Why Egyptian Cuisine Deserves Your Attention
Egyptian food is a flavorful fusion of ancient traditions, Middle Eastern influences, and North African soul. Whether you’re savoring street food in Cairo or enjoying a home-cooked meal in a Nubian village, the cuisine tells a story of the country’s rich heritage. This Egyptian food guide will take you on a culinary journey through the must-try dishes and exactly where to enjoy them for an unforgettable experience.
Top Must-Try Egyptian Dishes
Egypt’s culinary heritage spans centuries and blends Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African influences. Each dish tells a tale—from ancient Pharaonic stews to contemporary street eats that power bustling Cairo mornings. In this section of our Egyptian food guide, we spotlight the country’s most iconic meals you absolutely must try. Whether you’re a curious foodie or a seasoned traveler, these dishes form the heart and soul of Egypt’s gastronomic identity.
1. Koshari
A national favorite made with lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, crispy onions, and spicy tomato sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and found everywhere.
Where to eat it:
- Koshary Abou Tarek (Cairo) – Legendary and iconic.
- Koshary Hend (Alexandria) – Local and budget-friendly.
2. Ful Medames
Mashed fava beans with olive oil, lemon juice, and cumin, often eaten for breakfast.
Where to eat it:
- Felfela (Cairo) – Famous for breakfast platters.
- Sobhy Kaber (Cairo) – A popular local spot.
3. Taameya (Egyptian Falafel)
Made from fava beans instead of chickpeas, these are crispier and greener inside than their Levantine cousins.
Where to eat it:
- Zooba (Cairo) – Modern street food vibe.
- Al-Tabei El-Domyati (Giza) – Traditional and authentic.
4. Molokhia
A thick green stew made from jute leaves, served with rice and chicken or rabbit.
Where to eat it:
- El Prince (Cairo) – Known for hearty molokhia and other stews.
- Al Mashrabeya (Alexandria) – Offers traditional versions.
5. Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Pigeon)
A delicacy of squab stuffed with seasoned rice or freekeh and roasted to perfection.
Where to eat it:
- Farahat (Cairo) – Famous for its grilled pigeon.
- Al-Tabei (various locations) – Budget-friendly and popular.
6. Hawawshi
A spiced meat mixture stuffed in bread and baked until crisp—think of it as Egypt’s meat sandwich.
Where to eat it:
- Hawawshi El Refaey (Cairo) – A must-try local favorite.
- Mohamed Ahmed (Alexandria) – Great for quick bites.
7. Fiteer (Egyptian Pizza)
A flaky layered pie filled with cheese, meat, or sweet toppings.
Where to eat it:
- Fiteer El Tahrir (Cairo) – A local institution.
- Old Cairo restaurants – Many serve this on weekends.
8. Om Ali
An Egyptian bread pudding made with puff pastry, milk, nuts, and sugar. A beloved dessert.
Where to eat it:
- El Abd Bakery (Cairo) – Famous for desserts.
- Mandarine Koueider (multiple cities) – Top for sweets.
Dining Styles in Egypt
Egypt offers a rich tapestry of dining experiences that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite from a street vendor, enjoying a family-style meal in a traditional home kitchen, or dining in a chic modern bistro, each setting offers a distinct way to savor the country’s vibrant cuisine. In this part of our Egyptian food guide, we explore the most common dining styles you’ll encounter—helping you make the most of your culinary adventure across Egypt.
- Street Food: Available in every city—quick, cheap, and delicious.
- Family-Owned Restaurants: The best spots for traditional home-style cooking.
- Modern Egyptian Bistros: Places like Zooba modernize traditional dishes for a trendy experience.
- Luxury Dining: Upscale hotels offer high-end versions of classic dishes.
Where to Eat Egyptian Food by City
Every city in Egypt offers a unique take on the nation’s traditional flavors. From the cosmopolitan kitchens of Cairo to the Nubian-inspired fare of Aswan, knowing where to go is just as important as knowing what to eat. This part of our Egyptian food guide reveals the best places across major cities to enjoy authentic dishes—whether you’re hunting for street food or elegant dining with a view.
Cairo
- Koshary Abou Tarek – Iconic koshari
- El Prince – Authentic Egyptian grills
- Zooba – Trendy Egyptian street food
Alexandria
- Mohamed Ahmed – Ful medames & taameya
- Alban Swissra – Local fast food with a twist
- Fish Market Restaurant – Fresh seafood with views
Luxor
- Sofra Restaurant – Beautiful ambiance & traditional meals
- Sunflower Restaurant – Home-cooked style food
Aswan
- Nubian House Restaurant – Specializes in Nubian dishes
- Makani – Good for families and relaxed settings
Sharm El-Sheikh
- Fares Seafood – Fresh catches and Egyptian flavors
- El Masrien – Egyptian grills & mixed plates
Tips for Foodies in Egypt
- Don’t skip street food—it’s part of the authentic experience.
- Ask locals where they eat. That’s usually where you’ll find the best food.
- Eat slowly—Egyptians love long, communal meals.
- Drink bottled water with meals to avoid stomach issues.
- Use bread as a utensil—it’s totally acceptable in many dishes.
FAQs About Egyptian Food Guide
Is Egyptian food spicy?
Not generally. Egyptian cuisine is flavorful but uses mild spices like cumin and coriander.
Is Egyptian food vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Many dishes like koshari, taameya, and ful medames are naturally vegetarian or vegan.
Is street food safe in Egypt?
Mostly, yes—choose busy vendors where food turnover is high and dishes are made fresh.
What’s a typical Egyptian breakfast?
Ful medames, taameya, cheese, eggs, and baladi bread—often served with sweet tea.
Can I find Egyptian food outside big cities?
Absolutely. Rural areas often serve even more traditional versions of local dishes.
What is the national dish of Egypt?
Most consider koshari the national dish—it’s widely loved and found everywhere.
Is tipping customary at restaurants?
Yes. Tipping 10–15% is common, even if there’s already a service charge.
Are there options for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes—vegetarian, halal, and even gluten-free options are becoming more available in cities.
Final Thoughts: Taste the Real Egypt One Dish at a Time
Food is one of the richest and most enjoyable ways to connect with Egyptian culture. This Egyptian food guide is just the start—whether you’re diving into a bowl of koshari in Cairo or sharing ful and taameya in a village, each bite tells a story. Come with an open mind (and an empty stomach), and Egypt will reward you with flavors that linger far beyond your journey.