A Foodie Guide to Egypt: Must-Try Dishes & Where to Eat

One of the best ways to understand Egypt is through its food. Egyptian cuisine is full of simple ingredients, strong flavours and dishes that have been part of everyday life for generations — and it is wonderfully cheap and satisfying.

We are Sam and Mo — licensed Egyptologist guides with over 28 years of combined experience. Here is what to eat and where.

Dishes you must try in Egypt

• Koshary — the national dish: rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, fried onions and tomato sauce. Try it at Koshary Abou Tarek in Cairo.
• Ful medames — slow-cooked fava beans, a breakfast staple.
• Taameya — Egypt’s crisp, herb-flecked falafel.
• Hawawshi — spiced minced meat baked in flatbread.
• Molokhia — a rich, green leafy stew served over rice.
• Mahshi — vegetables stuffed with rice and herbs.
• Fatta — a festive dish of bread, rice, meat and garlic-vinegar sauce.
• Grilled meats & kofta — smoky and delicious.

Desserts to save room for

• Om Ali — Egypt’s answer to bread pudding. Unmissable.
• Basbousa — sweet semolina cake.
• Konafa — shredded pastry with cream or nuts.
• Egyptian pastries from a local bakery.

Drinks

• Karkadeh — iced or hot hibiscus tea.
• Egyptian tea — strong and sweet.
• Turkish-style coffee.
• Fresh juices — mango, guava, sugar cane and orange.

The best food experience: a food tour

The easiest way to eat like a local is a guided Cairo food tour, tasting koshary, taameya, hawawshi, desserts and street food across downtown Cairo and Khan el-Khalili.

A note on water and hygiene

Avoid tap water and be careful with ice in street drinks; stick to bottled water. Street food from busy, popular stalls is generally the freshest.

Vegetarian and dietary needs

Egypt is excellent for vegetarians — koshary, ful, taameya and mahshi are all plant-based. Tell us your needs when booking and we will tailor the tour.

Our tip

Don’t be afraid to tell your guide what you normally eat. A great food experience discovers something new while still feeling comfortable.

Eat like a local. Book the Cairo food tour or ask us for restaurant recommendations.