The Top 25 Types of Egyptian Food

Egypt is a country that has a rich and diverse culinary heritage that dates back to ancient times. Egyptian cuisine is influenced by the geography, climate, culture, and history of the country and by the cuisines of neighboring countries and regions. Egyptian food uses fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, legumes, vegetables, and bread. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most delicious and popular types of Egyptian food that you should try when you visit Egypt.

Bread

  Bread is a staple food in Egypt and an essential part of every meal. Egypt has different types of bread, but the most common is aish baladi, a round flatbread made from whole wheat flour baked in a clay oven. Aish Baladi is used to scoop up dips, sauces, and stews or to make sandwiches with various fillings. Other types of bread in Egypt include:

• Aish Shamsi:

A white flatbread made from refined wheat flour that is softer and thinner than aish baladi.

• Aish Fino:

A small bread roll similar to a French baguette but softer and lighter.

• Aish Merahrah:

A flatbread made from millet flour that is common in rural areas.

• Eish Saraya:

A sweet bread pudding soaked in sugar syrup and topped with nuts and cream.

• Feteer Meshaltet:

A flaky pastry made from thin dough brushed with butter or ghee and baked in an oven. It can be eaten plain or with sweet or savory fillings.

Vegetarian

  Many types of Egyptian food are vegetarian or vegan, as meat is often expensive or reserved for special occasions. Vegetables, legumes, grains, and dairy products are widely used in Egyptian cuisine, creating nutritious, flavorful, and satisfying dishes. Some of the most popular vegetarian dishes in Egypt include:

• Ful medames:

A paste of cooked and mashed fava beans seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. It is served with bread, cheese, eggs, salad, or pickles for breakfast or as a snack.

• Falafel:

Also known as Tamiya, falafel is a deep-fried patty made from ground fava beans or chickpeas mixed with parsley, onion, garlic, and spices. It is served with bread, tahini sauce, salad, or pickles as a sandwich or appetizer.

• Koshari:

A dish of rice, brown lentils, macaroni, fried onions, and spicy tomato sauce that is considered the national dish of Egypt. It is a filling and cheap meal that can be found in street stalls and restaurants all over the country.

• Mulukhiyah:

A soup made from chopped mallow leaves cooked with garlic, and coriander. It has a thick, slimy texture and a bitter taste balanced by lemon juice. It is served with rice, bread, and roasted chicken or rabbit as a main course.

• Baba ganoush:

A dip made from roasted eggplant mashed with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It has a smoky and creamy flavor and is served with bread, vegetables, or crackers as an appetizer or a snack.

• Mahshi:

A dish of vegetables (such as zucchini, eggplant, cabbage, or grape leaves) stuffed with rice, herbs, and spices and cooked in tomato sauce or broth. It is a hearty and delicious meal that can be eaten with yogurt or salad.

Meat Dishes

  Although meat is not consumed as frequently as vegetables and legumes in Egypt, many Egyptian foods still feature meat as the main ingredient. Meat dishes are usually reserved for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or religious festivals. Some of the most common meat dishes in Egypt include:

• Kebab and kofta:

Grilled chunks of lamb (kebab) or spiced minced meat shaped into sausages (kofta) cooked on skewers over charcoal. They are served with bread, salad, and tahini sauce as a main course or appetizer.

• Shawarma:

A thinly sliced meat (usually lamb or chicken) marinated in spices and cooked on a vertical spit. The heart is shaved off and wrapped in bread with salad, tahini sauce, and pickles as a sandwich or served on a plate with rice or fries. Shawarma is one of Egypt's most popular street foods and can be customized with different sauces and toppings.

• Hamam:

Pigeon stuffed with rice or bulgur wheat (freek) and herbs before being roasted or grilled. It is considered a delicacy in Egypt and is often eaten at weddings or celebrations.

• Fatta:

A dish of rice, bread, and meat (usually lamb or beef) layered on a large platter and topped with garlic vinegar sauce and fried onions. It is traditionally eaten during Eid al-Adha, the Muslim festival of sacrifice.

• Hawawshi:

A dish of spiced minced meat stuffed into bread dough and baked in an oven. It resembles a meat pie and can be eaten as a sandwich or a main course.

• Kebdah:

A dish of chopped liver that is cooked with garlic, chili, vinegar, and spices. It is a popular street food in Cairo and other cities and is usually eaten with bread or fries.  

Dessert

  Egyptian desserts are usually sweet, sticky, and rich in flavor. They are often made with nuts, dried fruits, honey, and pastry. They are usually served as a snack after a meal or with tea or coffee. Some of the most popular desserts in Egypt include:

• Baklaua:

A pastry made from thin filo dough filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios, walnuts, or almonds) and soaked in sugar syrup or honey. It is cut into small pieces and served as a bite-sized treat.

• Basbousa:

A cake made from semolina flour soaked in sugar syrup and topped with almonds or coconut. It is moist, dense, and sweet and can be flavored with rose water or lemon juice.

• Kunafa:

A pastry made from shredded filo dough filled with cheese or cream and soaked in sugar syrup. It is baked until golden and crispy and can be garnished with nuts or dried fruits.

• Umm Ali:

A bread pudding made from dry bread soaked in milk and cream and baked with nuts, raisins, and coconut. It is served hot or cold and can be flavored with cinnamon or vanilla.

• Qatayef:

A type of pancake stuffed with cheese, nuts, or cream and fried or baked. It is usually eaten during Ramadan, the Islamic fasting month, as a dessert after breaking the fast.

• Halawa:

A sweet confection made from sesame seeds, sugar, and honey. It has a crumbly texture and can be flavored with pistachios, almonds, chocolate, or coconut.   These are some of the types of Egyptian food that you should try when you visit Egypt. They will give you a taste of the country’s culture, history, and diversity. If you want to experience these dishes and more, you can book a tour with us, and we will take you to the best places to eat in Egypt. We will also provide you with a professional guide who will explain the history and significance of each dish. Contact us today, and let us help you plan your trip to Egypt. 😊  

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