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Embarking on a culinary journey through Egypt promises an explosion of flavors, aromas, and textures that will stimulate your taste buds like never before. From savoring the iconic street food staple, koshari, to indulging in the aromatic delights of karkadeh tea, Egypt's culinary scene is vibrant and worth a detour! In this guide, we're unveiling the must-try foods and drinks that embody the essence of Egypt's rich gastronomic heritage.
Koshari
Koshari is a beloved Egyptian comfort food and a kind of national dish that brings together a colorful medley of flavors and textures in one hearty dish. It typically consists of a base of rice and lentils, topped with chickpeas, macaroni, and a tangy tomato sauce. I explain this dish as 'carbs on carbs with more carbs' with fried onions sprinkled on top. Once served you can spread garlic vinegar and spicy chili sauce over it for an extra kick. It is a must-try dish when in Egypt.
Hawashi
Hawashi is a popular Egyptian street food that's essentially a spiced meat mixture stuffed into a pita or bread roll. The filling usually consists of ground beef or lamb seasoned (or a mix of both) with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and garlic. Once cooked, the aromatic hawashi is often enjoyed as a quick and satisfying snack on the go. If you are a meat lover, you will like this for sure!
Kofta (in all shapes and forms)
Kofta, a staple in Egyptian cuisine, refers to seasoned ground meat – commonly beef or lamb – shaped into small, elongated patties or skewered and grilled to perfection. The meat is typically seasoned with a blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and parsley, resulting in a juicy and flavorful kofta that pairs perfectly with rice, bread, or salads. My personal favorite thing about kofta is its smokey flavor coming from the grill.
Egyptian Falafel
Egyptian falafel is a delightful variation of the popular Middle Eastern dish. Mainly made from ground fava beans and a few chickpeas blended with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro but we were told also 'anything that is of the color green on the market that day', as well as spices such as cumin and coriander, Egyptian falafel boasts a vibrant green with a crispy crust. Served in pita bread with tahini sauce and salad or on a breakfast plate, it's a delicious vegetarian option bursting with flavor, trust me you will love it!
Baba Ganoush Egyptian Style
Baba ganoush, a classic Middle Eastern dish, gets an Egyptian twist with the addition of local ingredients and flavors such as coriander. Roasted eggplant forms the base of this creamy dip, which is then blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a rich and savory taste. Often garnished with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds, Egyptian baba ganoush is a versatile spread that pairs perfectly with bread or vegetables.
On our first day in Egypt, we went on a Food Tour in Cairo with A Chef's Tour and it was one of the best decisions we've made on our trip. We had the chance to try many of the dishes mentioned here in areas of the city free of tourists. A pure local experience that we cannot recommend enough! You can find our experience in a nutshell below:
Moussaka
Moussaka in Egypt differs from the more commonly known Greek version. Egyptian moussaka comes with layers of thinly sliced eggplant, potatoes, and optionally ground meat topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish is bursting with flavors from aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, making it a hearty and satisfying dish.
Fish Tagine
Fish tagine is a delightful seafood dish that's popular along Egypt's coastal regions and by the river Nile. Fresh fish, such as red snapper or sea bass, is marinated in a fragrant blend of spices and herbs, then simmered with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers in a clay pot known as a tagine. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tender and flavorful fish stew that's perfect for sharing. This is one of our favorite meals we've had during our trip. We had ours in Aswan by the Nile with fish caught directly in the river. I highly recommend trying this dish at least once!
Om Ali
Om Ali, also known as Umm Ali, is a traditional Egyptian dessert that's rich in history and flavor. This indulgent treat features layers of phyllo pastry, nuts, and raisins soaked in sweetened milk or cream, then baked until golden and bubbly. Once out of the oven, it's often drizzled with a luscious syrup made from sugar, butter, and vanilla, creating a decadent dessert that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The ones we had were either covered with Biscoff or with a kind of Nutella. Trust me this is heaven in your mouth, I never heard of this before and we both are completely addicted now.
Lemon & Mint Juice
Lemon and mint juice is a refreshing beverage that's popular across Egypt, especially during the scorching summer months. Made from freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and a generous handful of fresh mint leaves, this zesty and aromatic drink is the perfect heat killer. Sweetened with sugar or honey to taste, it's a thirst-quenching delight that's both revitalizing and invigorating.
Karkadeh
Karkadeh, also known as hibiscus tea, is a ruby-red herbal infusion that's enjoyed hot or cold throughout Egypt. Considering that temperatures went up to 47 Celcius when we were in Egypt I drank it cold only and it was extremely refreshing. Made from dried hibiscus flowers brewed in water and sweetened with sugar, karkadeh has this tangy flavor with floral undertones that will get you addicted.
