Egyptian cuisine which dates back to the time of the pharaohs is one of the oldest and most diverse culinary traditions in the world. Be it its unique geographical location, its diverse cultural influence or its rich historical significance, each of these play a very important role in creating dishes that are both flavorful and hearty. Come let’s embark on a culinary adventure through the rich flavors of Egypt with our list of the best Egyptian food dishes to try.
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Must Try Egyptian Food Dishes
Egyptian cuisine has so many varieties of dishes (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian) to choose from. To help you taste the best of them, we have made a list of 12 iconic Egyptian foods that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
1. Koshari
Let’s start with Koshari, one of Egypt’s favorite street foods and the national dish. This comfort food that has a mix of rice, brown lentils and macaroni is made with only vegetarian ingredients. This simple yet satisfying meal is easily available in dedicated koshari restaurants and also in the local food carts. In short, it is an affordable nutrient-packed meal that’s quite irresistible.
2. Molokhia
Molokhia is a flavorful soup made from the leaves of the Corchorus plant. People of Egypt have been consuming this healthy soup since the time of the pharaohs. The leaves that taste more or less like spinach are boiled with garlic, coriander, and chicken or rabbit stock. Its complex flavors are the favorite among the locals, however first-timers need to sample this Egyptian food before ordering one.
3. Hawawshi
Hawawshi is a traditional Egyptian food that is a mix between a pie and a sandwich. Minced meat, typically beef or lamb, is mixed with onion, pepper, parsley, spices and the mixed filling is stuffed in between two pita breads. The stuffed bread is then flattened using a hot iron and roasted in a wooden oven until the outside becomes extremely crispy. It is one of the most famous food in Egypt.
4. Taamiya
The Egyptian version of falafel is called Taamiya. Unlike falafel, Taamiya uses dried fava beans as its base. The mashed fava beans are seasoned with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, along with garlic, onions and then fried in vegetable oil. It is generally had as a breakfast meal with cucumber salad and tahini sauce. The use of dried fava beans gives it a lighter and vibrant green color.
5. Kebab And Kofta
Kebabs and Koftas are one of the most favorite Egyptian food meals that is loved by people not just in Egypt but all over the world. Different types of minced meat flavored with spices are rolled onto a skewer like a sausage and barbecued over coals. This dish is always accompanied by chopped tomato, cucumber, sides of dips, rice and flatbread.
6. Shawarma
Shawarma is another famous Egyptian food with every country having their own version adding their own twist. Large chunks of lamb or chicken meat are stacked vertically and rotated slowly in front of a flame grill until cooked. The meat is then shaved off and put into a large disc of flatbread with lots of veggies, french-fries and sauces. This is one of the best street foods that one can have in Egypt.
7. Hamam Mahshi
Hamam Mahshi is a delicious luxurious meal served especially on special occasions. This special dish is made by stuffing pigeons with a mixture made of wheat or rice, onions, spices, and nuts. The birds are then marinated and cooked over a wood charcoal fire. Though the dish is made only on special occasions, it is easily available in almost all the restaurants.
8. Ful Medames
Ful Medames is a famous breakfast food in Egypt as this dish is packed with proteins, a great way to start the day. The overnight soaked fava beans are seasoned with cumin, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, onion and then slow cooked till done. Once done it is served in large copper pots with Egyptian baladi bread. This is one of the most popular dishes of Cairo and has been occupying Egyptian breakfast tables for millenniums.
9. Fatteh
Fatteh is a famous food in the Middle Eastern countries like Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Egypt. It is made of beef or chicken meat, rice, crispy pita chips, bread, garlic and spiced chickpeas. All the ingredients are placed one above the other and cooked in the oven. It is generally served with garlicky tahini yogurt sauce and nuts.
10. Basbousa
Basbousa is a traditional Middle Eastern sweet cake made of semolina or farina. This dessert is usually thin from the outside and soft from the inside. An orange flower water, rose water, or simple sugar syrup is what is used to soak the dish. It is finally covered with almonds and fresh cream to get that perfect flavor. Depending on each one’s taste it can be eaten either cold or warm.
11. Om Ali
Om Ali, which translates to Ali’s mother, is a very sweet Egyptian dessert made of layers of flaky pastry. The layers of puff pastry are soaked in sweetened milk and topped with nuts, raisins, coconut flakes, cinnamon, cream, plenty of sugar and baked until golden brown. It is believed that Sultan Ezz El Din Aybak’s wife made this dessert in the 13th century to celebrate a victory. Om Ali is one of the must have desserts in Egypt.
12. Sahlab
Sahlab is a sweet and thick drink that can be made in under two minutes. Pure orchid root powder when added to hot milk is what gives the drink its flavorful taste and thickness. It’s a great drink to be had during cold winter times. Toppings like cinnamon, shredded coconut, crushed pistachio, vanilla and raisins add more crunch and texture to the drink. For those who want to take this drink back home, it is available in supermarkets in small sachets.
Suggested Reads: 8 Fascinating Places To Visit In Egypt
FAQs
A wholesome meal called ‘Koshari’ is the national food of Egypt. It is made of simple ingredients like pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, and tomato sauce. This national dish of Egypt created in the mid-19th century is a complete vegetarian dish.
Tea, served in many forms, is the national drink of Egypt. From black tea to herbal tea, from hibiscus tea to mint tea, it is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Egyptian breakfast is more like a feast. Some of the iconic Egyptian breakfast foods like Fuul Medames, Bissara, Taameya, Aish Beladi, Beid Bel Basturma, Eggah and Labneh will help start the day in a hearty and satisfying way.
Since Egyptian cuisine has Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, food is generally tasty here. Use of fresh local ingredients, traditional cooking method and aromatic spices makes all the Egyptian dishes very tasty.
