Egyptian Food partly influences the Food of the Mediterranean through the Middle Eastern gastronomical tradition. Wide use of spices, coriander, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and the ever-present Egyptian term for “hot pepper” is everywhere.
The most important meals of the day are breakfast, eaten shortly after waking up, and lunch. In most Egypt cities, have lunch between four and six and dinner between eight and ten. Dinner is the lightest meal: a little bread, cheese, yogurt, and fruit.
List of Traditional Egyptian Food
1- Bread
Egyptian cuisine could not exist without its ubiquitous use of bread. During your stay, you will have access to an abundant supply of pita bread, which you can use to wrap your Falafel and kebabs and dip into flavorful sauces. Keep for the things listed below:
- Eish Baladi: this is the conventional form of pita bread.
- Eish fino: is an elongated bread roll comparable to the baguette famous in France and can also be used to prepare sandwiches.
- Eish Shamsi: is a well-known type of sourdough bread in Upper Egypt.
2- Mashed Broad Beans (Egyptian bean dish & Full Medames)
Broad beans are perhaps the most consumed Food in the country. At breakfast, Egyptians usually prefer salty foods. Therefore cannot miss full Medames, the typical broad bean puree, often served side by side with Ta’miyya, the Egyptian Felafel.
Felafel is prepared in a typical pot called Dammesah, and it is left to cook all night long on low heat on a particular stove. In the morning, the smell of the cream of broad beans prepared at home with so much care and patience makes your mouth water.
We invite you to try typical Egyptian cuisine through a classic Egypt tour that allows you to explore the secrets of Egyptian culture with typical Egyptian dishes.
3- Tamiya (Egyptian Falafel)
Tamiya is another popular type of Food sold on the streets of Egypt. In other parts of the world, this dish is more commonly referred to as Falafel (instead of chickpeas, which are used elsewhere around the Mediterranean). It is most widely consumed as a sandwich alongside a side salad and is made in flat discs instead of round balls.
4- Eggah (Egyptian Baked Omelette)
Eggah is made up of a combination of eggs with other ingredients such as onions, spinach, zucchini, tomatoes, and leeks. This mixture will be brought to bake in a hot oven by the chef, who will then season it with cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a wide variety of other fresh herbs.
Eggah is a dish that can be eaten at any time of the day, despite its appearance, which is that of breakfast food. Eggah is typically served alongside a salad, bread, and other side dishes when prepared and served in Egypt.
5- Egyptian Fattah
It is a dish of meat (beef or chicken), rice, garlic, and layers of dry bread soaked in broth. It is usually cooked in the oven and served with yogurt and nuts.
6- Macaroni Bechamel (Egyptian Baked Pasta)
It is essentially an Egyptian version of a Bechamel-sauced pasta bake. Bechamel sauce, seasoned ground beef, and tomato sauce are typically layered between layers of penne pasta in a traditional preparation of this dish. A layer of cheese is frequently added, but its presence is not essential to the plate. This dish is consumed in large quantities in Egypt during the month of Ramadan
7- Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush is a dish found on the menus of restaurants in Egypt, despite the widespread belief that it was first created in Lebanon. It is a cream made of roasted eggplant, olive oil, garlic, sesame paste (tahini), and lemon, and it has a very similar consistency to that of hummus. Similarly to hummus, it is eaten with pita bread.
8- Kubba
Kubaba is a dish that emerged in Syria but has since gained popularity across most Arab countries, including Egypt. The ground meat that is the primary component of these “Kubaba” dishes is typically cooked with bulgur and various spices before being fried. Kubaba is commonly prepared in this manner.
9- Rozz Me’ammar
A white rice dish is prepared by adding milk, butter, cream, and chicken broth. All the ingredients are baked in the oven and then served on occasion and at family gatherings.
10- Fish (Samak Sayddya)
A variety of fish (fish) from the sea and freshwater is usually roasted, cut in half, and seasoned with garlic, tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs. Nile tilapia is typical and one of the absolute most consumed tilapia species.
The city of Alexandria is famous for many types of fresh fish. Book our Alexandria Attractions tour to enjoy eating directly on the sea.
11- Feseekh (Fermented and Salted Fish)
Feseekh is a traditional Egyptian dish that Egyptians have consumed for many centuries. It dates back to ancient Egypt and is made of mullet fish that has been salted and fermented. During Easter in Egypt ( sham el Nassim), an Egyptian festival that takes place every year in the spring, feseekh is typically served alongside green onions, bread, and herring. On that day, Egyptians take advantage of the day’s pleasant weather to go outside and enjoy it, and they never miss Feseekh!
Egyptian Meat Dishes
Among the meat dishes, very common are the Kofta, a sort of meatball of minced meat with a thin and elongated shape; the Hawawshy, a sandwich baked in the oven and filled with spiced minced beef; the Shish Tawooq, a skewer of chicken cooked on the coals and the Kebab.
The most consumed meats are chicken, beef, veal, and lamb. Hamam, pigeon (often served stuffed with rice), and camel meat are also found. In an excellent Islamic country, pork is rare (only in some areas with a Christian majority can it be found in some stores).
Egyptians prefer entrails, and often in the streets, kiosks are always crowded, selling sandwiches of Kibda (liver) and Mokh (brain). Another typical dish is Mumbar, a gut stuffed with spiced rice.
12- Akawi (Ox Tail)
The ox tail used to make akawi is sliced very thickly before being placed in a clay casserole and baked with onions and tomatoes. It is customarily served alongside white Egyptian rice or bread in grill houses where it is prepared. Because eating Akawi requires no cutlery, you should be designed for your hands and face to become extremely greasy.
13- Mombar
Mombar is a type of sausage made in Egypt from the intestines of sheep. It’s a common ingredient in the Food of Egypt and other North African and Middle Eastern countries. This tasty Food is ubiquitous in Egypt and is very tasty.
14- Tarb (Grilled Kofta Wrapped in Lamb Fat)
The traditional “Kofta” is given a stunningly fatty makeover in the form of “Tarb.” Kofta is a Middle Eastern dish that combines minced meat, minced onions, fat, and various spices. The dish known as tarb consists of Kofta, which has been grilled to a golden brown color after being wrapped in a layer of lamb fat. Restaurants specializing in grilled meat products can be found in almost every city and town in Egypt like Cairo.
15- Kaware (Cow Feet)
A dish known as kawaree is prepared by boiling cow feet after thoroughly cleaning them. It has a consistency similar to gelatin, and it’s utilized in preparing kawaree soup. There are many ways that kawaree can be served, but generally, the older generation enjoys it more than, the younger generation.
Stuffed vine leaves or rice and tomato sauce (also known as “Kawaree with Fattah”) are a common accompaniment to this dish. To stimulate your taste buds at once, combine a small piece of kawaree with one stuffed vine leaf and eat them together in one bite.
16- Hawawshi (Meat Sandwich)
The fundamental component of hawawshi is ground beef, layered between two layers of Balady pita bread before being buttered and baked. As with most of Egypt’s traditional dishes, the Egyptians have given them several interesting new twists.
At this time, there are many different kinds of Hawawshi, such as those made with sausage, tuna, and pastrami. The meat is not encased in pita bread but fresh dough when served in Alexandria, which adds an exciting twist to the dish. As a consequence of this, it reminds me more of pizza than bread.
The residents of Alexandria then take it to the next level by topping it with tomato sauce, ground pepper, and mozzarella cheese, making it look exactly like pizza.
17- Kebdah Eskandarani
It belongs to the street food but is also cooked at home. The liver is prepared with hot pepper, and garlic or onion can be added. The sausage is usually cooked in different ways, but mainly with tomato sauce and hot pepper, and both are served with pickles.
18- Shish Taouk (Chicken Kebab)
Chicken cooked in style, known as shish taouk, is a popular dish in Egypt, Turkey, and Syria. This hearty dish is predominately composed of grilled chicken that has been marinated, and it is typically served on skewers. In addition to being relatively easy and quick, it is very well-liked by all members of the family, particularly by the children.
19- Shawarma
One of the delicious dishes in Egypt is called shawarma, which consists of a large cone of pressed chicken or lamb that is rotated vertically in front of a flame grill. The meat is sliced off as it cooks and then combined with chopped tomato, onion, and parsley on a grill. Finally, the mixture is rolled up in a large disc of flatbread and then wrapped in aluminum foil for transport.
20- Pigeon (Hamam Mahshi)
Pigeons, also known as Hammam, are bred in conical pigeon towers all over Egypt. Pigeons are a traditional Egyptian delicacy food. Before being cooked on the grill or in the oven, they are stuffed with seasoned rice or, even more deliciously, bulgur wheat (freek).
Vegetarian Egyptian Food
Vegans and vegetarians, don’t be discouraged! There are numerous options for you as well.
Very good, especially in winter when you are in the mood for something warm, is shorbat ‘ads, a soup made of hulled red lentils. An exceptional vegetarian dish is Mahshy, vegetables, and vine leaves stuffed with spicy rice.
Fruits, nuts, and seeds are present in large quantities. Sweet bananas, dates, mangoes, guavas, sesame seeds, sunflowers, and pumpkin seeds are excellent.
In the south are also typical carob and a desert fruit called Dom. It has a strict consistency and is sold in small pieces that can be softened with a bit of water and eaten (it is distantly similar to licorice). The typical dishes of Egyptian cuisine are many and different, very delicious, and suitable for those who like a vegetarian diet.
21- Koshari
Among the most famous Egyptian dishes, we must mention the Koshari, a single dish made of pasta, rice, legumes (lentils and sometimes chickpeas), sauce, vinegar, garlic sauce, and a sprinkling of caramelized onions.
22- Mahshi
Another delicious option for vegetarians who are traveling. Stuffed vegetables, typically peppers, zucchini, or aubergines, are baked and served as the primary component of this dish. The rice combines various aromatic herbs, such as parsley and coriander, and it comes with a drink sauce as an accompaniment.
23- Besarah
A smooth and silky green puree made with ground beans, parsley, dill, and leek, along with various spices, green pepper, and fried onions for topping. A delicious and satisfying option for vegetarians.
24- Mulukhiyah
This soup, made from mallow leaves, is one of the most popular dishes in Egypt, even though most people initially find it difficult to like. It is green in color and has a thick and dense texture. Egyptians typically pair it with meats like rabbit or lamb when they consume it. In the 11th century, Fatimid Sultan Hakim found the dish so repulsive that he ordered it to be forbidden.
25- Peas with Tomato Sauce
It is one of the most straightforward and traditional Egyptian Food to eat. Still, the amount of nutrients it can supply to your body is beyond your wildest imagination. One of the Arab recipes that you want more prepared to include in your meals.
26- Moussaka
The only ingredients in the traditional Egyptian dish moussaka are eggplant, tomato sauce, and various spices; it is widely considered among the country’s finest examples of its culinary heritage.
27- Bamya
The Egyptian dish, bamya, is a type of stew prepared by simmering okra in a tomato sauce along with onions, garlic, peppers, cilantro, and various spices. In Egypt, bamya is a popular dish to eat. It can be prepared with or without meat, though most versions will include some form of protein, most commonly beef or lamb. White rice or bread and a squeeze of lemon are common accompaniments when it’s served.
28- Shorbat Adas (Lentil Soup)
If you enjoy how Egyptians prepare lentils, you must sample the soup known as Shorbat Adas. It’s possible that you don’t consider soup a main dish, but this particular soup is an exception to that rule. Because of the high fiber content of the lentils used to make Shorbat Adas, eating a bowl of soup will likely leave you feeling full and satisfied.
If members of your family are interested in trying Egyptian cuisine while also adhering to a vegan or gluten-free diet, this is an excellent dish to prepare for them. This specialized Food has been around at least since the time of the ancient Greeks and has even been mentioned in the Bible.
Even though lentil soup is typical in other parts of the world, Egyptian Shorbat Adas stands out from the crowd thanks to its varied spice profile, velvety consistency, high protein content, and savory flavor.
29- Salata Baladi
The Egyptian dish Salata Baladi is a very colorful type of salad.
A salad served as a side dish enhances the meal’s overall flavor and contributes to the meal’s general level of nutritional value. Cucumbers and tomatoes are the primary components of the Salata Baladi dish, considered a national favorite in Egypt. You may also include other vegetables like lettuce or paprika in the word.
Egyptian Sweets and Pastries
Egyptian desserts are pretty light. The sweet mahalabiya is made of finely ground rice flavored with rosewater, toasted nuts, and cinnamon. Because it is made with local dry bread, Um Ali is comparable to English bread and butter pudding, but it is not as fluffy and soft as the English version. Rice pudding, also known as Roz bi laban, is traditionally served chilled.
30- Egyptian Baklava
Egyptians have a strong affinity for the sticky, syrup-soaked, nut-filled filo pastries collectively referred to as Baklava. These pastries are known for their stickiness. There are many different kinds, such as konafa, which consists of a cream filling topped with a crunchy vermicelli pastry crust, and basbousa, which is made of semolina pastry soaked in honey and ended with hazelnuts. There are also many other types.
31- Umm Ali
Even if you only spend a short amount of time in Egypt, you cannot leave without trying this dessert. Om Ali, which translates to “Ali’s mother,” is a baked dessert that consists of layers of puff pastry that have been soaked in milk, then mixed with sugar, nuts, raisins, and coconut flakes, and finally baked. This dish will stick in your mind because of the combination of the baked dough and the hot milk, along with the various other ingredients.
32- Basbousa
The Basbousa is an Ottoman dessert with Middle Eastern roots that has gained popularity in other parts of the world. It can be found in various countries, and people from all over the world enjoy using it. The name of the delicacy varies from country to country; in Egypt, it is known as Basbousa. The Egyptian version is typically skinny and covered with almonds and fresh cream. Additionally, it is generally soaked in sweet syrup.
33- Baked sweet potato
This delicious and nutritious treat is one of Egypt’s most reasonably priced sweets, costing about 5 Egyptian pounds. The neighborhood residents will typically form a line by the cart, and the sweet potatoes will be cooked right in front of them in an oven fueled by wood. The sweet potato is then delivered to eager diners on a paper or newspaper sheet after being cut in half and halved lengthwise. At this point, even upgraded carts sell sweet potatoes topped with ice cream, caramel sauce, chocolate, and nuts.
34- Roz Bel Laban
A dessert that is both easy to make and tasty is rice cooked in milk with sugar and then sprinkled with cinnamon and pistachio chips. This traditional dish from Egypt can be found in almost every restaurant in the country, as it is prevalent.
35- The Fateera( Meshaltet )
Feteer is a light, flaky, multilayered bread made from dough stretched paper thin and folded several times. It is considered to be one of the traditional old foods. It may be served plain, brushed with samneh (ghee), or sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar. Alternatively, it may be stuffed with ground meat or cheese and is eaten for breakfast with fresh cheese or honey or for lunch stuffed with meat or vegetables.
36- Meshabek (Egyptian Funnel Cake)
Meshabek is a dessert that is extremely sweet and has the shape of a tube or a round. It is available pretty much everywhere in Egypt! The prepared dough, which includes flour, cornstarch, sugar, and oil, is twisted by hand into a spiral shape and then deep-fried in oil that has been heated to a high temperature. After then, add honey. This delicious confection was first developed in Damietta and Tanta.
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