When you think of Egypt, the majestic pyramids and ancient temples come to mind. Beyond its iconic monuments, there is a rich and flavorful culinary world waiting to be explored.If you are planning to visit Egypt , you should not miss out the various famous Egypt food options . Egyptian cuisine is more than just food. It is a reflection of a civilization that dates back thousands of years. It has excellent vegetarian dishes as well. The blog will take you to the Egypt food culture, the famous cuisines of Egypt, the vegetarian food options available and the best Indian restaurants in Egypt.’
Egypt food culture
The arid climate made Egyptians heavily depend on the river Nile for its food production. The staple food that is grown on the banks of river Nile is wheat, legumes, vegetables. These make up the various food options that we find in Egypt today. The river provides a good source for fishing and livestock farming. So, Egyptians depend heavily on poultry and meat. You find rice stuffed vegetables like Koshari, kebabs from meat,ful medames and falafel out of various vegetables.
Tea is the national drink of Egypt while Koshary is considered as the national dish of Egypt. Bread and cheese making has been a tradition in Egypt since its first Dynasty. Some popular desserts in Egypt include baqlawa, basbousa, and kunafa that are made using common ingredients found in desserts like dates, honey, and almonds.
Top 10 Egypt famous food
Following are the top ten famous dishes in Egypt :
- Koshari
Koshari is Egypt’s national dish, a delicious and hearty mix of pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions, all topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. It is often served with garlic vinegar and spicy hot sauce, adding an extra kick to this beloved street food.
- Ful Medames
Ful Medames, also known as “Foul”, is a classic Egyptian breakfast dish made from slow cooked fava beans, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. It is traditionally enjoyed with Egyptian flatbread and often paired with toppings like chopped tomatoes, onions, tahini, or boiled eggs for extra flavor
- Mulukhiyah
This is a green savory soup. It is made from finely chopped jute leaves, cooked with broth and garlic and coriander. It is often served with rice, bread, chicken or lamb.
- Falafel
Ta’amiyya or Falafel is a popular deep-fried snack of Egypt. It is made with crushed fava beans, herbs, and spices which is served with pitha bread, salad and pickles.
- Kofta
Kofta is grilled or fried minced meat skewer, typically made from beef or lamb, mixed with onions, parsley, and spices.
- Kebab
Chunks of meat like chicken or lamb is put on skewers and grilled to make kebab. It is enjoyed with rice and vegetables.
- Hamam Mahshi
This a luxurious dish found in feasts. A pigeon is stuffed with vegetables, rice and nuts before it is grilled or roasted.
- Shawarma
Shawarma is a popular snack made with slow cooked, spiced meat shaved off a rotating spit. It is then wrapped in pita bread with garlic sauce, tahini, and pickles.
- Fattah
This is a luxurious dish found in feasts. It consists of layers of crispy bread, rice, slow cooked meat, and garlic tomato sauce, seasoned with yogurt or vinegar.
- Baklava
This is a popular Middle Eastern dessert. It is made with layers of flaky phyllo pastry, filled with nuts and dipped in honey or syrup.
- Umm Ali
This Egyptian dessert is made with layers of puff pastry, milk, sugar, nuts, and raisins. It is served during festivals or occasions.
Egypt vegan food
These are the five best vegan food options you must try out in Egypt:
- Molokhia: It is a green soup made from jute leaves, cooked with garlic, coriander, and broth. It is served with rice or flatbread and is a staple in Egyptian homes
- Mahshi: It consists of vegetables stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices, cooked in a light tomato soup. It is a favourite during family feasts in home kitchens and traditional restaurants.
- Feteer Meshaltet: It is a flaky, layered pastry. It is often compared to croissants and is a staple dessert found in local bakeries and homes.
- Meze: It is a platter of small appetizers that includes hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves. You can enjoy it in traditional cafés and restaurants.
- Bissara – A creamy, green fava bean dip blended with herbs, onions, and garlic with fried onions on top. It is served with pita bread and vegetables. Bissara is a protein-rich and flavourful dish.
Indian food & restaurants in Egypt
Most Indian eateries are found in the capital city of Cairo. Some of the best Indian restaurants in Egypt are:
- Indira Indian Restaurant
Indira offers a cozy ambiance with traditional Indian decor elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a variety of authentic Indian dishes that includes a variety of naans.
Notable Dishes: Kebabs fresh from the tandoor oven, Dal Makhani, Cheese Naans, Butter Chicken
- Namaste Indian Restaurant
Namaste combines traditional Indian elements with modern decor, providing a comfortable dining environment. The restaurant offers a wide range of Indian dishes with focus on flavourful and hearty dishes.
Notable Dishes: Tandoori Chicken, Butter Naan, Butter Chicken, Lamb Biryani.
- Indian Masala House
Indian Masala House has comfortable surroundings with neat and clean interiors, providing a welcoming atmosphere for diners. The menu includes a variety of Indian dishes catering to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. It is a good place to meet and greet your family or friends in a casual setup.
Notable Dishes: Murgh Makhani, Lemon Rice, Tea, Dosa,
- Maharaja
Maharaja features a warm and colourful décor. The dishes they focus on are flavourful and vibrant. The food is impeccable, and customer service is friendly.
Notable Dishes: Fish Curry, Mushroom Garlic Bread, Youghurt Salad
- Raj
Raj is a good choice if you want to go for a special occasion. It is a posh dining restaurant with elegant interiors mixed with traditional Indian decor elements.
Notable Dishes: Chicken Hariyali, Palak Paneer, Mango Kulfi
Get your Egypt visa with Itzeazy
You need to get Egypt visa to travel and experience Egypt food. Itzeazy helps you through every step of visa application and documentations. You should focus on planning the Egypt trip, Itzeazy will take care of visa.
FAQs
Is Egyptian food spicy?
Egyptian food is flavorful rather than very spicy, but chili sauce is often served on the side.
Is Indian food available in Egypt?
Yes, major cities like Cairo and Alexandria have several Indian restaurants serving authentic Indian cuisine.
What kind of rice dishes are popular in Egypt?
Rice with vermicelli and hawawshi are the famous rice dishes in Egypt.
Is seafood popular in Egypt?
Yes, in coastal cities like Alexandria, fresh seafood is very popular and widely available.
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