Delicious Egyptian Cuisine: 10 Mouthwatering Dishes You Must Try in Egypt

Egypt may be known for its astonishing ancient temples and pyramids, but visiting these fascinating sites is not the only way to experience Egypt’s rich culture firsthand. One of the best ways to do that while you’re in the country is by trying traditional Egyptian cuisine.

Egypt’s prime position in the Nile Valley gives it access to plenty of colourful vegetables and aromatic spices, which its people have translated beautifully into Egyptian dishes through the centuries.

Not sure what food to try as you travel across Egypt? Here are 10 of its mouthwatering dishes and desserts you can’t sleep on.

Koshari

One of the most popular Egyptian cuisine dishes is koshari, one of the country’s national dishes and a popular street food.

This hearty, carb-heavy dish is a mixture of rice, pasta, chickpeas, and lentils cooked with tomatoes, onions, and garlic vinegar. Think of it as Egypt’s take on fried rice—a comfort food locals make with whatever’s in their pantry for a full tummy.

Ful Medames

Ful medames—also simply called “ful”—is a vegetarian national dish in Egyptian cuisine. Fava beans are simmered and stewed until smooth and creamy, and cooked with a plethora of vibrant herbs, spices and aromatics, from cumin and parsley to garlic and onions.

Some recipes call for a bit of lemon juice for extra tanginess. Ful is commonly eaten with flatbread or falafel and can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Falafel

Falafel is one of the most popular Middle Eastern dishes in the world, but did you know that this deep-fried fritter finds its roots in Egypt? This dish is made by combining ground chickpeas and beans with all kinds of spices and making patties out of them.

Then, these little balls are deep-fried until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside but oh-so-tender on the inside. The best way to enjoy falafel is when it’s served with pita or flatbread, some vegetables and tons of tahini sauce on the side.

Mulukhiyah

This Egyptian soup is a comfort food for many locals. It’s made with jute leaves chopped up and boiled in chicken stock with garlic, coriander, cilantro and optionally, meat like rabbit or chicken. The result is a viscous, dense, almost slimy texture that might be unfamiliar to some but is super healthy. It’s usually served over rice.

It’s said that Egyptian mothers make mulukhiyah to trick kids into eating lots of veggies. Aside from jute leaves, some moms will add finely chopped carrots, broccoli and more to their children’s plate of rice before pouring mulukhiyah on top. Genius, right?

Mahsi

You’ll see mahsi in many Egyptian banquets and parties, particularly during Ramadan. This simple dish is made by stuffing vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers or grape leaves with rice and spices. It’s typically served vegetarian, but some recipes call for some meat in the filling, too.

Hamam Mahsi

Another version of mahsi is hammam mahsi—stuffed pigeon. This succulent, protein-rich dish is a more elevated version of mahsi that’s served on special occasions too, but is still quite easy to prepare.

Instead of using vegetables, preparing this dish requires stuffing a bird with a mixture of rice, garlic, onions, parsley, minced meat and popular Egyptian spices like cumin and cinnamon.

Shakshuka

Shakshuka—an Arabic word that means “shaken”—is a one-skillet dish made by poaching eggs along with tomatoes, garlic, onions and peppers. It’s also typically spicy, thanks to a generous seasoning of paprika, chilli powder and cumin.

The best way to eat it is as a savoury dip for fresh pita bread. This rich, flavourful dish is popular not only in Egypt but also across North Africa. It would make for the most satisfying breakfast meal during your travels in Egypt!

Shawarma

Shawarma is an Ottoman dish made from meats like lamb, beef or chicken that are cooked on a vertical spit, quite similar to the famous gyros of Greek cuisine. These meats are then thinly sliced straight from the pit and placed between the folds of pita bread, creating a sandwich-type meal.

Along with the meat, the pita also cradles tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and sometimes even French fries. It’s best eaten doused in tahini or tzatziki sauce!

Kofta

Another Egyptian dish for meat lovers is kofta, which is popular in other North African cuisines, such as Moroccan and Turkish cuisine. These meatballs are made with heavily spiced ground meat patties made of beef, lamb or veal, then grilled over coal.

They’re then placed on a skewer for easy eating. Kofta balls are best eaten with sides like hummus, tabbouleh or pickled vegetables.

Basbousa

In Egyptian cuisine, basbousa is among the most popular treats for anyone with a sweet tooth. This super-sweet, indulgent cake is made with semolina, butter, sugar, coconut and yoghurt. Then, it’s soaked in a syrup prepared with rose and orange blossom waters.

After it’s baked in the oven until golden brown, it’s cut into its signature diamond shape and served. This moist, decadent dessert is perfect as a snack on its own or to finish an authentic Egyptian meal.

Travel to Other Gastronomic Destinations with Entire Travel Group!

Experience Egyptian culture and creativity firsthand by trying the many dishes that showcase the nation’s local cuisine. Its diverse recipes, bold flavours and vibrant spices are sure to make your holiday in the home of some of the world’s oldest and greatest civilizations.

Want to experience the world through delicious, memorable food? Check out Entire Travel Group’s other destinations and Holiday Packages to find the best gastronomic and cultural excursions around the globe!