When you walk around Egypt using our Egypt tour packages, it’s natural to get besotted by the ancient temples and architecture. However, amidst these stunning visuals, there is yet another sense that will tingle, and it’s the sense of taste. This is because Egyptian cuisine is a whole different world in itself; a world that you can explore through our Egypt tour packages that are as diverse as the food of the country itself.
Egyptian cuisine is a delightful mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. This is all the more reason why you will love having your tastebuds be tickled with Egyptian food if you hail from India. Why, you ask? Because the burst of flavours in your mouth is the common factor.
The food found in the country is affordable, nutritious, and eclectic. Additionally, Egypt offers numerous options to vegans and vegetarians as well while also having a plethora of meats for non-vegetarians to dive into. Several of the traditional dishes of the country contain fish, beef, and lamb, and you will also find sprinkles of grains, rice, and vegetables.
Is your mouth watering already? Wait till we explore all the dishes you must try as you visit Egypt with our Egypt tour packages.
Koshary, also known as kushari or koshari, is often considered Egypt’s national dish and a beloved street food. The dish has gained such popularity that most restaurants in Cairo and other cities of Egypt serve it exclusively. It’s a combination of spaghetti, rice, black lentils, and round macaroni.
The entire concoction is topped with chilli, garlic vinegar, and a thick tomato sauce. Koshary is found garnished with whole chickpeas and crispy fried onions. While koshary has now become a common part of the dining tables in numerous Arab homes, it has been a staple dish in Cairo for ages.
You have probably heard of falafel and even consumed it at least once. Now, let Egypt show you its own version of falafel, which is called ta’ameya. The difference is that instead of using chickpeas, Egyptians make use of crushed fava beans.
The bean paste used in the recipe is combined with a variety of spices such as fresh dill, cumin, and coriander. Chopped onions are added to the mix and all of this is rolled into a ball before being fried. The extra layer of crunch is added by coating these balls with sesame seeds.
Much like koshary, this is a healthy, affordable, and vegetarian dish. These can be eaten as a snack and also for breakfast. The elements that often accompany ta’ameya are tahini, pita bread, and salad.
A young domestic pigeon or squab may not be a common go to meat in meals everywhere, but it sure is a delicacy in Egypt. In fact, pigeons are raised in shelters across the country specifically for this dish as their dark meat brings in a distinct flavour.
Hamam mahshi is a dish you will often find in Egyptian weddings. The preparation of the dish begins with stuffing the bird with freekeh, which is made from green durum wheat. The things added to the mixture include spices, giblets, and chopped onions.
The squab is then grilled either over a spit-roast or a wood fire till its exterior turns crispy and golden brown.
Fatteh is a dish that is quite popular across the Middle East, with different regions having their own version. It forms a common part of celebrations and events, such as weddings, Ramadan, Eid, and so on.
In Egypt, fatteh has four different layers. The first layer consists of crunchy pita bread. Rice forms the second layer, followed by the meat layer. The final layer is a spiced and garlicky tomato sauce, which seems to hold the dish together. Beef, lamb, or chicken is used to cook fatteh.
If there is one dish or element from Egyptian cuisine that is almost omnipresent, it’s aish baladi. It’s a fluffy bread that resembles pita bread and is made from whole grains like barley and emmer wheat. Baked several times a day, biting into aish baladi is like biting into a piece of fluffy goodness. Bread lovers should particularly rejoice because this baked beauty is found all over Egypt.
Shawarma is one of those dishes that needs no introduction whatsoever. Having originated during the Ottoman Empire, various versions of the dish exist. You can try the Egyptian variation at one of the stalls or eateries with our Egypt tour packages.
Egyptian shawarma is made either with beef or chicken. The meat is first marinated and spiced before being grilled for hours. The chicken or beef is then sliced and mixed with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and thin grilled peppers. It’s usually served with tahini or garlic sauce.
If legend is to be believed, ful medames is a dish as old as the pharaohs. Not only is it commonly served during breakfast, but it’s also a famous Egyptian street food that is eaten by locals and tourists at any time of the day.
A fava bean base forms the foundation of this dish. Before being cooked, the beans are first soaked overnight. They are then presented in a bowl with chopped parsley being sprinkled on top. Pickled vegetables and aish baladi are usually served along with ful medames. It can be found both in restaurants and at street food stalls.
We couldn’t have possibly made this list without including kebabs and koftas in it. While the tradition of grilled meat on skewers has existed since prehistoric times, these two items have proudly preserved themselves as a part of modern day Egypt’s cuisine.
Koftas usually contain minced beef or lamb which is mixed with numerous spices before being rolled and grilled. The meat used in Egyptian kebabs is often veal or lamb, which is displayed on a skewer and grilled over a coal fire. Kebabs and koftas can be eaten with rice, vegetables, bread, and dips.
