When visiting Egypt, there’s no better time to try authentic Egyptian food. With a rich culinary heritage, Egypt’s vibrant food culture has a lot to offer, especially to those with an adventurous palate. So if you’re planning a holiday to Egypt any time soon, here are the 5 very best Egyptian foods you simply have to try.
Koshari – Egypt’s beloved street food
Koshari is a hearty, flavourful dish made with rice, lentils, chickpeas, crispy onions, and more. A staple of Egyptian cuisine, it’s a must-try for visitors seeking an authentic local experience. Also known as Koshary, this cheap but filling dish is an absolutely incredible combination of Egyptian, Italian, and Indian cuisines.
While there are many places you can try Koshari across Egypt, you’ll find some of the best options in the capital of Cairo. Abou Tarek gets a special mention, as your servers will typically go above and beyond to ensure you have a truly memorable experience.
Ful Medames – A traditional breakfast favourite
Looking for an exceptional morning meal? You’ll likely want a Ful Medames, which consists of slow-cooked fava beans, seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and lemon. If this traditional Egyptian breakfast sounds heavenly, that’s because it is.
If you’re on the hunt for the best Ful Medames, you’ll want to check the street vendors in Luxor. Cooked fresh in copper pots to enhance the flavour, they’re sure to draw a crowd.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask the locals for their recommendations. They typically know which vendors offer the best, most authentic options.
Molokhia – Green soup of the Pharaohs
This green, savoury soup is typically made from jute leaves, garlic, and coriander. Served with either rice or bread, this type of stew was once widely recognised as the ‘food of the kings’. That’s because Molokhia has been eaten since Ancient Egypt, with jute leaves even appearing on some tomb paintings.
If you decide to have some yourself, you might be surprised to learn that this dish has exceptional nutritional value.
Feteer Meshaltet – Egypt’s layered pastry delight
Either a savoury snack or a sweet treat, depending on the fillings, Feteer Meshaltet is a wonderful layered pastry commonly available from both street vendors and traditional bakeries. With similarities to Filo, Feteer Meshaltet is also made up of multiple layers of a thin pastry.
While it’s currently considered a symbol of hospitality in Egypt, during Ancient Egypt, it was frequently placed in temples as an offering to the gods.
Shawarma – Middle Eastern classic with an Egyptian twist
While you may be familiar with shawarma from local Greek and other Middle Eastern restaurants, the version you find in Egypt is unlike any other. By using fresh citruses, like lemons and oranges, in the marinade this helps provide a unique flavour. Additionally, the Egyptian version uses a unique combination of spices, typically with leaner meats, making it a dish you simply have to try.
