7 Best Traditional Dishes to Try When in Egypt

There’s no better way to experience a place’s culture than to try some of its local, traditional foods, and if you’re here in Egypt, looking to give its popular foods a try, read on, because I’ve shortlisted the 7 best traditional dishes to try when in Egypt

7 Best Traditional Dishes to Try When in Egypt

Ta’meya

Ta’meya is probably the most popular street food you’ll find in Egypt, and is nothing but falafels, only with the difference that it is made using fava beans instead of chickpeas. These little fried balls contain fresh herbs and spices, onion and bean paste and are coated with sesame seeds before frying to give them that element of crunch.

Ful Medammes

If you’re looking to sample some Egyptian food that is delicious and great for a breakfast as well, Ful Medammes is definitely worth the try. This dish consists of fava beans that are cooked with some salt, oil and spices overnight so that the delicious flavors soak in, and is then served with eggs, pickled vegetables and pita bread.

Kunafa

If you’re a dessert person for life, don’t forget to try the famous Kunafa on your trip to Egypt. It is not only the most popular local sweet item you’ll find, but is also a favorite for the people who fast during the month of Ramadhan. This sweet treat is made up of layers of super thin flour noodles that have a soft cheese inside, which is then soaked with syrup.

Koshary

If there’s one dish that you’re bound to find everywhere in Egypt right from the street carts to the high end restaurants, it is this! Koshary is a filling meal and is made using layers of macaroni, rice, lentils, garlic and vinegar sauce, chickpeas, red sauce, onions, hummus and more! The mix may feel overwhelming to you, but it is nothing less than a treat for your tastebuds if you give it a try!

Fattah

Fattah was originally served during big feasts and celebrations in the ancient times, and is another traditional Egyptian dish worth trying. This dish is made using crispy bread, meat, rice and some rich tomato and garlic sauce. Fattah is a flavorful and delicious dish, so make sure you get to sample this one.

Mulukhiya

Mulukhiya

Mulukhiya is another Egyptian staple and is actually a green leafy vegetable that is first chopped finely, cooked with herbs, spices, garlic and lemon juice until it turns into a thick stew, and is then layered over rice or consumed with bread. This dish can be eaten on its own, or has some meat chunks added in as well.

Hawawshi

Hawawshi is usually served as a side dish in Egypt, and is also a popular street food since it is an easy grab and go food to gobble down. The dish is actually nothing but a delicious meat sandwich that contains ground beef, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, crushed chilli peppers and some flavorful spices.

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