Summary

• This in-depth culinary guide takes readers on a flavorful journey through Egypt’s diverse and time-honored cuisine.
• Curated by expert tour guides and local travel consultants, it highlights 25+ iconic dishes that define Egyptian gastronomy—from the street-favorite koshari and hearty ful medames to sweet delights like basbousa, konafa, and Umm Ali.
• The article also sheds light on cultural significance, ingredients, preparation methods, and where to find the best authentic flavors in Cairo.

The Types of Foods in Egypt are countless, offering every traveler the chance to taste some delicious cuisine as old and classy as time itself. The food of Egypt will offer a deep look into the heart and soul of Egyptian society, culinary arts, and the creative manner in which the Egyptians of all ages were able to create their famous cuisines.

This article’s main purpose is to showcase all the wonderful foods of Egypt so our clients can experience every sweet bite of Egypt’s rich culinary arts. This article is written by our team of tour guides and travel consultants who have gathered this information from their own knowledge and experience.

Egypt is not only famous for its ancient monuments, culture, and resorts, but it is also famous for its fabulous food and other beautiful things. With every bite from our delicious cuisine, every traveler will get to travel back in time and space across 4000 years and witness all the culinary arts from all the corners of the globe combined into one dish served in front of you across all the countless restaurants of Egypt. Egypt has been blessed with the food of the gods, which explains why Egypt can be found on the travel bucket list of travelers from all over the world, which are:

1. Kushari

Kushari is a beloved Egyptian vegan dish with deep roots in Egyptian culinary history, believed to have originated in the early Islamic era. This hearty dish combines rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and a rich tomato sauce, creating a medley of textures and flavors. Fried onions top the dish, adding a crispy contrast. Kushari’s unique mix of carbohydrates has made it Egypt’s most popular street food and a staple lunch option. It’s comforting, filling, and packed with protein, making it ideal for sustaining energy throughout the day.

Ingredients of Kushari:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 cup elbow pasta
• 1/2 cup chickpeas (cooked)
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation of Kushari:

1. Boil the lentils until tender and cook the rice and pasta separately.
2. In a pan, fry the onions until crispy and golden, then set aside.
3. Prepare the sauce by sautéing garlic in oil, then add tomato sauce, vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble by layering rice, lentils, and pasta. Add chickpeas, top with tomato sauce, and garnish with fried onions.

2. Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)

Ta’meya, or Egyptian falafel, is a widely loved breakfast staple and street food in Egypt, crafted from fava beans instead of the chickpeas commonly used in other regions. Known for its ancient Egyptian roots, ta’meya is a vegan-friendly option that’s filled with flavorful spices. The mixture is formed into small patties, coated in sesame seeds, and deep-fried to perfection, creating a crunchy exterior with a soft, herbaceous interior. Often served with tahini sauce, fresh Egyptian bread, and crisp salads, it’s a deliciously satisfying start to any day.

Ingredients of Falafel:

• 1 cup dried fava beans, soaked overnight
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• Salt, pepper, and sesame seeds for garnish

Preparation of Falafel:

1. Grind the soaked fava beans, herbs, onion, and garlic into a smooth mixture.
2. Season with coriander, salt, and pepper. Form into small discs.
3. Dip in sesame seeds and fry until crispy. Serve with tahini sauce, bread, and salad.

3. Ful

Ful Medames is an iconic Egyptian dish enjoyed for breakfast across Egypt every morning. This nutritious and hearty vegan dish consists of mashed fava beans slowly cooked to a creamy consistency and flavored with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices like cumin. A handful of fresh herbs or chopped vegetables often tops it, giving a burst of freshness. Ful is a time-honored meal that has been traced back to ancient Egypt, symbolizing tradition and providing a rich source of protein and fiber.

Ingredients of Ful:

• 2 cups fava beans, soaked and cooked
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Lemon juice
• Salt, cumin, and chili pepper to taste

Preparation of Ful:

1. Mash cooked fava beans, mix with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Season with salt, cumin, and chili. Serve warm with fresh bread.

4. Hawawshi (Egyptian Meat Pie)

Hawawshi is a savory Egyptian meat pie, traditionally filled with seasoned minced beef, onions, peppers, and a blend of spices. This filling is stuffed into pita bread or a crusty loaf and then baked or grilled until the bread is golden and the meat juicy and flavorful. Hawawshi is a satisfying meal often served with a side of tahini sauce or a simple salad, and its warm, spiced aroma makes it a favorite comfort food among locals.

Ingredients of Hawawshi:

• 1 loaf Egyptian bread
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• Salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder to taste

Preparation of Hawawshi:

1. Mix beef with spices and onion. Stuff the mixture into the bread.
2. Bake until meat is cooked and bread is crisp. Serve with salad and sauce.

5. Shwarma

Egyptian Shawarma, though influenced by Ottoman cuisine, has firmly embedded itself into Egypt’s food culture. Traditionally made with marinated meat such as beef, lamb, or chicken, the meat is sliced thinly, layered on a rotating spit, and grilled until tender. The smoky, juicy slices are typically served in warm pita with fresh parsley, tomatoes, onions, and a drizzle of tahini or garlic sauce. Syrian-owned sandwich parlors are known for serving the best shawarma in Egypt, offering an unforgettable experience with each bite.

Ingredients of Shawarma:

• 1 lb meat (chicken, beef, or lamb), thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tsp vinegar
• Spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, and pepper

Preparation of Shawarma:

• Marinate meat with yogurt, vinegar, and spices for several hours.
• Grill on a rotisserie until crispy. Serve wrapped in flatbread with chopped vegetables.

6. Kabab & Kofta (Grilled Meats)

Kabab and Kofta are essential Egyptian dishes for meat lovers, usually made from marinated lamb or beef. The meat is shaped into skewers or patties, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, and grilled over hot charcoal to achieve a smoky flavor. Served with fresh pita bread, tahini, baba ghanoush, and an array of salads, Kabab and Kofta offer a flavorful experience that’s rich in tradition and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients of Kabab and Kofta:

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, pepper, cumin

Preparation of Kabab and Kofta:

1. Mix ingredients, form into logs or cubes.
2. Grill over charcoal. Serve with tahini and salad.

7. Mulukhiya

Mulukhiya is a uniquely Egyptian dish made from finely chopped jute leaves, cooked with garlic and coriander in a rich meat broth, often chicken, beef, or rabbit. This green, viscous stew is typically served with rice or bread and offers a unique texture and earthy taste beloved by Egyptians. Mulukhiya has a distinct aroma and is often enjoyed during family gatherings, carrying a strong cultural significance.

Ingredients of Mulukhiya:

• 1 lb mulukhiya leaves, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken or beef stock
• Salt, coriander

Preparation of Mulukhiya:

1. Cook mulukhiya in stock with garlic and spices until tender.
2. Serve with rice or bread.

8. Fatta

Fatta is a celebratory Egyptian dish traditionally prepared for special occasions like births and weddings. It features layers of crispy pita bread and rice soaked in garlic and vinegar-infused meat broth. Large chunks of stewed beef or lamb are then added, creating a hearty, comforting dish. Fatta is a flavorful blend of textures and flavors, often enjoyed as a symbol of hospitality and festivity.

Ingredients of Fatta:

• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups beef stock
• Fried pita bread pieces
• Garlic, vinegar, and spices

Preparation of Fatta:

• Layer rice and bread, pour stock, and season with garlic sauce.

9. Roasted Stuffed Pigeons

Stuffed pigeons, or “Hammam Mahshi,” are a gourmet delicacy in Egypt, often reserved for special gatherings. Pigeons are carefully cleaned, stuffed with spiced rice or a cracked wheat mixture, and then roasted or grilled to perfection. This dish has a delicate, rich flavor and is a luxurious treat that showcases the Egyptian flair for cooking with precision and care.

Ingredients of Stuffed Pigeons:

• 2 pigeons, cleaned
• Rice stuffing with nuts and spices

Preparation of Stuffed Pigeons:

1. Stuff pigeons with rice mixture.
2. Roast until skin is crispy.

10. Beserah

Beserah is a vegan-friendly dish enjoyed across Egypt for its simple yet rich flavors. This creamy green dip combines herbs like parsley, dill, and leek with fava beans and spices, creating a smooth texture and a fresh, earthy taste. Topped with fried onions, Beserah is traditionally served with warm bread and is a nutritious choice packed with vitamins and flavor.

Ingredients of Beserah:

• Green puree with parsley, leek, dill, fava beans

Preparation of Beserah:

• Blend ingredients, simmer with spices.

11. Baba Ganoush

This famous Middle Eastern dish is a staple in Egyptian cuisine, made with roasted eggplant blended with garlic, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil. The result is a creamy, smoky dip perfect as an appetizer or a side dish. With its origins tracing back to Lebanon, Baba Ganoush has found a place in Egyptian hearts and plates, adding a unique flavor profile to any meal.

Ingredients of Baba Ganoush:

• Eggplant, roasted
• Garlic, tahini, lemon juice

Preparation of Baba Ganoush:

• Mash roasted eggplant with garlic, tahini, and lemon.

12. Alexandria liver and Sausages

A popular street food in Alexandria, this dish features tender slices of beef liver sautéed with onions, green peppers, and a mix of spices, often served with pickles. Egyptian sausages are similarly cooked with tomatoes and spices, creating a robust and satisfying flavor. This dish is a testament to Alexandria’s culinary inventiveness and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients of Alexandria liver and Sausages:

• Cow liver, sliced
• Onion, garlic, tomato, pepper

Preparation of Alexandria liver and Sausages:

1. Stir-fry liver with spices.
2. Serve with pickles.

13. Sayadiyah Fish

Sayadiyah fish is a signature dish of Egypt’s coastal cities, made with fresh fish like sea bass or bluefish cooked with rice, onions, spices, and a light tomato sauce. This dish has a fragrant, spicy aroma and is typically enjoyed by the sea, offering a true taste of Egypt’s marine heritage.

Ingredients of Sayadiyah fish:

• White fish, onions, rice, spices

Preparation of Sayadiyah fish:

• Sauté onions, cook fish with rice and spices.

14. Baklava

Baklava is a decadent dessert with thin layers of filo dough filled with crushed nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. Known for its flaky texture and delightful sweetness, baklava is a festive treat enjoyed across Egypt, often during celebrations or as a luxurious dessert option.

Ingredients of Baklava:

• Filo dough, nuts, syrup

Preparation of Baklava:

• Layer dough and nuts, bake, then drizzle syrup.

15. Basboosa

Basboosa is a light, crumbly cake made from semolina and sweetened with syrup, often flavored with coconut. This simple yet delightful dessert is moist and rich, with each bite melting in the mouth, making it a favorite treat for special occasions and casual gatherings alike.

Ingredients of Basboosa:

• Semolina, yogurt, syrup

Preparation of Basboosa:

• Bake semolina mixture, top with syrup.

16. Konafa

Konafa is a distinctive Egyptian dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry, filled with nuts or sweet cheese, baked until golden, and drizzled with syrup. With a crunchy exterior and a soft filling, it’s a dessert often enjoyed during Ramadan, symbolizing celebration and tradition.

Ingredients of Konafa:

• Semolina noodles, nuts, syrup

Preparation of Konafa:

• Layer noodles with nuts, bake, and top with syrup.

17.Kahk

Kahk, Egypt’s oldest dessert, dates back to the Pharaonic era. These butter-based cookies are filled with date paste, nuts, or Turkish delight and dusted with powdered sugar. Kahk has a deep cultural significance and is traditionally prepared for Eid celebrations, symbolizing unity and joy.

Ingredients of Kahk:

• Butter, flour, fillings (dates, nuts)

Preparation of Kahk:

• Fill dough with fillings, bake, then coat with powdered sugar.

18. Mahalabiya

Mahalabiya is a silky rice pudding delicately flavored with rosewater and topped with cinnamon or nuts. Its smooth, light texture and aromatic taste make it a beloved dessert in Egypt, often enjoyed after meals or on warm evenings.

Ingredients of Mahalabiya:

• Milk, rice flour, rosewater, nuts

Preparation of Mahalabiya:

• Cook milk and rice flour, flavor with rosewater.

19. Umm Ali

Umm Ali, a classic Egyptian dessert, resembles bread pudding. Layers of puff pastry are combined with milk, nuts, raisins, and sugar, then baked to golden perfection. This rich, warm dessert holds a special place in Egyptian cuisine and is served on festive occasions.

Ingredients of Umm Ali:

• Puff pastry, milk, nuts

Preparation of Umm Ali:

• Layer pastry with milk and bake.

20. Feteer Meshaltet

Feteer Meshaltet is a flaky Egyptian pastry originating from rural Egypt. Known for its light, buttery layers, it can be enjoyed plain or with sweet or savory fillings like honey, cheese, or fruits. This versatile pastry is loved for its rich flavor and delicate texture.

Ingredients of Feteer Meshaltet:

• Flour, water, fillings (cream, cheese)

Preparation of Feteer Meshaltet:

• Roll and layer dough, bake with chosen fillings.

21. Sweet Goulash

Sweet Goulash is a popular dessert originating from Morocco and Turkey. Made with filo dough filled with sweet cream and nuts, it’s baked and soaked in syrup. This bite-sized dessert is a favorite at gatherings, showcasing the fusion of Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients of Sweet Goulash:

• Filo dough, cream, syrup, nuts

Preparation of Sweet Goulash:

• Fill filo with cream, bake, and soak with syrup.

22. Rice Pudding

Egyptian rice pudding is a comforting dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar, then flavored with cinnamon and garnished with nuts or raisins. This creamy, chilled dessert is a staple in Egyptian homes and is cherished for its nostalgic flavor.

Ingredients of Rice Pudding:

• Rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon

Preparation of Rice Pudding:

• Cook rice with milk, chill, then garnish.

23. Zalabya

Zalabya, also known as “Egyptian doughnuts,” are golden, crispy dough balls soaked in syrup or honey and dusted with powdered sugar or chocolate. These bite-sized treats are perfect for festive occasions and family gatherings, offering a sweet, chewy experience.

Ingredients of Zalabya:

• Dough balls, syrup

Preparation of Zalabya:

• Fry dough, then soak in syrup.

24. Qatayef

Qatayef is a traditional dessert enjoyed during Ramadan. These stuffed mini-pancakes are filled with nuts, cream, or cheese, deep-fried to golden perfection, and soaked in syrup. Qatayef’s chewy, sweet texture makes it a favorite among Egyptians, bringing people together during special celebrations.

Ingredients of Qatayef:

• Mini pancakes, fillings (cream, nuts)

Preparation of Qatayef:

• Fill, fold, and deep-fry pancakes.

25. Bakes Sweet Potato

Baked Sweet Potatoes are a natural, wholesome dessert option popular on Egyptian streets. These sweet potatoes are baked until tender and sometimes topped with ice cream, caramel, or nuts, creating a warm, comforting treat perfect for cold evenings.

Ingredients of Baked Sweet Potatoes:

• Sweet potatoes, optional toppings (ice cream, caramel)

Preparation of Baked Sweet Potatoes:

• Bake sweet potatoes, top as desired.