both the savoury and sweet versions of Feteer.
7. Fattah – The Celebratory Egyptian Feast
Description: No Egyptian festivity is complete without Fattah. It is assembled by layering crunchy bits of Baladi bread, fragrant rice, tender beef (or lamb), and drizzled with a rich tomato-garlic sauce.
This flavourful delicacy is cooked for celebrating special occasions such as weddings and a woman’s first pregnancy as also festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Fattah is believed to symbolise prosperity and togetherness with its rich layers and community serving style.
Where to eat: You can find Fattah in Zooba, Abou el Sid, and Carlo’s Restaurant in Cairo.
Insider tip:
- The portions of Fattah are huge, thus perfect for sharing.
- Try the lamb version which is believed to offer the most authentic taste.
- Avoid ordering late; freshness matters.
8. Hamam Mahshi – The Stuffed Pigeon
Description: This is another traditional Egyptian delight. The pigeons used as an ingredient for this dish are specifically bred in mud-brick dovecotes in the countryside. At first, the pigeon is thoroughly cleaned and soaked in salt and vinegar infused water. Afterwards, it is stuffed with partially cooked rice or freekeh (roasted green wheat), grated onions, chopped pigeon liver, and a mixture of spices like pepper and cinnamon. The stuffed pigeon is then simmered in aromatic broth and finally grilled or roasted until its golden brown.
In Egypt, Hamam Mahshi is a symbol of hospitality and reserved for family revelry and religious festivities owing to its meticulous preparation.
Where to try: Best places to enjoy Hamam Mahshi are Gerda’s Garden in Luxor and Farahat Restaurant in Cairo.
Insider Tips:
- Choose freekeh over rice for the most authentic flavour.
- Pair it with Baladi bread or vermicelli rice.
9. Om Ali – The Classic Bread Pudding
Description: Touted as the national dessert of Egypt, Om Ali is an absolute must-try. It is simple, nostalgic, and heartwarming. It is put together by combining puff pastry, milk, cream, coconut flakes, pistachios, almonds, raisins, and sugar. A dash of grounded cinnamon is sprinkled on the top. It is then baked until golden and bubbly.
Where to eat: Savour Om Ali at Simond’s Bakery, El Malky, Nola Bakery, and Egyptian Nights in Cairo, and Snobs in Luxor.
Insider Tips:
- Eat it fresh out of the oven for the best flavours.
- It goes perfectly with mint tea after dinner.
10. Egyptian Sweets: Perfect Desserts to End a Satisfying Meal
Description: Egypt has a delectable list of sweets, often paired with tea or served at the end of every meal. The sweets are usually drenched in sugar syrup, butter or ghee, and are extremely sticky and lip-smacking. They are compulsory during Ramadan and special celebrations like the feat, weddings, or during family visits. Relish Kunafa (made with shredded hair-like dough, fried in ghee, filled with nuts or sweet cheese, and bathed in sugar syrup), Basbousa (semolina cake flavoured with orange or rose water), Zalabya (the Egyptian version of Indian Jalebi!), and Balah el Sham (deep-fried chow pastry soaked in fragrant, cold sugar syrup).
Where to try: El Valero in Downtown Cairo, which is a Disneyland for anyone with sweet tooth.
Insider tip:
- Try fresh sweets as the refrigerated ones lose their rich texture.
- During Ramadan, special flavours like Nutella, mango, and lotus are found. Don’t miss them!
Egyptian Breads, Drinks, & Tea: The Flavours that Complete Every Meal
The flavoursome world of Egyptian cuisine is also defined by the breads that accompany every meal, the refreshing drinks found at every street corner, and the aromatic teas that provide a punch for the day.
1. The Egyptian Breads: The Companion of Every Meal
The Egyptian breads date back to the Pharaonic times. Even now, they are the everyday staple. The breads of Egypt are known for their rustic and fuss-free flavour.
Egyptian Breads to Try: Dig in the simple Baladi bread, the ubiquitous amongst the varieties of Egyptian breads. Baladi bread is made from whole wheat and baked in blazing hot ovens. It is eaten with almost every meal. Try the Eish Shamsi, the Upper Egyptian bread made with fermented dough and left to rise under the sun. Relish the Eish Merhrah, a unique bread made with cornflour mixed with fenugreek seeds and found in Middle and Upper Egypt.
2. Egyptian Drinks: Refreshing Escape
Given the scorching weather, the refreshing drinks found in Egypt are the real saviours. These beverages revive the travellers in the midst of their exploration, while helps the locals to beat the heat. The most famous amongst all is the freshly pressed and naturally sweet sugarcane juice or Asab. Also, relish the coconut and vanilla drink called Sobia, the tangy tamarind juice, the yummy mango juice, and the sweet and sour tangerine juice. Juice bars are pivotal in Egyptian culture and make sure to visit one. El Sharbatly in Downtown Cairo is one such well-liked juice shop.
3. Egyptian Teas: The Soul of Hospitality
Tea and hospitality are synonymous in Egypt. The Egyptians drink different sorts of tea. There is Black Tea (Shay Koshari), Mint Tea (Shay Bil Na’na) which pairs perfectly with Kunafa or Om Ali, the reddish and slightly tangy Hibiscus Tea (Karkadeh), and the comforting Cinnamon Tea (Karfa) perfect for winter nights.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Foods in Egypt as a Traveller:
Vegetarian and Vegan Travellers – What You Need to Know:
The Egyptian cuisine is full of plant-based and dairy-free foods. The country may be known for its grilled meats and seafood, but Egypt is regarded as one of the most vegetarian and vegan – friendly countries in Africa. Egypt’s national dish Koshari, breakfast staple Ful Medame, street food specialty Taameya, and the stuffed vegetables called Mahshi are all meatless. The Baladi salad, a simple mishmash of tomato, cucumber, and onion, is widely available in eateries. You can also find several Middle Eastern plant-based delicacies such as the smoky eggplant dip called Baba Ganoush, the mashed chickpea dip Hummus, and the sesame seed paste Tahini.
Food Hygiene and Street Food Safety–
– Avoid pre-cut fruits and salads.
– Choose freshly-grilled kebabs and shashliks.
– Eat where the locals are queuing – it usually means high turnover and fresh food.
– Tap water is not recommended for drinking.
– Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
– Don’t forget hand sanitisers and wet wipes.
Cost of Eating Out in Egypt:
Egypt is quite pocket friendly for foodies.
– Street food — EGP 20 to 60 per item
– Casual local restaurants — EGP 80 to 200 per meal
– Cafes and bakeries — EGP 40 to 150 per item
– Seafood restaurants — EGP 300 to 700 per meal
– Fine dining restaurants — EGP 600 to 1200 per person.
Local Food Tour and Cooking Class:
For an immersive experience, go on a local food tour which explores the small eateries and iconic restaurants while sharing tidbits about the Egyptian cuisine. You can also take a cooking class and learn the secrets of whipping up the perfect koshari and taameya.
We took a Downtown Cairo Food Tour with Bellies En-route. The 5-hour long food tour took us to family-run canteens, traditional patisserie, old-school coffee joint, classic restaurants, and hole-in-the-wall taameya and feteer stands.
Restaurant Recommendations:
– In Cairo: Fish & Chips (Egyptian-style seafood dishes), Fishawi’s (Cairo’s oldest coffeehouse), Cairoma (Italian cuisine), Abou Tarek (koshari), El Gomhoureya (grills and kebabs), Zooba (street food with contemporary twist), Granita (modern take on Cairo’s old European-style cafes)
– In Giza: Khufu’s (Egyptian cuisine with modern twist).
– In Luxor: Sofra (Egyptian classics), Marsam (garden restaurant following farm-to-table concept), Gerda’s Garden (homely bistro specialising in stuffed pigeon), Wannas Art & Cafe (vegetarian cuisine), Cafe Maratonga.
– In Aswan: Salah el-Din (Nubian and Egyptian food), Makani (burgers, wraps, and grills), Nubian Dreams (Nubian specialties), Kafana Restaurant (homemade Nubian food), Kin Jamaica Restaurant & Cafe.
Food in Egypt is a reflection of the country itself – ancient yet alive, simple yet immensely heartwarming. Long after you’ve left the temples of Luxor or the streets of Cairo, it’s the taste of warm baladi bread, the aroma of mint tea, and the comfort of a home-style meal that will stay with you. When you travel through Egypt, let its food guide you — because some of the most unforgettable memories are made not at monuments, but around the table.
