What to Eat in Egypt: A Food Lover’s Guide to Egyptian Cuisine

If you’re wondering what to eat in Egypt, you’re in for a flavorful journey! Egyptian cuisine is rich in history, with recipes passed down through generations, offering a mix of hearty, savory dishes and sweet delights that reflect the country’s diverse culture. We were pleasantly surprised by the food in Egypt, and are excited to share our experience with you.

From iconic dishes like koshari and ful medames to lesser-known local treats, Egypt’s food scene is packed with bold flavors and generous portions. Whether you're exploring street food stalls or dining in traditional restaurants, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful country.

This Egypt food guide will help you discover the must-try dishes and share fun tips for being a foodie here. Get ready to savor the best of Egyptian cuisine and enjoy an unforgettable culinary adventure!

Egypt Food Guide: the Cuisine

First, let's look at what Egyptian cuisine looks like compared to other areas of the world, and what makes it special.

What to Eat in Egypt: A Dive Into Egyptian Cuisine

One of the things that makes Egyptian cuisine so unique, is that it is geographically located to have a mix of influences, including the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Africa. 

The cuisine reflects the country's long history and special location, with dishes that have been passed down for centuries.

Egyptian food is known for its use of simple, wholesome ingredients such as legumes, vegetables, rice, and bread, which are often enhanced with spices and herbs to create hearty and flavorful meals.

Egyptian dishes are not particularly visually appealing, and can be very deceiving at first glance. Despite some dishes looking bland or unappetizing, they are packed with a ton of flavor, and definitely deliver in taste.

Egyptian dishes don't look visually appealing, but are packed with flavor.

Key Ingredients in Egyptian Cuisine

Egyptian cuisine is built on staple ingredients like rice, lentils, beans, and wheat. They also have a lot of delicious homemade bread cooked in clay ovens and grilled meats.

Common seasonings in Egypt include garlic, onions, cumin, coriander, and cilantro. Olive oil, tahini, and yogurt are also frequently used in dishes to add more richness and flavor.

Egypt Food Guide: Local Dishes & What to Eat in Egypt

Before traveling to Egypt, we had never actually tried Egyptian food before! We were surprised by the amount of incredible traditional dishes we tried, as well as the local spin on some more popular dishes around the world such as shawarma and shakshuka.

What Food Should I try in Egypt? Must-Try Egyptian Dishes

• Koshari: a hearty and popular street food (and our favorite one in Egypt), this dish combines rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with crispy fried onions and a tangy tomato sauce. It's often drizzled with garlic vinegar for extra flavor, and is served in very generous portions.

• Ful medames: a staple Egyptian dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, typically served with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and cumin. It’s a classic breakfast food, often eaten with pita bread and hard-boiled eggs.

• Taameya: Known as Egyptian falafel, taameya is made from fava beans rather than chickpeas. These crispy, deep-fried patties are typically served on pita bread with tahini, salad, and pickled vegetables.

• Molokhia: a savory green stew made from molokhia leaves (a type of jute leaf), this dish is often prepared with chicken, rabbit, or lamb. It’s typically served with rice and accompanied by a garlic and coriander-infused broth.

• Mahshi: vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or grape leaves that are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. It’s a comforting and filling dish often enjoyed during family meals.

• Fattah: a festive dish made with layers of rice, crispy bread, and chunks of meat, usually beef or lamb, all topped with tomato sauce. It’s a popular choice for holidays and celebrations in particular

• Shawarma: While not originally Egyptian, shawarma has become a beloved street food in Egypt. It consists of spiced, marinated meat (typically beef, chicken, or lamb) that’s roasted on a vertical spit and served in pita bread with a white sauce and fresh vegetables.

• Shakshuka: We had this dish served in a unique way, with the eggs being scrambled rather than cooked in a tomato sauce. It looked strange, but it was so delicious!

• Hawawshi: a flavorful meat sandwich which features seasoned minced beef or lamb mixed with onions, peppers, and spices, then stuffed into pita bread and baked until crispy. It’s a beloved street food snack.

• Hamam Mahshi: rice stuffed pigeon, which is considered a delicacy
• Basbousa: a traditional dessert which is a semolina cake soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a sweet, moist treat that is typically garnished with almonds or coconut.

• Kunafa: a popular dessert made from thin strands of dough that are layered with cheese or nuts, then soaked in sweet syrup. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the perfect way to end a meal.

What is Egypt's National Dish?

The national dish of Egypt is koshari. The dish can be found all throughout the country, and is super filling and affordable. While it doesn't sound incredible, it's hands-down our favorite dish in Egypt.

 What is Egypt's Most Popular Food?

The most popular food in Egypt is koshari, followed closely by ful medames and taameya. These dishes are a go-to for any local and are widely enjoyed across the country.

 What is a Typical Meal in Egypt?

A typical meal in Egypt usually consists of a combination of rice, legumes, and bread, often accompanied by stews, salads, and pickled vegetables. Koshari is often enjoyed for lunch, while a meat dish or grilled chicken is more popular for dinner.

Most meals start with a variety of salads, soups, dips, and bread. Honestly, with these alone we could fill up! Then dishes themselves are often accompanied by starches and vegetables for a well-rounded and filling meal.

What is a Typical Egyptian Breakfast?

A typical Egyptian breakfast is usually a spread of many different items. It might include ful medames (stewed fava beans), taameya (Egyptian falafel), bread, and cheese.

We also had a lot of our breakfasts served with eggs, as well as tomatoes. Egyptians also often enjoy their breakfast with tea or coffee.

What is the National Drink of Egypt?

The national drink of Egypt is Karkadeh—a tangy and refreshing beverage made from dried hibiscus flowers. It’s consumed both hot and cold, and it’s loved for its vibrant color and slightly tart taste.

We highly recommend trying the Date Juice (we tried it in Siwa Oasis), which was closer to a smoothie. The drink involves local dates which are used with coffee, bananas, and sometimes other sweet ingredients for the perfectly refreshing and energizing beverage.

Another fun and interesting drink that is super local is "Egyptian whiskey". Actually, it's not whiskey at all, and has nothing to do with alcohol! It's a drink made from salad juice, lemon, vinegar, and spices, which includes cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley.

 Is it Okay to Drink Coffee in Egypt?

Yes, coffee is widely enjoyed in Egypt. Egyptians have a strong coffee culture, with cafes serving strong, black coffee.

Like other Arabic countries, tea is certainly more popular than coffee though, and even in the hottest of temperatures is enjoyed by locals, especially to welcome guests or to show hospitality.

What Kind of Coffee Do They Drink in Egypt?

The most common coffee in Egypt is Turkish coffee, which is served strong and unfiltered. It's often brewed in a small pot called a cezve and served in small cups with sugar.

We'll be honest - we aren't a massive fan of this coffee, and definitely prefer sticking to tea while in Egypt.

 What is the National Dessert of Egypt?

Egypt’s national dessert is kunafa, a sweet pastry made from thin strands of dough, typically filled with cheese, nuts, or cream, and soaked in sugar syrup.

 What is the Popular Egyptian Snack?

A popular Egyptian snack is taameya, also known as Egyptian falafel. Made from fava beans and then deep-fried, taameya is a beloved street food snack or breakfast item, often served in pita bread with tahini or pickled vegetables.

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Egypt Food Drink Guide: Local Customs & Things to Know

Now that you know what to eat in Egypt, let's go over some things that you should know when dining out or with locals.

Dining Out Customs

It's always important to know local customs when it comes to dining out, and to be prepared so you know when restaurants are serving, and tips for enjoying your meals while being respectful. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

What Time Do Egyptians Eat Dinner?

Dinner in Egypt is typically eaten around 8:00-9:00 PM. It’s usually a more formal meal, with families gathering around the table for a shared experience.

Can You Drink the Tap Water in Egypt?

It’s not recommended to drink tap water in Egypt. Most travelers opt for bottled water to avoid stomach issues. We'd recommend buying a large jug of water though and refilling a reusable water bottle. This way you can be a more of an eco-friendly traveler.