Indulge in the rich and flavorful world of popular Egyptian food. Most times, when we think about Egypt, the Pyramids, Sphinx, Pharaohs and Ancient Temples come to mind. Hardly do we think about Egyptian delicacies – but no worries. We’re here to give you a culinary tour of all the delicious foods available in this fascinating country. Each region has unique flavour combinations that make its dishes stand out. With a blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African influences, Egyptian cuisine offers a tantalizing array of dishes that satisfy any food lover’s cravings.
From koshari to taameya, experience the deliciousness of Egypt’s most popular culinary creations. As you explore this unique cuisine’s mind-blowing array of dishes, each bite will take your palate on an unexpected journey through Egypt.
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What were the Top Ancient Egyptian Foods?
The ancient Egyptians loved garlic and onions and used them liberally in most dishes. Other popular ingredients included chickpeas, fava beans, fish from the Nile and other local waterways, poultry (like geese or ducks),), kushari lamb, and beef. Fruits like dates were enjoyed as well. Breads made with wheat flour were also essential for Egyptians of all social classes.
What are Staple Foods in Egypt?
The staples of the Egyptian diet consist of “Ful, Taameya (Egyptian Falafel), and Aish (Bread). Ful is a fava bean dish that is often served with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, and onions. Taameya is an Egyptian street food consisting of mashed fava beans fried and served with salads or vegetables. Aish, which means “Life” in Arabic, is a traditional flatbread made from wheat flour and is used to scoop up Ful or Taameya. Rice, pasta, and potatoes are also dietary staples in Egypt.
What Do Egyptians eat for breakfast?
Falafel and Taameya are popular breakfast choices in Egypt. Other breakfast favourites include Ful, Aish or Shawerma (traditional local sandwiches made with flatbread) and Eggs Baladi – a dish of scrambled eggs cooked with tomatoes, onions, and herbs. Sweet loaves of bread like Kahk are also favourite treats for breakfast.
What is the Most Popular Egyptian Food?
1. Ful Wa Ta’ameya
Ful Wa Ta’ameya. Photo/egyptianepicurean.
Enjoyed for generations, Ful Wa Ta’ameya is a delectable and beloved Egyptian street food. This scrumptious meal consists of two main ingredients: aromatic mashed fava beans cooked with various spices (Ful) and falafel-like patties made from ground fava beans combined with herbs & seasonings (Ta’ameya). Deliciously served in warm pita bread, this cuisine comes garnished with several toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers & tahini sauce. This popular Egyptian food is sure to tantalize the taste buds of any foodie.
2. Ful Medames
Ful Medames. Photo/The Domestic Man.
Ful Medames has been a popular Egyptian food from ancient to modern Egyptians. This recipe is as simple as it gets, with Fava beans, olive oil, cumin and more included in its ingredients. It’s often served with a citrusy lemon juice garnish alongside onion, parsley and even more cumin – making this vegan delight an undeniable national favourite.
3. Kushari
A plate of Kushari served at the Kushari Restaurant – Kusharista
Get ready for carb overload! Kushari is a unique dish that combines rice, macaroni, lentils and chickpeas – topped off with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. This iconic Egyptian cuisine dates back to the 19th century when it was popularized by Indian merchants who travelled through the region. Today, this traditional dish remains a favourite among Egyptian families. During lunchtime in Cairo, queues of people form at kushari shops all over the city, eager to try one of Egypt’s most beloved street foods.
4. Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Squab)
Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Squab). Photo/Creative Market.
From being branded as pests to some even savouring them, stuffed pigeons or ‘hamam mahshi’ has been a delicacy in Egypt for hundreds of years. What’s more fascinating is that they are kept and reared on mud brick lofts near the Nile River. Preparing hamam mahshi is fairly easy too. Pigeons are usually filled with onions and spices, freekeh (green cracked wheat), rice or bulgur wheat – all adding immense flavor. While Egyptians customarily have this meal on special occasions, you can still find popular Egyptian food in many restaurant menus nationwide.
5. Fiteer Baladi (Egyptian Pizza)
Fiteer Baladi (Egyptian Pizza). Photo/Tara’s Multicultural.
If you’re a fan of pizza, Fiteer will not disappoint. Egyptians make this delicious delight from many filo pastry layers cooked in an oven. You can savour the classic plain version or enjoy it with meats, cheese, and vegetables for a savoury twist; or top it off with syrup, honey or sugar to give it a sweet flavour. No matter how you indulge – trust us when we say this buttery treat is worth every calorie. Yum! Fiteer Baladi is a great snack or lunchtime treat, so grab a piece the next time you’re in Egypt.
6. Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma Wrap. Photo/RecipeTin Eats.
Shawarma may not have originated in Egypt, but it has become a staple dish since the Ottoman Empire. It is made by layering either lamb, chicken or beef onto a spit and grilling all day. Once cooked, these succulent layers are shaved into an inviting wrap – from classic pita bread to hearty rolls. Shawarma sangas are undoubtedly one of the most popular Egyptian food available.
Egyptians love their shawarma because It is a quick and convenient snack that can be enjoyed anytime. Grab it from the nearest shawarma shop or have it homemade and enjoy it with all kinds of accompaniments such as garlic sauce, pickles & French fries. This traditional dish is sure to tantalize the taste buds of any foodie.
7. Kofta and Kebab
Kofta and Kebab. Photo/Posh Journal.
Meat fans, rejoice! Kofta, the perfect combination of minced beef or lamb paired with various spices, is on our menu too. There’s also kebab which consists of veal or lamb meat cooked over a coal fire on a skewer. You won’t be left wanting either way – no meal is complete without sides like dips, rice, bread and veggies that will leave you in total foodie bliss.
Egyptians are serious about their kofta and kebab, and serve these tasty dishes in several luxurious restaurants or humble street stalls. They can be enjoyed anytime – a quick lunchtime snack, an after-work treat, or a hearty meal.
8. Basbousa
Basbousa. Photo/Serious EatsSerious Eats.
Basbousa is an enchanting Egyptian desert that will captivate your taste buds with its tantalizing semolina-based batter, delightful citrus flavor and alluring diamond or square shape. Enjoy this delectable cake cold or warm to satisfy any craving for something sweet yet sticky. You may serve Basbousa with tea or a hot beverage, making it an ideal accompaniment to any gathering in Egypt. This classic dessert will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for something to please your palate at the end of a meal or just a snack in between – basbousa is the answer.
9. Baqlawa
Baqlawa. Photo/Soom Foods.
If you’re searching for a decadent dessert, go for Baqlawa. This is a golden, flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with either syrup or honey. You can find this delicious treat in any patisserie across Egypt or from restaurants serving it on their menu. The subtly sweet flavor of this pastry makes it an ideal choice for a mid-afternoon snack, or even for breakfast with tea or milk. Enjoyed by many generations in Egypt, Baqlawa is the perfect combination of taste and texture that will leave you satisfied with every bite.
10. Alexandria cheese fondue
Alexandria cheese fondue. Photo/ misadventure.
Yes, you’ve heard correctly – even though cheese fondue isn’t a classic Egyptian dish, it still tastes amazing. The renowned Alexandrian restaurant Alban Swissra uses Rumi cheese (an iconic Egyptian variety), pastrami, sausage, minced meat, chicken, and more to craft this cheesy masterpiece. Paired with crunchy traditional Egyptian bread, Alexandria cheese fondue is perfect for anyone looking to explore new flavors or satisfy their cravings for all things cheesy.
