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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. 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 Comfort food of Egypt. 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 Flavorful soup made from the leaves of the Corchorus plant. 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 Traditional Egyptian food can be compared to a pie. 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 Egyptian version of falafel. 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 Famous food all over the world. 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 Popular street food of Egypt. 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 A special dish made by stuffing pigeon. 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 Famous breakfast food in Egypt. 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 Mouthwatering and colorful dish of Egypt. 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 Middle Eastern sweet cake made of semolina or farina. 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 Sweet Egyptian dessert made of layers of flaky pastry. 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 Great drink to be had to bring down body temperature. 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 What is the national food of Egypt? 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. What is the main drink in Egypt? 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. What do Egyptians eat for breakfast? 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. Is Egyptian food tasty? 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. 

Egypt, one of the world’s oldest civilizations is a land of ancient wonders, pharaohs and pyramids. The captivating tapestry of natural beauty, history and culture has made Egypt a haven for tourists. From enigmatic monuments to iconic pyramids, from hot deserts to long rivers, this mystical country offers an incredible mix of all. If Egypt is on your mind and don’t know where to start from, our guide to the best places to visit in Egypt offers a comprehensive view of Egypt’s past and present. Read on to know what the land of the pharaohs has in store for you. Key Information About Egypt Geography And Location - Egypt is located majorly in northeastern Africa with only a small portion in southwest Asia. Climatic Conditions – Hot summers and mild winters. History - Dates back to approximately 3100 BCE. Egypt was ruled by the pharaohs for nearly 3000 years. Language - Official language is Arabic Major Cities - Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh Egyptian papyrus painting-Three Girls Holding A Lotus Flower. Weather At A Glance In Egypt Months between Oct-Apr is the high season as the weather is very mild and pleasant during this time. It is also the ideal time for sightseeing. You can expect a lot of tourists during this time with prices of accommodation and flight charges going up. Months between May-Sep is the shoulder season with temperature being hot and dry. If you can handle the heat, exploring will be easy due to fewer crowds. Fewer crowds also means better deals.  Months between Jun-Aug is the low season as the place gets extremely hot and unbearable. Many attractions remain close during this time.  Keeping all the above points in mind, the months between October to April is the best time to visit Egypt. 8 Best Places To Visit In Egypt The many places to visit in Egypt have a mix of both ancient and modern attractions. Here is a list of some of the most popular ones that deserve a place in your travel itinerary. 1. Pyramids Of Giza Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza. Located on the west bank of the Nile is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza. The three main pyramids of Giza (Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure) were built somewhere between 2550 and 2490 BC. It also has eight smaller pyramids surrounding the big pyramids. Its exterior views and perfect geometry of the Egypt pyramids are truly awe-inspiring. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and hence no trip to Egypt would be complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza. Top Attractions: the Sphinx, Saqqara, Dahshur Pyramids and camel rides 2. Temples And Tombs Of Luxor Amazing work of rock-cut tombs of ancient pharaohs. Luxor, the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Egypt is famous for its temples and tombs. With over 70 major archaeological sites, countless smaller sites, tombs, and ruins, this place has been declared the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place is often described as the world's greatest open-air museum. The rock-cut tombs of ancient pharaohs is a stunning example of the New Kingdom architecture. The whole place looks breathtakingly beautiful when it is lit up at night. Top Attractions: Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings and Luxor cruise. 3. Historic And Modern Cairo Capital city, Cairo, Egypt. Egypt is not all about pyramids, the capital city Cairo has skyscrapers, bustling streets, cultural institutions, great Islamic architecture and delicious food too. There are numerous mosques, castles and churches, hence Cairo is called the "city of a thousand minarets". The three distinct parts of Cairo (Downtown Cairo, Islamic Cairo and Croptic Cairo) is a perfect blend of modernity and older culture. If you are looking to experience both the historical and the new Islamic world, Cairo in Egypt is one of the best places to visit in Egypt.  Top Attractions: museums, Khan Al-Khalili, Coptic Cairo, Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Muhammad Ali Click Here To Book Your Cairo City Tour 4. Alexandria Beautiful night views of the city of Alexandria. It is the second-largest city in Egypt and was discovered by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. Visitors can see a mix of Greco-Roman heritage and Mediterranean ambiance while touring Alexandria. The largest port in the country is also located here. The city is home to breath-taking beaches, great historical sites, and ruins of the bygone era. Alexandria’s bustling cafés and waterfront promenade makes for a great escape from the busy city life. It’s a place that has culture, history and beauty in abundance.  Top Attractions: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Lighthouse, Citadel of Qaitbay, Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa 5. Abu Simbel UNESCO world heritage site of Egypt. Abu Simbel, a UNESCO world heritage site is most popular for its awe-inspiring temple complex. It features the Great twin Temples of Ramesses II and his queen Nefertari carved into solid rock. Huge impressions of the king and the queen sitting on their thrones is an iconic image of ancient Egypt. The incredible carvings and hieroglyphics that adorn the walls of the temple are also breathtaking. The entire setting of the temples in a remote desert region along the banks of the Nile River adds more mystery to the place. Without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Egypt.  Top Attractions: Temple complex, intricate wall carvings and hieroglyphics, Lake Nasser 6. White Desert Bizarre white rock formations in the white desert. The White Desert is a surreal Egypt attraction which you have to see to believe it. Bizarre white rock formations shaped like giant rabbits, mushrooms and other figures can be seen emerging from the ground. The white boulders take bizarre shapes due to wind erosion for several decades. This stunning natural wonder is best observed during sunset as everything around turns into a golden hue from the rays of the sun. This spectacular White Desert is among the most otherworldly places to visit in Egypt. Top Attractions: Sunrise/Sunset, Rock formations, Wildlife 7. Dahab Most challenging diving site in Dahab. If you are a beach lover and an outdoor enthusiast, Dahab, a quaint coastal village is one of the best places to visit in Egypt. Some of the world's most spectacular marine life and coral reefs can be seen here. Dahab is home to one of the most challenging and rewarding diving sites in the world. It is also the perfect place to experience other adventure sports like surfing, scuba diving, free diving, rock climbing and desert trekking. Its laid-back atmosphere and chill vibe is what attracts digital nomads from all over the world. Top Attractions: White Canyon, Blue Hole, and Ras Abu Galum National Park 8. Nile River Cruising through Nile River. The best way to soak in Egypt’s natural beauty and to experience its lifeline is by taking a cruise through the Nile River. There is a multi-day cruise between Luxor and Aswan that sails through deep blue waters while viewing historical sites and catching breath-taking sunsets along the way. Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, this is one of the best things to do in Egypt.  Top Attractions: Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and Philae Temples. Also Read: Beyond The Pyramids Into Ancient Egypt These beautiful places to visit in Egypt are sure to linger in your memory long after you've returned home. So now that you know it all, book a trip to Egypt soon. Do let us know which place made you stuck in awe out of admiration in the comments section below. Happy Exploring! FAQs What language is spoken in Egypt? The official language spoken by the people of Egypt is Arabic, however one can also see people speaking in Coptic, and Nubian. Can you go inside the pyramids? Yes, places like the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Pyramid of Khufu in Egypt allow visitors to go inside by purchasing a ticket. The inside of the Pyramids is mostly made of solid stone with very little open space that requires one to navigate through claustrophobic staircases and tunnels. How many pyramids are in Egypt? There are around 118 identified pyramids in Egypt, however the exact number is always debated because some pyramids were not completed and some were buried by desert storms.