The Types of Foods in Egypt are countless offering every traveler the chance to taste some delicious cuisine as old and classy as time itself. The food of Egypt will offer a deep look into the heart and soul of the Egyptian society culinary arts and the creative manner in which the Egyptians of all ages were able to create their famous cuisines. This article’s main purpose is to showcase all the wonderful foods of Egypt so our clients every sweet bite of Egypt rich culinary arts. This article is written by our team of tour guides and travel consultants who have gathered this information from their own knowledge and experience. Egypt is not only famous for its ancient monuments, culture, and resorts, but it is also famous for its fabulous food and other beautiful things. With every bite from our delicious cuisine, every traveler will get to travel back in time and space across 4000 years and witness all the culinary arts from all the corners of the globe combined into one dish served in front of you across all the countless restaurants of Egypt. Egypt has been blessed with the food of the gods which explains why Egypt can be found on the travel bucket list of travelers from all over the world, which are:
Kushari is a very delicious vegan dish from the legendary Egyptian culinary dating back to the early days of the Islamic era in Egypt. It consists of food consists of rice, lentils, onions, garlic, chickpeas, and tomato sauce. It has four sources of carbohydrates made it the most popular lunch item in Egypt.
2. Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)
The most famous Egyptian fast food; they are the main fast food in the Egyptian breakfast. The full (pronounced: fool) is made of fava beans. The ta’meya or The falafel is legendary street food with ancient Egyptian roots, known to be a vegan food made of crushed fava beans mixed with spices then deep-fried in the shape of a flat disc then served with tahini, Egyptian bread, and salad.
Ful is by far the most famous food in Egypt, eaten during breakfast by everyone in Egypt on daily basis. It is a vegan dish that is a great source of nutrition and is believed to have been cooked in ancient Egypt. It is made of lava beans prepared with butter, olive & spicy oil, and lemon juice or paper, tomato sauce, parsley, and then added with garlic and onion plus some spices.
4. Hawawshi (Egyptian Meat Pie)
Hawawshi is a popular Egyptian street food that is loved for its delicious combination of flavors and spices. It is a meat-filled pastry that is typically made with a mixture of minced meat, such as beef or lamb, combined with a blend of herbs, spices, and onions. The filling is then stuffed into a pocket of dough and baked until golden and crispy.
Shawerma is known to be not originally a native Egyptian dish, it became so due to Egypt being part of the Ottoman Empire. It is made of the meat mutton, turkey, beef, chicken, lamb, or veal cut into thin slices with parsley, chopped tomato, and onions then stacked in a cone-like shape, and roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie or spit then rolled in delicious bread. That said, the best Shawerma in Egypt will traditionally be available at Syrian-owned sandwich parlors.
6. Kabab & Kofta (Grilled Meats)
Kabab and Kofta are succulent grilled meat cubes and sheesh kebab, typically made out of veal or lamb, are usually served with bread and an assortment of green salads and dips, mostly tahini, baba ghanoush. They are grilled over charcoal and they are a must for any meat lover visiting Egypt.
Mulukhiya is a traditional Egyptian dish that is loved for its unique flavor and nutritional value. It is made from the leaves of the jute plant, also known as Corchorus olitorius, which are finely chopped and cooked to create a thick, green stew. The dish is typically served with rice or bread and can be made with either meat or vegetables, depending on personal preference.
Fatta is a traditional Egyptian dish that is often served on special occasions and festive gatherings. It is a hearty and flavorful meal that consists of tender chunks of meat (typically lamb or beef) cooked in a rich and aromatic broth, served over a bed of rice or bread, and topped with a flavorful sauce. The main ingredient in Fatta is usually meat, which is slow-cooked until it becomes tender and succulent. The meat is then combined with a mixture of spices, such as garlic, cumin, coriander, and cardamom, to create a fragrant broth. Some variations of Fatta also include chickpeas and tomatoes for added texture and flavor.
Roasted stuffed pigeons are a traditional Egyptian delicacy that is known for its rich flavors and unique preparation. In Egyptian cuisine, pigeons are often considered a luxurious and special dish, typically served on festive occasions or during celebratory meals.
Baba Ganoush is a popular Middle Eastern dip that originated in Egypt and is enjoyed in various countries across the region. It is made from roasted or grilled eggplants that are mashed and blended with tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and a dash of salt and pepper. The result is a creamy and flavorful dip that is perfect for spreading on bread or pita, or as a dip for vegetables.
12. Alexandria liver and Sausages
Alexandria liver and sausages is a popular street food dish in Egypt, specifically in the city of Alexandria. It is a flavorful and savory combination of liver, sausages, onions, and various spices, typically served in a sandwich or as a plated dish. To prepare Alexandria liver and sausages, fresh liver and sausages are grilled or pan-fried until they are cooked through and develop a rich, smoky flavor. They are often seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, and garlic powder to enhance the taste.
Sayadiyah Fish, also known as Sayadiya, is a traditional Egyptian dish that features a flavorful combination of fish, rice, caramelized onions, and fragrant spices. It is a popular seafood dish that originated in the coastal regions of Egypt and has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. To prepare Sayadiyah Fish, a firm-fleshed fish such as mullet, grouper, or sea bass is commonly used. The fish is typically seasoned with a mixture of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and black pepper, then lightly fried until it becomes golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flaky on the inside.
Baklava is a delicious and iconic dessert that is popular not only in Egypt but also across many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. It is a sweet pastry made from layers of thin phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. The combination of flaky pastry, crunchy nuts, and sweet syrup makes Baklava a delightful treat that is enjoyed on various occasions, from festive celebrations to everyday indulgence.
Basbousa, also known as Revani or Harissa, is a popular Egyptian and Middle Eastern dessert made from semolina, sugar, and coconut. It is a sweet and moist cake that is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. To prepare Basbousa, semolina flour is combined with sugar, yogurt, melted butter or oil, and a hint of aromatic flavorings such as rose water or orange blossom water. The mixture is then spread into a baking dish and baked until golden brown.
Konafa, also spelled Kunafa or Knafeh, is a delectable Middle Eastern dessert that is widely enjoyed in Egypt and other countries in the region. It is a sweet pastry made from shredded phyllo dough, also known as kataifi, layered with a filling of sweetened cheese, cream, or nuts, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup.
Kahk, also known as Gahwa, is a traditional Egyptian pastry that is often associated with festive occasions and religious celebrations, particularly Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan. These small, buttery cookies are filled with a variety of sweet fillings and are a beloved treat among Egyptians.
Mahalabiya, also known as Mahalabia, is a popular Egyptian dessert that is loved for its creamy and luscious texture. It is a milk-based pudding that is delicately flavored with ingredients such as rose water or orange blossom water, and often garnished with nuts or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Umm Ali, also known as Om Ali, is a traditional Egyptian dessert that is loved for its rich and indulgent flavors. It is a bread pudding-like dessert made with layers of phyllo pastry or puff pastry, nuts, raisins, and a creamy milk mixture. To prepare Umm Ali, the phyllo pastry or puff pastry is first baked until golden and crispy. It is then broken into small pieces and layered in a baking dish with a mixture of nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, along with raisins or other dried fruits.
Feteer Meshaltet, often simply referred to as Feteer, is a delicious and flaky Egyptian pastry that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory variations. It is a beloved treat enjoyed by Egyptians for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a main dish. To make Feteer Meshaltet, the dough is made by combining flour, water, a small amount of yeast, and sometimes a touch of sugar and salt. The dough is kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic. The unique characteristic of Feteer Meshaltet comes from the method of layering and folding the dough with liberal amounts of ghee or clarified butter.
While goulash is traditionally a savory dish originating from Hungary, a sweet variation of goulash is not commonly found. However, there are certain desserts that may be referred to as “sweet goulash” due to their resemblance to the traditional savory goulash. One such dessert is the Hungarian-style Sweet Goulash Soup, which is made by combining fruits such as apples, pears, and dried fruits with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes a splash of wine or fruit juice.
Rice pudding is a popular and comforting dessert enjoyed in many cultures around the world, including Egypt. Known as “Roz bel Laban” in Arabic, rice pudding is a sweet and creamy dish made from rice, milk, sugar, and often flavored with ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, or rose water.
Zalabya, also known as zalabia or luqmat al-qadi, is a popular deep-fried dessert commonly enjoyed in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries. It is a sweet treat made from a simple dough that is shaped into small round or elongated pieces, deep-fried until golden brown, and then soaked in a flavored sugar syrup.
Qatayef, also spelled as katayef or katayif, is a popular Middle Eastern dessert enjoyed during the holy month of Ramadan and other special occasions. It is a delicious and sweet treat that consists of small, pancake-like pastries filled with various fillings, such as sweet cheese, nuts, or a combination of both.
Baked sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a standalone meal. Sweet potatoes are a versatile root vegetable that can be prepared in various ways, and baking them brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor. Baked Sweet Potatoes are an all-natural dessert baked in front of them then sometimes stuffed with ice cream, caramel sauce, chocolate, and nuts.
