Egypt is probably on the bucket list of many travelers. Besides the ancient history, stunning beaches, and scuba diving, traditional Egyptian food is another reason you should visit this country.
All the ancient history makes Egypt’s cuisine what it is today, with each civilization leaving a mark on the preparation of dishes.
Like in most Middle Eastern countries, a big part of Egyptian culture is gathering and celebrating with family and friends – around delicious food, of course!
Here are some of the Best Traditional Egyptian Food favorites that every visitor should try at least once when coming to this beautiful country, from breakfast to dessert.
Some of the Best Traditional Egyptian Food are:
- Ful Medammes
- Falafel
- Koshari
- Hamam Mahshi
- Mahshi
- Shawarma
- Macaroni Béchamel
- Molokhia
- Fattah
- Feseekh
- Roz Bel Laban – Egyptian Rice Pudding
- Umm Ali – Egyptian Bread Pudding
- Basbousa (Coconut Yogurt Semolina Cake)
- Sahlab – Egyptian Warm Milk
Best delicious Egyptian Main Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Ful Medammes
Ful is the most common traditional breakfast, it’s a staple in every Egyptian’s diet.
Ful, pronounced as fool, is made of fava beans cooked with oil and salt. Fava beans (broad beans) are encased in long fat green pods.
They require soaking overnight and cooking for hours over low heat in an “idra” in order to remove the beans casing.
Traditionally this is how they are cooked and served by street carts in Cairo and around the country – the most popular Egyptian food there is.
Since the fava beans require long preparation, a pre-made version in cans is being sold in local markets and grocery stores. The beans can then be prepared on the stove or even in the microwave.
Ful is commonly eaten as a dish with eggs, cheese, pita bread and/or also popular food like ta’meya.
It can also just be an easy, quick breakfast made into a sandwich. The beans are packed with essential nutrients such as carbohydrates and iron and they’re low in saturated fats.
2. Falafel, also known as Ta’meya
Falafel is traditionally served in Egyptian breakfast along with ful, eggs, cheese, and pita bread.
Traditional falafel is made with chickpeas, but Egyptian ta’meya is made of fava beans.
Fava beans should be soaked overnight to soften, then crushed in a food processor.
They are then mixed with a fresh combination of chopped cilantro, parsley, white onion, garlic, and leek, giving ta’meya its vibrant green color.
Spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper are added along with chickpea flour. Rolled into balls, and fried!
It’s not a surprise why Ta’meya is such a popular Egyptian food – it’s packed with loads of unique, fresh flavors.
3. Koshari
Koshary or koshari is one of the most traditional Egyptian foods. It is popularly found on the streets of Egypt and served from carts and restaurants and it’s a cheap and filling meal – a total carb bomb!
A layering of rice, macaroni, lentils, and chickpeas topped off with caramelized onions, thick red sauce, and a garlic/chili/vinegar/ sauce.
It is indeed an interesting mix, but surprisingly delicious!
4. Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Squab)
Hamam Mahshi is an ancient dish that Egyptians have eaten for centuries. It includes sofa ( small pigeon) stuffed with freekeh, onions, and seasonings.
Freekeh is a kind of Egyptian cracked wheat that’s also a notorious dish in Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, and more. The chef can substitute this wheat with bulgur wheat or rice in this dish.
Pigeons appear to be a rare type of meat, but Egyptian citizens along the Nile River have been raising them for a long time! They generally serve Hamam Mahshi on special occasions similar to weddings, but you can always find it in a traditional Egyptian restaurant if you visit Egypt.
5. Mahshi
Mahshi is a favorite hit amongst Egyptians and great for vegetarian travelers.
Mahshi is basically vegetables of choice stuffed with a rice filling, such as zucchini, eggplants, bell peppers, tomatoes, cabbage leaves, or grapevine leaves (similar to Greek dolma).
The filling consists of rice, herbs (parsley, cilantro, and dill), tomato sauce with seasoning and a touch of cinnamon. Some people like to add minced meat to the filling for a generous meal.
Mahshi is definitely a dish you have to try when in Egypt. You will fall in love, it’s one of my favorites!
6. Shawarma
Shawarma is such a popular street food that you’ve probably tried it before.
Originally, it comes from the famous Greek gyros, but of course, the Egyptians put their twist on it.
Shawarma is made up of a choice of either chicken or beef marinated with Middle Eastern spices and cooks all day on the spit with a fat-melting on top.
The meat is shaved off and put into a wrap where it’s wrapped to perfection.
Typically, as Egyptian food, it is served with tahini and the chicken served with tomaya (garlic sauce).
It’s a quick meal but a healthier alternative to fast food and it won’t put a dent in your pocket.
7. Macaroni Béchamel
Macaroni Béchamel is classic Egyptian comfort food that will leave you satisfied for a while!
Basically, it’s Egypt’s version of lasagna or macaroni and cheese. It’s hard to not go for seconds!
Made with rigatoni noodles, minced meat cooked in chopped onion and tomato paste, topped with the classic béchamel sauce.
8. Molokhia
Molokhia is a very traditional Egyptian dish, and you either hate it or love it (unfortunately, although I’m vegetarian, I belong to the first group).
It’s a stew made up of leafy green, cut into tiny pieces, and prepared in chicken, beef, or seafood broth mixed with ground coriander and fried garlic.
Generally served with rice, bread, and choice of chicken, beef, or seafood. The way this dish is made depends on the region in Egypt.
Cities along the coast like Alexandria might eat molokhia with shrimp or fish.
Molokhia is named after the leafy green that the stew consists of, also known as jute mallow (corchorus olitorius).
It’s packed with essential vitamins such as iron and potassium, Vitamin C, & Vitamin B6 and therefor a great, healthy Egyptian food.
9. Fattah
Fattah goes all the way back to ancient Egypt where it was served in big feasts, celebrations such as weddings, and the birth of a new baby.
Still today fattah is the main dish on the first day of the Islamic feast (Eid-al-Adha). It is a combination of crispy bread, rice, meat, and vinegar/tomato sauce.
For special occasions, the meat used is lamb but on any other ordinary day, beef is used. It’s also commonly seen eaten the Lebanese way with rotisserie chicken and tomaya.
Although it’s a simple dish it is satisfying and you won’t be disappointed.
Some Unique Egyptian Holiday Foods You May Want To Taste
A seasonal dish connected with the Annual Egyptian seasons, it’s exotic enough not to be consumed on daily basis, it may be not for everyone but it’s definitely interesting.
10. Feseekh
Feseekh is a hit or miss with even the Egyptian people!
It is fermented mullet fish, prepared by letting the fish dry in the sun and then soaked in salty water for up to a month.
It’s famously eaten in the Spring celebration known as Sham El Nessim. Feseekh is the main dish, eaten and served with fresh-cut salad and pita bread.
If you are brave enough to try it, maybe you will like it. One thing is for sure – this dish will take you back to the history of Egyptian food.
Hearty Egyptian Desserts That You Don’t Want To Miss
1. Roz Bel Laban – Egyptian Rice Pudding
Roz Bel Laban translates to rice with milk – it’s Egypt’s version of rice pudding. If you’re a fan of rice pudding, you will love it.
Rice cooked in milk, sometimes cream (ishta), with sugar typically topped with pistachio pieces. A simple and satisfying dessert that everyone loves!
2. Umm Ali – Egyptian Bread Pudding
Umm Ali (Om Ali), is translated to Ali’s Mother.
A dish that goes back to the 13th century, legend has it that Sultan Ezz El Din Aybak’s wife made it for a victory celebration where it was made and shared amongst people of the land.
Since then it became famously known after her.
A hearty dessert combined with sweet flavors of bread (puff pastry), milk and sugar –Egypt’s version of bread pudding.
It’s commonly topped with a mix of raisins, nuts, and coconut pieces. And served while hot.
It is no surprise why it’s a hit, it is delicious!
3. Basbousa (Coconut Yogurt Semolina Cake)
Basbousa is a ubiquitous dessert in Egypt. It’s also a well-known sweet treat in Libya, Greek, Turkey, and other countries across North Africa, the Middle East, and the Balkans.
This dish is generally a mix of semolina, yogurt, and coconut. Its agreeableness comes from a special saccharinity with orange flowers or rose water. The final product is outgunned with nuts, similar as pistachios and almonds.
Its name “ Basbousa” is a term in Egyptian to relate to cherished bones in the family. For case, a mama can call her son “ my basbousa,” which is like “ my love” or “ my baby” in English.
4. Sahlab – Egyptian Warm Milk
Egypt’s sweet warm drink and my personal favorite – A luscious treat that’ll warm you right up!
Its base is hot milk mixed with pure orchid root powder which is what gives it its flavourful taste and thickness.
Sahlab can be conveniently made with instant sachets that already contain this powder and other ingredients like vanilla, sugar, and cinnamon.
You can have some fun with it and add the toppings that you like, personally, I love it with bananas and strawberries.
Traditionally, Sahlab is topped with a pinch of cinnamon, shredded coconut, crushed pistachio, and maybe even some raisins.
Make your Meal Even Sweeter with A Tour of Egypt’s Destinations and the best Egyptian Restaurant
You can enjoy & try the Egyptian food while discovering the best destinations in Egypt through our Egypt private tours, if you prefer to explore wonderful things by visiting the ancient landmarks in upper Egypt, you can check our Nile cruises and choose your journey.