Top 35 Traditional Egyptian Food To Try - Egypt Time Travel (2024)

Traditional Egyptian Food is delicious and there is something for everyone. Egyptian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern style cuisines.

Both vegetarians and meat lovers will be filled with delicious food in Egypt. Egyptian cuisine offers a large number of traditional dishes from stuffed pigeons to delicious delicious desserts.

When planning your trip to Egypt, you want to try at least some of the traditional foods in Egypt. Unfortunately, you don’t have time to try 20 different dishes, especially if you are only staying in the country for a week or so.

Read our guide about the Best time to travel to Egypt →

Go to the Egyptian Restaurant, ask for recommendations, and have a nice dinner with soups and desserts.

Eat street food if you dare. If you are unsure about local restaurants or street food, GAD restaurants are a soft way to familiarize yourself with Egyptian food. GAD is a restaurant chain that offers Egyptian fast food.

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When you walk the streets you can see many people gathered around something similar to a cart that sells Ful (Egyptian bean) a national dish of Egypt, the best way to accompany this food is with a few drops of lemon and olive oil.

During your stay in Egypt you can enjoy this food together with Falafel the complement for your breakfast, the latter of Lebanese origin, prepared with chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, and green pepper, which allows it to have this characteristic and mainly color When you try it you will forget that you are eating chickpea and it will taste similar to meat.

You will have two options to try this delight, in Sandwich or dish, both accompanied with Pita bread, another delight of the Arab world in gastronomy.

Each region has its special form of preparation, and some foods are prepared in different festivities such as in Ramadan, so do not be surprised to perceive a more spicy flavor or different spices in each city, for example, in Alexandria and Luxor you will find great differences.

Ful, Falafel and Koshary are excellent options such as vegetarian dishes and for those who enjoy meat, they cannot leave Egypt without trying the Mahshi (zucchini stuffed with meat) Shawerma (chicken roll or beef wrapped in a very thin bread of Syrian origin) Fatta (layers of toasted bread and boiled rice) or a delicious soup of Molokehia (Vegetable of green color with a bitter taste and of gelatinous consistency) ideal to accompany all types of meat.

One of the advantages is that in Cairo you can find all kinds of food, from the most typical dishes we have been talking to a wide variety of international restaurants worthy of the most demanding palate.

With diversity in both Asian, Italian, Indian, and of course Oriental cuisine. You will find most of the international restaurants in areas such as Zamalek, New Cairo, and October 6. Also in most international hotels, you will find specialty restaurants.

Regardless of your tastes, we can guarantee that on your vacation to Egypt you will have the opportunity to taste the local cuisine and enjoy its impressive history. Be sure to try these dishes!

So, what is Traditional Egyptian Food?

In the following, we bring you popular Egyptian dishes that you should try when visiting Egypt.

1- Fatta (Egyptian Recipe)

Fattah is one of the most popular Traditional Egyptian Food, and it is very popular for different classes of society, young and old. It has also become very famous in most of the Arab countries.

it is a delicious dish made mainly with meat soup, crusty bread, rice, and sauce. It is an easy recipe to make and one that is sure to surprise your friends and family.

Its consumption is increased at breakfast during the month of holy Ramadan. Thanks to the fact that it is a delicious and nutritious dish that contains many proteins and carbohydrates that help raise energy levels and vitality.

It is also usually prepared for special occasions, such as a wedding or a party, where large numbers of people will attend.

Note: The original recipe is with Aish Baladi, but you can use any type of bread, be it pita, white, wheat, toast…

2- Koshari (Typical Egyptian Recipe)

The Koshari, is one of the most typical Egyptian dishes, so much so that there is a popular saying that says “It is very likely that all Egyptians have eaten kushari at least once in their lives”.

Koshary is a mixture of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and noodles served with tomato sauce – enriched with lots of garlic – and browned onions.

Depending on taste, vinegar and/or hot tomato sauce can be added. The mixture of the ingredients sounds a bit strange, but it is very tasty and satiating because of the many carbohydrates.

3- Bamia (The Egyptian Okra)

Bamia is a very typical Egyptian dish, which is made mainly of okra and meat. In case you did not know, okra is very beneficial for our body, and you will also discover its benefits.

Okra is very healthy for our body, and among its benefits we find:

• Very beneficial in the pregnancy stage.
• Keeps the kidney healthy and improves its performance.
• Prevents asthma.
• It keeps the skin healthy and young.
• It helps to lose weight, thanks to its few calories and its feeling of fullness.
• Protects against cancer.
• Strengthens eyesight.
• Regulate your blood sugar level.

4- Egyptian Rice with Noodles

One of the main dishes on the Egyptian table, it is cooked almost daily by the Egyptians. Egyptian rice with noodles is one of the most famous, where it is used in the preparation of many foods due to its importance in providing the body with carbohydrates and necessary energy.

Did you know?

• It gives the body energy: since it contains a large number of carbohydrates, as well as minerals and vitamins that increase energy levels.
• Controls blood pressure: because it contains a low amount of sodium.
• Protects against bowel, rectal and colon cancer: because it is rich in fiber, especially brown rice, which is considered a whole grain.
• Take care of the skin: Rice soothes inflamed skin, relieves irritation, reduces the risk of irritable bowel syndrome, and reduces diarrhea.
• Reduces obesity: if consumed in small amounts because a small amount of rice makes people feel full, it is also from foods that contain little amount of cholesterol, sodium, and fat and does not contain harmful fats.

5- Malfuf Mahshi

Malfuf Mahshi is a traditional Egyptian recipe, which is cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice. Cabbage contains many minerals such as sulfur that helps cleanse the intestines, prevents constipation and indigestion, and also contains iodine, which helps the brain perform its tasks fully.

Did you know?

Green leafy vegetables are considered one of the healthiest foods that can be consumed, although cabbage does not have a dark green color, it is considered one of the green leafy vegetables, and it has many health benefits, including:

• Cabbage contains many compounds to fight cancer. 70% or more of the studies that examine this aspect have found an association between eating cruciferous vegetables and a lower risk of cancer, where some phytochemicals have been found to contribute to detoxification.
• It helps lower cholesterol, where some preliminary studies found that adding cabbage to a drink containing fruits and some other vegetables for 3-9 weeks reduces bad cholesterol in people with high cholesterol.
• Some studies have found a role for cabbage in preventing morning sickness, asthma, osteoporosis, and other conditions, but more scientific research is required to prove it.
• Cabbage reduces breast pain and stiffness associated with breastfeeding.
• Cabbage protects the stomach from intestinal hydrochloric acid due to its effects on the regeneration of the mucous membrane, as it contains an agent resistant to ulcers.

6- Falafel – Traditional Egyptian Food

Falafel or Tamiya are delicious beans or chickpea croquettes very popular in all Arab countries, especially Egypt. They are very soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside so they are loved by all members of the family and very beneficial thanks to the mixture of vegetables they contain.

In Egypt, it is very typical to eat falafel with ful medames (Egyptian beans), green tea, and Baladi Aish.

Did you know?

All Arab countries call this food falafel, except Egypt where they call it by the name of Tamiya (طعمية).

7- Ful Medames (Egyptian Beans)

Ful medames is one of the most typical Egyptian foods. It is a dish made mainly of beans and in Egypt, they are usually accompanied by faláfel, especially for breakfast. It is very healthy and beneficial food.

It is also very typical in Egypt, to crush the beans with a fork before eating.

Did you know?

These Egyptian beans are very beneficial for our body, such as:

• They help fight stress.
• It reduces the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood, it is very useful for the heart and blood vessels.
• Fight cancers, especially those that affect the mouth.
• Helps to lower blood pressure in women, especially in menopause.
• It prevents harmful substances from reaching the brain, enhancing the secretion of serotonin, which leads to a feeling of happiness.
• Helps form red blood cells and maintain bone strength.
• Strengthens the immune system and protects the body from many diseases.
• The bean peel helps treat constipation.
• Helps remove excess body pigments, especially melasma and freckles.

8- Baba Ganoush

Baba Ganoush or Mutabal is a very Traditional Egyptian Vegan Food in Egypt and many Arab countries. This easy and rich puree is often known as Egyptian aubergines, as it is its main ingredient.

Did you know?

Eggplants have many benefits for our body, such as:

• It is a rich source of antioxidants – it can protect cells from free radical damage and prevent many chronic diseases.
• Helps prevent heart disease: improving heart function and reducing the severity of heart attacks.
• Controls blood sugar level: It can keep sugar levels at normal levels, as it prevents the rise and fall of blood sugar levels at the same time.
• Weight Loss: It can help you lose weight as it is low in calories, rich in dietary fiber that travels slowly through the digestive tract, and can promote a feeling of fullness and satiety, reducing calories consumed during the day.
• Cancer control: contains plant compounds that can fight cancer cells and can prevent certain types of cancer, such as cancer of the pancreas, stomach, colon, rectum, bladder, cervix, breast.
• Improves Cognitive Functions: It can help improve memory and prevent mental disorders associated with aging.
• Keeping the liver healthy: Research suggests that the antioxidants found in eggplant can help protect the liver from some types of toxins.

9- Molokhia (Egyptian Soup)

Molokhia, Mulukhiyah or Molohiya is a delicious soup very popular in Arab countries and much of Africa, although its origin was in Egypt where it is still very popular today. It is a soup made from a plant called jute, which is very beneficial for our body. Molokhia is usually eaten with white rice or with Arabic or pita bread.

Did you know?

Mulukhiyah is very beneficial for our health, thanks to the fact that it is made of jute, we are going to see some of its benefits:

• It reduces blood pressure and is a diuretic, treats anxiety, stress, and depression, which reduces nervous disorders.
• Increase sexual desire.
• Stimulates bowel movement as it contains cellulosic fibers.
• Address constipation.
• Strengthens the immune system, making the body more resistant to disease.
• It contains antioxidants, which protect against the symptoms of aging, such as the appearance of wrinkles.
• Helps hair grow faster and strengthens gums.
• Accelerates the construction of erythrocytes and helps to quickly heal sores and wounds.
• Treat anemia as it contains iron and prevents cells in the body from eroding.
• Strengthens the heart and prevents osteoporosis.
• Prevents infection with pellagra.
• It is the ideal food for pregnant women who want to maintain a healthy and healthy fetus.
• Jute is easy to digest, relieves stomach pain and intestinal membranes.
• Molokhia treats infertility because they contain a high proportion of minerals, the most important of which is manganese, which increases the secretion of fertility hormones in women.

10- Egyptian Lamb Kofta

Kofta or kufta is one of the most famous dishes of the Arab countries. Each country has different ways of preparing them, so there are countless recipes and variants of kofta.

Did you know?

Kafta has many variants such as in the form of empanadas or meatballs.

11- Stuffed Grape Leaves

It is one of the most characteristic and typical foods in Egypt. They are grape leaves stuffed with rice, which has many recipes and variants.

Did you know?

• They are anti-inflammatory, especially for arthritis.
• It is perfect for diabetics as it contains low sugar vitamins. In addition to its ability to reduce high sugar levels and improve metabolism in the body.
• Provides energy and vitality, thanks to the fact that it contains dietary fiber, making it one of the foods that reduce weight and gives a feeling of satiety.
• It promotes bone health because it contains high levels of copper, iron, and manganese.
• Protects against heart disease.
• It prevents the formation of blood clots and reduces the oxidation of harmful cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels and, therefore, prevents coronary and heart accidents.
• Treat migraines, especially boiled grape leaves are one of the most important therapeutic sources for this type of headache.
• Eliminate constipation.
• It is one of the foods that contain dietary fiber that softens stools, treats digestive disorders of indigestion and irritation of the stomach.
• Reduces the feeling of fatigue, increasing energy levels in the body.
• Prevents anemia thanks to its high iron content.
• Treats dental problems and gingivitis.
• It reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), thanks to the fact that it contains antioxidants that absorb it.

12- Kibbe or Quipe

Kibbe, Kubba, keppe, or quipe is a meal of Syria that has become very popular in most Arab countries and Egypt. The main ingredient in these “croquettes” is minced meat and it is usually accompanied by bulgur and spices, and it is usually prepared fried.

13- Tahini Arabic

Tahini or tahina is a rich sesame seed paste very typical in Egypt and many Arab countries. It should be noted that tahini allows the body to better absorb nutrients compared to sesame seeds, in addition to the many benefits it has.

Did you know?

Sesame seeds are very beneficial for our body, here are some benefits:

• Keeps bones healthy: It is very rich in magnesium, which is characterized by maintaining bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Heart Health: Sesame seeds contain antioxidant compounds called lignans, which can help boost the immune system and balance hormone levels in the body. It is worth noting that tahini is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Consuming this type of fat can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, the risk of heart disease, and stroke.
• Promotes a healthy digestive system: Sesame seeds contain high dietary fiber, which helps to maintain the health of the digestive system by protecting the intestines and colon against disease and infection and fighting constipation and diarrhea.
• Anti-inflammatory: A study conducted over 2 months showed that taking 1/4 cup of sesame seeds as a treatment for osteoarthritis causes a significant reduction in pain because sesame seeds contain anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Regulates Blood Sugar: Sesame seeds contain a plant compound called pinoresinol, which can help regulate blood sugar by inhibiting maltase.

14- Peas with Tomato Sauce

It’s one of the most simple and traditional Egyptian dishes for Egyptians and you can’t imagine the number of nutrients it can provide to your body. The peas with tomato sauce are one of the Arab recipes want more prepared to include in your meals.

Did you know?

This dish contains few calories, and instead provides a large number of vitamins and minerals, including those belonging to group B, thus highlighting vitamin B1 and among the minerals, it has potassium and phosphorus.

Peas help us to maintain a hydrated body, and although they are usually consumed in creams, do not be afraid to go out of the routine, try the whole, and with tomato sauce.

For its part, the tomato is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals such as potassium. This fruit can help us not only to improve the taste of some foods but also to take care of our bodies. It helps to protect eyesight, improve blood circulation, prevent constipation, and prevent fluid retention, an activity that contributes in the same way to the elimination of toxins present in the body.

It is an antioxidant, a property that makes it the perfect ingredient in a skincare routine, as it hydrates and softens it. Go ahead and prepare these delicious peas with tomato sauce, you will not regret it.

15- Macaroni with Bechamel and Minced Meat

If you want a lunch meal that is easy to prepare, suitable for any occasion, and has a sublime flavor, look no further, this recipe is perfect for you. It will not take you more than 1 hour to prepare it, and the result will delight any palate.

Did you know?

• This meal can be exquisitely accompanied with natural juices, which do not overshadow its flavor but rather contrast very well with the béchamel and the meat.
• It is highly recommended to make slices of toast with butter, garlic, and parsley. This will give it a distinctive touch and will make it much easier to put each gram of pasta in your mouth.

16- Pastirma or Basterma (Arabic cold cuts)

Basterma or Pastirma is a traditional Egyptian food made from air-dried beef, it is a word of Turkish origin, which means pressure meat and is very typical in many Arab countries.

Did you know?

The origin of the pastirma dates back to a century BC. C. where the Armenians traveled to distant lands to sell their dishes at first made only of vegetables since the meat did not hold the trip. It is believed that it was then that the drying of meat was invented to increase its useful life and thus be able to market it.

17- Arabian Stuffed Eggplants – Traditional Egyptian Food

A food that is not only exquisite but also nutritious, are undoubtedly these aubergines. The amount of dishes that can be prepared with this vegetable is considerable; Proof of this is the Arabic-style stuffed aubergine that we prepare today. Making this recipe will not take more than 50 minutes, and the ingredients are very easy to find.

Did you know?

• This type of vegetable arrived on the European continent thanks to the Lebanese caravans, this event was generated in the middle of the seventeenth century. At first, the eggplant was not accepted by any inhabitant, especially by doctors, in fact, for the latter, the eggplant was the cause of fevers and other conditions that considerably weakened the body.
• Its consumption, for a long time, was prohibited. It was not until the twentieth century that they decided to give it a try by discovering the incredible benefits it provided, including its incredible amount of proteins and minerals, in addition to the fact that it also prevents conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis. Although the name of this vegetable does not vary, it is possible to find them in purple and white.

18- Egyptian Chicken Maqluba

Maqluba or Maklube is a very typical food from countries like Egypt and Palestine. It is a delicious dish that is made with rice and chicken or meat and is usually present on special occasions such as parties and it is not for less. It is very similar to Jordanian rice, also known as Mansaf.

Did you know?

The Maqluba is also known as the Arab paella, because of its similarities in color, ingredients, and appearance with the Valencian paella, although they are quite different in taste.

19- Harissa – Hot Sauce

The Harissa is a very popular hot sauce in most Arab countries like Morocco and Egypt. This aperitif, in addition to being irresistible for lovers of spicy, is very beneficial for our health, but we will talk about that later.

Did you know?

Harissa is a very healthy and very beneficial paste for our body, among its benefits:

• Reduces bad cholesterol (LDL).
• It is perfect for diabetics, thanks to the fact that it contains vitamin C and the mineral salts they need.
• Relieves joint pain, especially in older people.
• Helps cure cancer thanks to the fact that it contains capsaicin.
• Facilitates digestion and helps burn fat.
• Protects against atherosclerosis, sudden clots, paralysis, and diarrhea.
• Regulates the heartbeat and stimulates blood circulation.
• Protects against Alzheimer’s disease.

20- Shish Taouk (Chicken Kebab)

Shish Taouk is a very typical chicken kebab in, Egypt, Turkey, and Syria. This rich meal is made primarily from grilled marinated chicken and is often put on skewers. Besides being quite simple and fast, it is very loved by the whole family, especially by children.

Did you know?

Shish Tawook is very similar to a Persian dish called Jujeh Kabab, which means grilled chicken.

21- Shakshuka

Shakshouka is an Egyptian food and it is one of the easiest dishes to prepare, it also has a great appearance and a pleasant smell. It is a very popular dish especially for breakfast since it is a very complete meal that contains many nutrients such as proteins and vitamins.

22- Dukkah – Traditional Egyptian Food

Dukkah or Duqqa is a special mixture of seeds, nuts, and spices of Egyptian origin that is generally eaten with bread and can be mixed with olive oil. The Dukkah is characterized by the economical price of its components and it is very well preserved in the long term.

Did you know?

Dukkah is very beneficial, among its ingredients we find sesame, which has many benefits for our body, such as:

• Reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Fight Alzheimer’s disease.
• Lower your blood pressure.
• Improve our digestive health.
• It is a good source of calcium and protein.
• It can fight cancer.
• Source of many B vitamins, which are very important for the manufacture of red blood cells.
• It is used to combat constipation.
• Breast milk lactation increases.

23- Pigeon stuffed with rice

Hamam Mahshi is an easy and traditional delicacy of Egyptian food of bird stuffed with rice, usually pigeon, but do not be scared, they are not like the ones we see on the street, but they are from hatcheries where they are cared for and pampered.

Did you know?

Pigeons stuffed with rice are a dish that is always present on special occasions, since their meat is delicious, it is also rich in vitamins and minerals, providing the body with energy and vitality. It’s also worth noting that they are white meat, which is the best alternative to red meat.

24- Kofta Kebab

Kofta kebab is a very popular Egyptian food that is made mainly from minced meat. It is one of the delicious meals that are easy to prepare and is the favorite of people of all ages.

It also contains many beneficial nutrients for our body, such as proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and fiber.

Did you know?

Its preparation method varies depending on the country, it can be grilled, with charcoal, in the oven or fried in oil, then served together with rice or eaten with bread.

25- Kousa Mahshi (Stuffed Zucchini)

Kousa Mahshi is one of the most delicious meals to eat with the family. It is a very popular dish in most Arab countries especially in Egypt and is mainly made from zucchini stuffed with rice and a mixture of vegetables, which makes it a very healthy and beneficial dish, but we will delve into that later.

Did you know?

Zucchini is very beneficial for our health, some of its benefits are:

• It has a tremendous ability to alleviate many of the pain caused by diseases that affect humans.
• It is an effective asthma treatment, as it contains vitamin C and is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
• It reduces the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis thanks to the amount of copper it contains.
• It has an effective role in protecting and strengthening the eye, as it contains vitamin C.
• Protects the human body from the risk of colon cancer.
• It helps reduce the oxidation of cholesterol, which is an important factor in the formation of blood vessels.
• Strengthens the immune system, which makes us able to fight and prevent diseases.
• Helps lower high blood pressure.
• It has a high capacity to protect the heart.
• Relieve bladder pain.
• Improves the skin and gives it vitality and freshness.
• Help treat urinary tract problems.
• It prevents human infection with hemorrhoids.

26- Mombar (Egyptian Sausage)

Mombar, Fawaregh or kishke is a veal sausage stuffed with a mixture of rice and fried in oil. This delicious dish is very typical in Egypt and is very delicious.

27- Egyptian Kebab

Kebab is a delicious food of Arab origin that became popular in countries around the world, each country has created its kebab recipe.

Did you know?

The word kebab generally refers to skewered meat, but in Arab countries, it refers to meat cooked in the oven and served on a plate.

28- Shawarma

Shawarma is one of the most famous street foods in Egypt, usually served in French bread, with tahini. Some restaurants sell shawarma with Egyptian flatbreads. You can also add some tomato, cucumber, onion, or pepper to your shawarma sandwich. Add some pickled vegetables, which are also a popular side dish in Egypt.

29- Hawawshi (Egyptian Meat Pie)

Marinated ground beef cooked in a whole loaf of bread either in a toaster or in a regular oven. It is one of the most famous Egyptian food, and you can find it almost in most Egyptian restaurants.

30- Kebda – Traditional Egyptian Food

If you order Kebda, you get chopped fried beef liver, usually served with french fries and flatbread. The meat is placed in a special marinade that gives it its typical taste. Kebda also goes very well with Koshary or just macaroni.

31- Halawa

Halawa is a Middle Eastern food that is common in all Mediterranean countries. Halawa is made from sesame paste and comes in all shapes and forms: blocks, hair Halawa, and spreads. It is sometimes infused with other types of foods to add flavor, including pistachios, pine nuts, and almonds.

It is a common staple food among Egyptians and it is eaten as a snack or for breakfast and dinner. Halawa can be used as the main ingredient in many other dishes, including the sakalans, a mixture of Halawa, honey, and whipped cream. Interestingly, Halawa is one of the few foods that can endure the hot Egyptian weather without going bad, and it doesn’t require any special storage conditions.

32- Gibna Domiati

Gibna Domiati is a white soft cheese from Damietta in northern Egypt. It’s usually made from buffalo milk, but cow’s milk is sometimes added to the mixture. It is the most common cheese in Egypt and is incorporated into many dishes, such as sambousak (thin pastries filled with cheese) or net (tomato and cheese dip).

Gibna Domiati is aged in large tin cans for 1-3 years before being eaten. Most Egyptian families take pride in the number of cans stored and for how long. It is said that the older the cheese, the more delicious it becomes.

33- Sayadeya

A dish is mainly prepared in coastal cities like Suez, Portsaid, and Alexandria. It’s made from white fish like bass or blue bass and cooked with yellow rice, onions, spices, and tomato sauce. It is then baked in an earthenware pot.

34- Moussaka

The traditional Egyptian Mousakka consists only of eggplant, tomato sauce, and spices, and it’s one of the best traditional cuisines in Egypt.

35- Feseekh

Feseekh is a traditional Egyptian dish that is only served during the Sham-El-Nessim Festival, a spring festival of Pharaonic origin. It is made from fermented, salted, and dried mullet. The process of preparing it, which involves drying the fish in the sun and then salting it, is usually prepared by a specialized person called Fasakhani.

It is usually kept in thick glass jars that are tightly closed as it has a very pungent odor. It is usually served with Egyptian bread, diced onion, and lots of lemons.

36- Fiteer

Fiteer, also called Egyptian pancakes, are made up of many layers of thin, phyllo-like batter, so it’s more of a pastry than a pancake. Fiteer can be filled with sweet or savory fillings, and some can even be coated with powdered sugar for a uniquely sweet taste. The savory versions have toppings like a pizza and are then placed on the grill.

Fiteer is usually served in one piece, but it is still a very convenient and tasty type of street food. The best restaurants in all of Cairo can be found at Tawfiqiyya Souq – the fruit and vegetable market in downtown Cairo, which is usually open from the early hours of the morning until after midnight.

Here are 8 facts about Egyptian cuisine that will give you a glimpse into the country’s culture and show you what to look forward to. They include facts about ancient Egyptian cuisine as well as modern gastronomy.

1- The ancient Egyptians liked to drink beer

Modern Egypt is very conservative, so it may surprise you that ancient Egypt drank large quantities of beer. One of the main reasons you drank so much beer was because fresh drinking water was not as readily available as it is today. Beer was safer than river water. Even today beer in Egypt is still mainly brewed as a thirst quencher. It is made of barley and is very light.

2- The left hand should not be used for eating

Table manners vary across the country and depend on the region. About 90% of Egyptians are Muslim. Visitors should follow a few guidelines. The left hand is considered dirty and should not be used for eating. Additionally, you shouldn’t ask about alcohol or pork. Put your feet under the table when eating.

3- Meat is considered a luxury

In the past, meat was very expensive and was therefore rarely used in cooking. Typical Egyptian cuisine consists mainly of vegetables. It is an honor to be a guest with a family who serve meat with their meals. Egypt is a great destination for vegetarians as delicious, rich, traditional, meat-free foods are abundant.

4- Food was used as currency

Archaeologists have discovered that food was used as a type of currency in the ancient Egyptian era. Workers in Egypt were often paid with food and beverages such as bread and beer. There were standard sizes and recipes to ensure uniformity of values. Traders and tax collectors could be paid with the grain.

5- More than 6,000 restaurants have opened in Cairo since 2011

The restaurant industry in the Egyptian capital is booming and more and more people with a sweet tooth are using their Egypt e-Visa to visit Cairo. Egyptian cuisine has changed a lot in recent years and there is an increasing demand for new food concepts. The city has many exciting restaurants that fuse the new with the old.

6- Fatta is served on special occasions

Fatta is an incredibly tasty (and high-calorie) dish that is typically served during religious festivals. It is also a typical Egyptian wedding meal. Fatta consists of fried bread covered with rice, a piece of meat, and vinegar soup, followed by tomato sauce and larger pieces of meat. Outside of special occasions, Fatta is rarely seen. If you get the chance to taste the dish, don’t say no.

7- Poor people did not have to go hungry in ancient Egypt

The pharaohs did not let anyone go hungry. Grain was centrally stored and shared with the poor. People were also free to fish and collect eggs in the Nile. Poor people have always had access to food, except during times of drought, when most people, except the very rich, went hungry.

8- Besarah is thousands of years old

Besarah is made from a creamy green mash of fava beans, leek, green pepper, chili, garlic, parsley, and coriander. It is topped with onions and served with bread. The name of the ancient Egyptian dish is still popular today and comes from the hieroglyphics ‘bees’ (which means cooked) and ‘oro’ (which means beans). This is just one delicious dish to try in Egypt. Apply for your Egypt e-Visa today and start planning your trip.

Conclusion

I hope you got a little hungry now! All of these suggestions are just a small selection of the specialties and options for dining out – but I’ve tried them all myself! No need to worry about taking a greater risk of stomach upset eating out of the hotel. If you get a stomach ache, you go to the pharmacy and buy Antinal!

Food in Egypt is of very high quality because the food in Egypt that is used for cooking is mostly very fresh, as it comes from the very fertile Nile Valley, the food and drink in Egypt are of very high quality.