Egyptian Food: Delicious Dishes and Drinks You Need to Try

Key Takeaways

Category	Highlights
Appetisers	Fava Beans and Ta’meya, Baladi Bread, Sambousek
Main Courses	Koshari, Ful Medames, Hawawshi, Kebda Iskandarani, Molokhia, Shakshuka, Feteer Meshaltet, Hamam Mahshi, Feseekh
Desserts	Umm Ali, Basbousa, Kushari Rice Pudding, Qatayef, Konafa
Non-Alcoholic Drinks	Karkadeh, Shai, Sahlab, Qamar Al-Din, Erk Sous
Alcoholic Drinks	Stella Local Beer, Zibib (Egyptian Arak), Egyptian Wine

Appetisers and Breads

Fava Beans and Ta’meya

Ta’meya, the Egyptian version of falafel, is made with fava beans instead of chickpeas. Often served with fresh bread, tahini sauce, and pickles, Ta’meya offers a crunchy, flavourful start to any meal, making it a popular street food and appetiser.

Baladi Bread

Baladi Bread, a traditional Egyptian bread made from whole wheat flour, features a hearty, chewy texture. Baked in a clay oven, this flatbread often accompanies a variety of dishes, including Ful Medames and Molokhia, providing a staple on the Egyptian table.

Sambousek

Sambousek, a popular appetiser, consists of deep-fried pastries filled with minced meat, cheese, or vegetables. These crispy, savoury treats serve as a perfect starter or snack, ideal for sharing among friends and family.

Main Courses

Koshari

Koshari ranks as one of the most popular Egyptian dishes. This vegetarian dish combines rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, all topped with tangy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. The mix of textures and flavours creates a filling and flavourful experience that locals and visitors love.

Ful Medames

Ful Medames stands as a staple in Egyptian cuisine, often enjoyed for breakfast. Slow-cooked fava beans, seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices, make up this nutritious dish. Typically served with bread and fresh vegetables, Ful Medames offers a satisfying start to the day.

Hawawshi (Arayes)

For meat lovers, Hawawshi offers a must-try experience. This dish features pita bread stuffed with spiced ground meat, onions, and herbs, then baked or grilled until crispy. Enjoy Hawawshi as a deliciously savoury lunch or quick snack.

Kebda Iskandarani

Kebda Iskandarani, or Alexandrian liver, ranks high among Egyptian street foods. Grilled or fried liver, seasoned with garlic, cumin, and chilli, brings robust and spicy flavours. It’s usually served with bread and tahini sauce, offering a delightful taste of Egyptian cuisine.

Molokhia

Molokhia presents a unique dish made from jute leaves, cooked into a green, slimy soup rich in flavour. Served with rice or bread and often accompanied by chicken or rabbit, Molokhia provides an earthy, herbal taste that many locals cherish.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka, a popular Middle Eastern dish, also enjoys widespread popularity in Egypt. Eggs poached in a rich, spiced tomato sauce with onions and peppers create a hearty meal, often served with bread for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.

Feteer Meshaltet

Feteer Meshaltet offers a versatile dish enjoyed as a main course or dessert. This layered pastry can contain savoury fillings like cheese and meat or sweet fillings such as honey and nuts. Its flaky, buttery texture makes it a delightful treat anytime.

Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Pigeon)

Hamam Mahshi serves as a traditional Egyptian delicacy where pigeons are stuffed with rice or freekeh (a type of wheat) and spices, then roasted or grilled. Often served during special occasions, this dish represents a gourmet treat in Egyptian cuisine.

Desserts

Umm Ali

Umm Ali, similar to bread pudding, offers a sweet finish to any meal. Layers of phyllo dough, milk, cream, and a generous mix of nuts bake to golden perfection. Served warm, Umm Ali brings comfort and sweetness in every bite.

Basbousa

Basbousa, a semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup, often comes flavoured with coconut or almonds. This dense, moist dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, offering a balanced sweetness that makes it a favourite among those who love Egyptian sweets.

Kushari Rice Pudding

Kushari Rice Pudding provides a sweet, creamy dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. Often served cold and topped with nuts and raisins, this treat cools you down after a hot day in Egypt.

Qatayef

Qatayef, especially popular during Ramadan, features small, stuffed pancakes filled with sweet cheese or nuts, then fried and drizzled with syrup. The combination of crunchy and soft textures makes Qatayef a must-try sweet in Egypt.

Konafa

Konafa, made from thin, shredded phyllo dough soaked in sweet syrup, layers with cream, cheese, or nuts. Its crispy texture and rich filling make Konafa a favourite dessert during festive occasions in Egypt.

Drinks

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Karkadeh, made from hibiscus flowers, ranks as a popular cold beverage in Egypt. Known for its ruby red colour and tart flavour, Karkadeh often comes chilled with sugar and ice, making it a refreshing choice during Egypt’s hot summers.
• Shai, or Egyptian tea, holds a special place in Egyptian culture. This black tea, often enjoyed with mint leaves and sugar, serves as a staple in Egyptian households. Typically served after meals, Shai aids digestion and complements the rich dishes of Egyptian cuisine.
• Sahlab, a hot drink made from milk and orchid root powder, flavoured with rosewater, and garnished with nuts and coconut flakes, provides a creamy, comforting experience. Popular during colder months, Sahlab often serves as a dessert in itself.
• Qamar Al-Din, a traditional Egyptian drink made from dried apricot paste, often appears during Ramadan. This sweet and tangy beverage usually comes cold, offering a refreshing and energising break from the summer heat.
• Erk Sous, a traditional Egyptian drink made from liquorice root, finds popularity during the holy month of Ramadan. Its strong, distinctive flavour and medicinal properties, such as aiding digestion, make Erk Sous a unique choice among Egyptian beverages.

Alcoholic Drinks

• Stella Local Beer, one of the oldest and most popular beers in Egypt, offers a light lager enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Despite limited alcohol consumption due to cultural and religious reasons, Stella remains a common sight in restaurants and bars serving alcohol.
• Zibib (Egyptian Arak), the Egyptian version of Arak, provides a traditional Middle Eastern alcoholic drink made from grapes and aniseed. This strong, clear spirit often comes diluted with water and enjoyed during social gatherings.
• Egyptian Wine, with a history dating back to ancient times, offers a unique taste experience. Today, several locally produced wines, often made from grapes grown in the fertile Nile Delta, pair well with the country’s rich cuisine, offering a taste of Egypt’s winemaking heritage.

Preparing for Your Culinary Adventure in Egypt

Before you dive into the wonders of Egyptian food, make sure to check out our trip preparation list. Proper planning allows you to focus on discovering and enjoying the best of Egyptian cuisine without worries.

When packing for a trip that includes sampling traditional Egyptian dishes, our packing tips for travellers ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Don’t forget to include a medical kit with essentials that might come in handy during your travels.

Also, review our guide on things to do before going on holiday to make sure everything is in order. This will allow you to indulge in the diverse flavours of traditional Egyptian cuisine without any last-minute concerns.

Make the Most of Your Trip with the Ready Set Holiday! App

The Ready Set Holiday! app serves as your perfect travel companion. With features that help you countdown to your holiday, and prepare for your trip, it ensures a stress-free experience. Whether you plan to dive into Egyptian foods or explore other aspects of this fascinating country, the app provides all the tools you need for an unforgettable holiday. Download it now and get ready to discover the flavours of Egypt!

Conclusion

Egyptian food offers a rich tapestry of flavours and textures, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural influences.

As you prepare for your journey, equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge to fully enjoy the culinary delights awaiting you in Egypt. Happy travels!