13 Yummy Traditional Egyptian Food Favorites You NEED To Try

Originally posted on March 16, 2018 @ 6:12 pm

This was one of my favorite posts to write as I love eating (who doesn’t?) and I’ve been living in Egypt since 2016, so I’ve tried A LOOOT!

Since you’re reading this, I’m guessing Egypt is on your bucket list, and it absolutely should be. Besides the ancient history, stunning beaches, and scuba diving, traditional Egyptian food is another reason you should visit this country.

All the ancient history makes Egypt’s cuisine what it is today, with each civilization leaving a mark on the preparation of local dishes.

Like in most Middle Eastern countries, a big part of Egyptian culture is gathering and celebrating with family and friends – around delicious food, of course! Famous for their hospitality, the people will make you see (and taste) very quickly what I’m talking about once you visit Egypt. Promise.

Here are some top traditional Egyptian food favorites that every visitor should try at least once when coming to this beautiful country, from breakfast to dessert. 

By the way: Even though there are very few local vegetarians, many of Egypt’s national dishes are naturally vegetarian so you certainly won’t need to starve if you don’t eat meat and/or fish. Plus, the fruits are amazing thanks to the year-round sunshine. Egyptian Mangos are literally the best in the world! 

13 Must Try Dishes On A Trip To Egypt:

1. Ful Medammes

Ful is the most common traditional breakfast, it’s a staple in every Egyptians’ diet.

Ful, pronounced as fool, is made of fava beans cooked with oil and salt. Fava beans (broad beans) are encased in long fat green pods.

They require soaking overnight and cooking for hours over low heat in an “idra” to remove the beans casing.

Traditionally this is how they are cooked and served by street carts in Cairo and around the country – the most popular Egyptian food there is.

Since the fava beans require long preparation, a pre-made version in cans is being sold in all local markets and grocery stores. The beans can then be prepared on the stove or even in the microwave.

Ful is commonly eaten as a dish with eggs, cheese, popular food like tameya, and served with Egyptian bread (“aish baladi”) and olive oil on top.

It can also just be an easy, quick breakfast made into a sandwich. The beans are packed with essential nutrients such as carbohydrates and iron and they’re low in saturated fats.

2. Ta’meya, the Egyptian version of Falafel

During your trip to Egypt, you almost can’t avoid some tasty Falafel. They’re served in Egyptian breakfast along with ful, eggs, cheese, and pita bread.

Traditional falafel is made with chickpeas, but the local version ta’meya is made of fava beans. Surprisingly, this version is even better imo (even though I’m a huge chickpea fan!).

Fava beans should be soaked overnight to soften, then crushed in a food processor.

They are then mixed with a fresh combination of chopped cilantro, parsley, white onion, garlic, and leek, giving ta’meya its vibrant green color.

Spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper are added along with chickpea flour. Rolled into balls, and fried!

It’s not a surprise why Ta’meya is such a popular Egyptian food – it’s packed with loads of unique, fresh flavors.

Here’s a great Egyptian Tameya Recipe – for the best falafel in the world!

3. Koshari

Koshary or Koshari is one of the most traditional Egyptian foods, if not its national dish.

It is popularly found on the streets of Egypt served from carts and restaurants and it’s a cheap and filling meal – a total carb bomb!

A layering of rice, macaroni, lentils, and chickpeas topped off with caramelized onions, thick red sauce, and a garlic/chili/vinegar/ sauce.

Here’s everything you need to know about Koshari (Recipe, History, etc.).

It is indeed an interesting mix, but surprisingly delicious and one of my go-to’s when I don’t have much time but am huuuungry! Never disappoints, I love it.

Psst: If I eat it at home, I absolutely love adding some yogurt on the side as a nice balance to the spices – but don’t tell your Egyptian friends, 99% of them think this is a crime 😉

4. Mahshi

Mahshi is a favorite dish in Egypt and great for vegetarian travelers.

Mahshi is basically vegetables of choice stuffed with a rice filling, such as zucchini, eggplants, bell peppers, tomatoes, cabbage leaves, or grapevine leaves (similar to Greek dolma).

The filling consists of rice, herbs (parsley, cilantro, and dill), tomato sauce with seasoning and a touch of cinnamon. Some people like to add minced meat to the filling for a generous meal.

Mahshi is definitely a dish you have to try when in Egypt. You will fall in love, it’s one of my favorites!

5. Shawarma

Shawarma is such a popular street food that you’ve probably tried it before, it’s one of those meat dishes that you’ll find in many countries.

Originally, it comes from the famous Greek gyros, but of course, the Egyptians put their twist on it.

Shawarma is made up of a choice of either chicken or beef marinated with Middle Eastern spices and cooks all day on the spit with a fat melting on top.

The meat is shaved off and put into a wrap where it’s wrapped to perfection.

Typically, as Egyptian food, it is served with tahini (sesame sauce). The chicken version comes with tomaya (garlic sauce).

It’s a quick meal but a healthier alternative to fast food and it won’t put a dent in your pocket.

6. Macaroni Béchamel

Macaroni Béchamel is a classic Egyptian comfort food that will leave you satisfied for a while!

Basically, it’s Egypt’s version of lasagna or macaroni and cheese.

Made with rigatoni noodles, minced meat cooked in chopped onion and tomato paste, topped with the traditional béchamel sauce.

It’s hard to not go for seconds. This Egyptian pasta dish will probably be served when you’re invited to a family’s home, it’s a classic.

 

7. Molokhia

Molokhia is a very traditional Egyptian dish, and you either hate it or love it (unfortunately, although I’m vegetarian, I belong to the first group).

It’s a stew made up of a leafy green, cut into tiny pieces and prepared in chicken, beef or seafood broth mixed with ground coriander and fried garlic.

Generally served with rice, bread, and choice of chicken, beef or seafood. The way this dish is made depends on the region in Egypt.

Cities along the coast like Alexandria might eat molokhia with shrimp or fish.

Molokhia is named after the leafy green that the stew consists of, also known as jute mallow (corchorus olitorius).

It’s packed with essential vitamins such as iron and potassium, Vitamin C, & Vitamin B6 and therefor a great, healthy Egyptian food.

 

8. Fattah

Fattah goes all the way back to ancient Egypt where it was served in big feasts, and celebrations such as weddings or the birth of a new baby.

Still today, Fattah is a famous Egyptian dish in the first day of the Islamic feast (Eid-al-adha). It is a combination of crispy bread, rice, meat, and vinegar/tomato sauce.

For special occasions, the meat used is lamb but on any other ordinary day beef is used. It’s also commonly seen eaten the Lebanese way with rotisserie chicken and tomaya.

Although it’s a simple dish, it is satisfying and you won’t be disappointed if you’re a meat lover.

9. Feseekh

Feseekh is a hit or miss with even the Egyptian people!

It is fermented mullet fish, prepared by letting the fish dry in the sun and then soaked in salty water for up to a month.

It’s famously eaten in the Spring celebration known as Sham El Nessim. Feseekh is the main dish, eaten and served with fresh-cut salad and pita bread.

If you are brave enough to try it, maybe you will like it. One thing is for sure – this dish will take you back to the history of ancient Egyptian food since back then, there were no fridges to keep fish fresh and salt was one of the few methods available for conserving food.

From as salty as it gets, to as sweet as it gets: Let’s finish of this Egyptian Food Tour with yummy desserts!

10. Roz Bel Laban

Roz Bel Laban translates to “rice with milk” – it’s Egypt’s version of rice pudding. If you’re a fan of rice pudding, you will love it.

The rice is cooked in milk, sometimes cream (ishta), and sugar. The traditional version is topped with pistachio pieces, if it’s sold as street food it’s probably plain though.

A simple and satisfying dessert that pretty much everyone loves – I’d encourage you to try the Egyptian version!

11. Umm Ali

Umm Ali (Om Ali), is translated to “Ali’s Mother”.

A traditional dish that you’ll find on most dessert menus in Egyptian restaurants. It goes back to the 13th century, legend has it that Sultan Ezz El Din Aybak’s wife made it for a victory celebration where it was made and shared amongst people of the land.

Since then it became famously known after her.

A hearty dessert combined with sweet flavors of bread (puff pastry), milk, and sugar – Egypt’s version of bread pudding.

It’s commonly topped with a mix of raisins, nuts, and coconut pieces. And served while hot.

It is no surprise why it’s a hit, it is delicious and of those dishes you need to try. 

12. Konafa

The queen of sweet Egyptian desserts: made of shredded konafa pieces, filled with cream or cheese, baked and eaten with syrup.

You will find konafa eaten during gatherings while celebrating the holy month of Ramadan. In tourist places, it’s almost always available.

There are many variations that are all equally satisfying. It is also very common to find Syrian konafa on the streets of Egypt and it is to die for – if you can handle the amount of sugar 😉

Konafa will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth and win your heart in the world of sweet traditional Egyptian food.

13. Sahlab

Egypt’s sweet warm and thick drink is my personal favorite – A luscious treat that’ll warm you right up! It can be served in a cup or, more often, in a glass like a milkshake.

Its base is hot milk mixed with pure orchid root powder which is what gives it its flavourful taste and thickness.

Sahlab can be conveniently made with instant sachets that already contain this powder and other ingredients like vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon.

In case you fall in love with this dessert, you’ll find it in most supermarkets so you can easily take it home and enjoy it in the cold winter months while you remember your trip to Egypt and miss the sun 😉

You can have some fun with it and add the toppings that you like, me personally I love it with banana, mango, or strawberries.

Traditionally, Sahlab is topped with a pinch of cinnamon, shredded coconut, crushed pistachio, and maybe even some raisins.

For me, it’s the best Egyptian dessert there is and my go-to treat.

Want to see an Egyptian street food tour? Here’s a nice video of 24 hours of eating in Cairo (it’s not me):

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Best Egyptian Food Recipes:

Koshari Recipe – Egypt’s national dish

Egyptian Falafel Recipe (Tameya)

FAQ on Traditional Egyptian Food:

Q: What are some must-try traditional Egyptian dishes?

A: You can’t go wrong with classics like Koshari, Ful Medames, and Molokhia. And of course, don’t miss out on the amazing flavors of Mahshi and Hawawshi!

Q: Where can I find the best traditional Egyptian food in Cairo?

A: For an authentic culinary experience, head to local markets like Khan El Khalili or visit traditional restaurants like Felfela or Abu Tarek for a taste of genuine Egyptian cuisine.

Q: What are some popular vegetarian dishes in Egypt?

A: If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll love dishes like Ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), Stuffed Grape Leaves (Mahshi), and the Fatta version with Eggplant. These are just a few examples of the delicious vegetarian options available in Egypt.

Q: Can you recommend some traditional Egyptian desserts?

A: Indulge in the sweetness of Umm Ali, Sahleb, and Kunafa. These delectable desserts are a perfect way to end any traditional Egyptian meal.

Q: What should I know before planning a food tour in Egypt?

A: Make sure to try a variety of dishes, from hearty meat pies to flavorful rice and tomato sauce-based meals. Also, don’t forget to explore the vibrant street food scene for a truly authentic taste of Egypt.

Q: How can I experience the best of Egyptian cuisine during my trip to Egypt?

A: Embrace the food culture by visiting local eateries, attending cooking classes, and exploring food markets. Interacting with locals and trying different dishes is the key to savoring the essence of Egyptian cuisine.

Q: What are some traditional Egyptian dishes I should try during my visit to Egypt?

A: Don’t miss out on iconic dishes such as Kofta, Mulukhiyah, and Fattah. These are just a few examples of the tantalizing flavors you’ll encounter in Egypt.

Q: Where can I find the top traditional Egyptian food guide for my trip?

A: Look for comprehensive guides online, or consider hiring a local guide who can lead you to the best culinary experiences. You can also discover hidden culinary gems by asking locals for recommendations. Most people enjoy getting to meet foreigners and will make you feel right at home.

Q: Are there any typical Egyptian dishes that I shouldn’t miss?

A: Absolutely! Some must-try dishes include Kushari, Shawarma, and Roz Bel Laban. These classics are an essential part of experiencing the diverse and vibrant food culture of Egypt.

Q: What are some delicious Egyptian meat dishes I should try?

A: You’ll love exploring dishes like Kebda Iskandarani, Hawawshi, and Kofta. These savory meat dishes are rich in flavor and offer a true taste of Egyptian culinary tradition.

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Egyptian Food Favorites – Pin for later:

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If you’re traveling to Egypt, be sure you make the most of your trip by reading my other articles. I’ve been based here since 2016 and learned a lot that will help you 🙂

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• Traditional Egyptian Food 
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• Traveling to a Muslim country during Ramadan? Here’s what you need to know!