Egyptian chefs often put their own spin on these beloved foods. You might, for instance, find that your hummus is flavoured with cumin. And you’ll also enjoy some distinctive dishes that either originated from Egypt or are specific to Egyptian cuisine: Think ful and kushari, for example. Read on to get some ideas about what to try on your next vacation in Egypt!
Kushari
A mix of rice, spaghetti, small round macaroni, vermicelli, fried onions, black lentils and hummus, topped with thick tomato sauce, garlic and vinegar sauce, and chilli sauce put together in some kind of art. That mix may sound strange, but it’s totally worth a try!
Ful Medames
Ful Medames, also known simply as ful, competes with kushari as Egypt's most famous dish. Some writers deem that ful is among the earliest meals created in the country. They believe that it was first prepared as early as ancient times. Cooked fava beans are the primary ingredient for ful. It may be served with egg or vegetable slices. Cumin, chilli pepper, onion, garlic, parsley and vegetable oil are added to make it more flavorful.
Molokhia
Molokhia is the Egyptian soup that’s famous for its green colouring. This is also a popular dish. Like kushari and ful, molokhia is proof of Egyptians’ love for vegetables. Food historians argue about the origins of molokhia. Some believe it came from Ancient Egypt while others think it’s from Ancient India. Regardless of its origins, molokhia is a nutritious dish you should try at least once. To create this dish, finely chopped mallow leaves are mixed with coriander and garlic. The soup is based on chicken broth. But in the city of Alexandria, rabbit or shrimp broth is used. Meanwhile, in Port Said, the broth used is made from fish.
Mesaqa‘ah
This Egyptian dish is the local version of moussaka. Moussaka is deemed to be a dish from the Middle East and Greece. It’s usually based on either potato or eggplant. Mesaqa‘ah, however, is mainly based on eggplant. To make mesaqa‘ah, eggplant slices are first grilled along with slices of onion, chilli pepper, and green pepper. Afterwards, the fried slices are soaked in tomato sauce. Then, the slices are stacked together. Cooked ground beef may be added as well. Once done, the dish is baked. Mesaqa‘ah may be eaten a few minutes after it’s baked. However, more locals prefer to chill it first to enhance the taste.
Mahshi
Also called dolma, mahshi belongs to the family of stuffed dishes commonly found in Mediterranean countries. The stuffing is made from a mixture of rice, onion, crushed tomatoes, and various herbs and spices. Once the said ingredients are blended well, they are stuffed into vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, green bell pepper and even tomato. The stuffing may also be wrapped in cabbage or grape leaves. The stuffed vegetables are cooked in a pot. The pot is filled with either beef or chicken broth. It’s not known as to which country mahshi came from. Aside from Egypt, it’s also prepared a lot in Azerbaijan, Greece, Italy, Iraq and Turkey. In Egypt, mahshi is served warm while in other countries, it may be chilled first.
Shorbet Ads
Shorbet Ads is more popularly known as the Egyptian lentil soup. As its name suggests, lentils, particularly the red ones, are the primary ingredient for this dish. Chicken broth, garlic, onion, coriander, cumin, olive oil and lemon juice make up the rest of the ingredients. This type of lentil soup tastes better when consumed along with yogurt or milk-based drink. You can also treat it as a dip for eish baladi. To make this a dip, puree the soup as much as you can.
Shakshouka
Poached eggs and tomato sauce make up a yummy combination. This dish is called shakshouka. Its name is taken from the Arabic slang meaning mixture. This dish is made more palatable thanks to onions and chilli peppers. Nutmeg, paprika, cumin, and cayenne powder are the typical spices used to prepare shakshouka.
Falafel
Do you have a kid who despises vegetables? You might want to trick him or her into eating peas or beans by serving falafel. The dish isn’t just for the picky kid, though. You can also devour a plate of it. Also dubbed as ta‘ameya, falafel looks a lot like fried meatballs or beef patties. In reality, though, it’s made from fava beans, chickpeas or a mixture of both. This dish may be dipped in hummus or wrapped in eish baladi.
Kofta
Meat-lovers also have many Egyptian dishes to enjoy. One of these is kofta. Kofta is a meatloaf type of dish. The main ingredient may be lamb meat, beef or chicken. Non-Muslims often use pork as well. The meat is first minced. Salt, cumin, nutmeg, black pepper, garlic, onion and parsley are added to the minced meat. Once blended, the mixture is divided and shaped like cigars. Afterwards, the cigar-shaped minced meat is grilled over charcoal. The finished product may be dipped in hummus or tahini sauce. Kofta can serve as part of the main course or as an appetizer.
Egyptian Lamb Fattah
There are certain Egyptian dishes that are only prepared and consumed for an occasion. Fattah is among those dishes. Compared to other meals on this list, fattah is far easier to make. Firstly, cooked chunks of lamb meat, prebaked pieces of eish baladi, and cooked rice are mixed together. They are coated with vinegar-based condiments and/or tomato sauce before serving.
Egyptian Kebabs
Kebabs are a staple in American backyard gatherings. Almost all countries around the world have their version. Egypt is no exemption. Egyptian kebab features slices of beef and/or lamb meat on skewers. The said meat is typically marinated using olive oil, salt, and cumin. Like the kebab you’ve prepared before, Egyptian kebabs are grilled over charcoal.
Hawawshi
Satisfy your cravings for a savoury snack with the help of hawawshi. This food is made from minced meat. Parsley, pepper, onion, and chilli ensure the savoury taste of the meat. Once these ingredients are mixed, they are filled in an eish baladi or dough and baked. Many restaurants in Egypt sell this dish. It’s typically bought as takeaway food though. It is a very popular Egyptian food.
Sayadiyah
The locals living in Egyptian coastlines take pride in this dish. Some restaurants may offer sayadiyah. But it’s not as palatable as the one served in Alexandria and other areas near the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea; sayadiyah is relatively a simple dish. Rice, onion, and tomato paste make up its main ingredients. Fish is optional, except when the dish is prepared in Egyptian coastlines. Salt, cumin, cinnamon, paprika, coriander and garlic powder are the usual seasonings used for this dish. Bluefish, bass, tilapia and mullet are among the fish added in sayadiyah. The fish is fried separately, but it’s added to the plate of the cooked rice. With or without fish, this dish will be one of your favourites if you’re into spicy meals. Rozz me‘ammar is considered a part of the main course. This rice dish is loved for its creamy taste. It owes such taste from the milk, butter or cream added to the broth or stock.
Feteer Meshaltet
Some consider feteer meshaltet as the main course material while others don’t. Regardless of that, this Egyptian food will always be among the best breads in their country. Also known simply as feteer, this bread is loved for its flavorful fillings which are either sweet or savoury.
Besarah
Some consider feteer meshaltet as the main course material while others don’t. Regardless of that, this Egyptian food will always be among the best breads in their country. Also known simply as feteer, this bread is loved for its flavorful fillings which are either sweet or savoury.
Sugarcane juice
Sugarcane juice is the liquid extracted from pressed sugarcane; sugarcane juice the second most loved drink in Egypt.
Cantaloupe Juice
Juice is arguably the second most loved drink in Egypt. Cantaloupe juice is among such beverage. Pureed cantaloupe or slices of the fruit are sought to make its juice.
Karkadeh
In many tourist spots in Egypt, you can find some food stalls that sell karkadeh. This beverage is deemed to have health benefits. One of those benefits is the reduction of blood pressure. One of the interesting things about this drink is that it’s made from sepals of a flowering plant. If you have hibiscus at home, you might want to search for a karkadeh recipe online and try to make the base for the drink.
Liquorice Tea
Teas are top beverage in Egypt. One of the best teas you should try there is liquorice tea. This sweet drink will take away all the prejudice you might have against teas before.