Traditional Egyptian food: a delicious cultural medley
Information
If you are a foodie traveller and always eager to discover new flavours in the places you visit, you will love Egypt. Although its food is full of Mediterranean-style ingredients that will be familiar to you, the way in which they are prepared is completely different to in Europe due to its African and Arab influences. There are a wide range of dishes on offer, from typical mezzes, or appetisers, that are usually served before the first course, to fish, meat and all kinds of vegetables. Vegetarians will not have any problems eating in Egypt.
If the range of dishes on offer is extensive, then so too are the type of establishments that you will find, especially in large cities such as Cairo. You will find street vendors, offering everything from simple cheese sandwiches to more elaborate dishes such as shawarmas and beef soups. If you have a strong stomach, do not hold back, but be cautious with uncooked food and water that is not bottled. In addition to street vendors, you will find modest bars with a small selection of dishes, restaurants catering to tourists, good establishments serving local cuisine, and also excellent restaurants in the most exclusive hotels in the capital. These last ones can be booked for special dinners, since their prices are not extortionate and they are usually located on the top floors of buildings, offering beautiful panoramic views of Cairo.
- Kofta
- Mulukhiyah
- Falafel
- Koshari
- Baba Ganoush
- Fatteh
- Ful Medames
- Mahshi
- Baklava
- Where to eat in Cairo
- Where to sleep in Cairo
Kofta
One of the most popular meat dishes, at more than affordable prices, is kofta, consisting of ground lamb (as well as lamb they can also be made using beef) mixed with different spices, which is then formed into balls and put onto skewers and grilled. The final result is delicious.
Cairo
Mulukhiyah
The unusual name of this delicious thick soup made from the leaves of the mulukhiyah plant comes from the word ‘muluk’, meaning ‘king’ in Arabic, since the story goes that even the kings enjoyed the taste of it. The soup is a very traditional dish that is made at home from the aforementioned plant as well as chard, meat, onion, garlic, coriander, cardamom and sometimes lemon. It is usually served with white rice and roast chicken.
Mulukhiyah
Falafel
These delicious vegetarian fritters made from chickpeas are one of the most popular and widespread dishes in the world. In addition to making them from chickpeas there are some that use fava beans. The main ingredient is then mixed with garlic, coriander or parsley, and cumin, among others. They are often served as an appetiser, as part of the aforementioned mezzes.
Falafel
Koshari
Due to its varied ingredients, this dish can sometimes be a little difficult to understand, although it is perfect for refuelling after walking for hours around the Pyramids of Giza. Koshari consists of rice, lentils, pasta (macaroni or spaghetti), fried onions and various sauces (tomato, garlic and spicy sauces) and is also very cheap and perfect for those visiting Cairo on a budget.
Koshari
Baba Ganoush
This is one of those dishes that after trying in Egypt you will want to have a go making at home since it is very simple and delicious. Usually served as an appetiser (mezzes), it consists of a dip made from roasted aubergine that is then mashed with a fork together with garlic, salt, cumin, pepper, tahini and a little lemon. All you need is some pitta bread to mop it up.
Baba Ganoush
Fatteh
The dish known as fatteh or fatta goes a long way back. Some trace its origins back to Ancient Egypt and the Nubian culture. Consisting of meat, the dish is not an everyday staple and, in recent times, has been relegated to family gatherings and Ramadan. It is made from lamb or chicken, usually cooked in the oven, and is served over white rice with tomato and yoghurt sauces and nuts.
Fatteh
Ful Medames
Considered the national dish, ful medames (literally ‘buried fava beans’) is a must-try on a trip to Egypt. Although it is usually eaten for breakfast, it is just as satiating at any time of the day. Fava beans, which are cooked with sautéed garlic, are its main ingredient, as well as featuring chopped onion, olive oil, cumin, parsley and lemon. It is eaten with pitta bread.
Ful Medames
Mahshi
This dish is perfect for vegetarians or those who want something light, as it consists of vegetables (aubergines, courgettes and peppers are the most common) that are stuffed with rice and aromatic herbs. It is prepared in the oven and then served with tomato sauce. Be sure to order it as it is very tasty.
Mahshi
Baklava
We have made sure to leave the dessert for last: a delicious puff pastry filled with nuts (usually pistachios, walnuts and almonds). Those with a sweet tooth will not be able to resist it, because the dough is also coasted in syrup or honey.
Baklava
Where to eat in Cairo
Dining options in Cairo are ‘almost’ endless with restaurants of all types. Highly-regarded establishments include Al Khal Egyptian, which serves well-presented Egyptian recipes in an elegant setting, and the restaurant Horus at the Barceló Cairo Pyramids, which serves both Egyptian and international dishes. It is located on the 12th floor of the hotel and offers beautiful views of the pyramids. Dining there is almost like a dream.
Other restaurants also serving excellent food include Felfela, which boasts interesting traditional décor, Koshary Abou Tarek, which chiefly serves a delicious koshari for a small amount of money; and Abou el-Sid, a highly-recommended, clean restaurant with exquisite dishes and very friendly service.
Where to sleep in Cairo
Visiting a city as exciting as Cairo requires accommodation that allows you to enjoy all its attractions without having to travel far. One such hotel is the Barceló Cairo Pyramids, a four-star establishment situated just a few kilometres from the Giza Plateau. The renovated hotel has 236 beautifully-decorated spacious rooms as well as communal areas such as a swimming pool, three restaurants, a few bars and a panoramic terrace on the 12th floor that boasts incredible views. Sleeping at a hotel such as this one is without a doubt a sure-fire way to have an amazing trip.
Cairo
Frequently Asked Questions
What dishes should I try in Cairo?
If you consider yourself a foodie, you will love sampling Egypt’s traditional dishes, among which you will find a little bit of everything, including meat, legumes and vegetables. Be sure to order falafel, baba ganoush, kofta, mulukhiyah, fatteh, mahshi, ful medames and, for dessert, baklava.
What is Egypt’s most famous dish?
The national dish is ful medames, which is a stew of cooked fava beans served with chopped onion, rice and tomato sauce, among others, that is usually eaten for breakfast. Internationally, falafel and baklava are perhaps better-known.
Where are good places to eat in Cairo?
In Cairo there are countless good places to eat, even though they are modest. A few places you should make a note of for your trip include the restaurant Horus (at the Barceló Cairo Pyramids), which has views of the pyramids, Felfela, Abou el-Sid and Al Khal Egyptian.
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