Do you want to cook traditional Egyptian food? Egyptian food is really good and offers many interesting flavors. Many dishes are very old and are still prepared in the same traditional way.
Egyptian food is not as famous around the world, but clearly deserves more attention because there is so much to eat. Below you can read more about Egyptian food and enjoy recipes from some traditional Egyptian cuisines.
Mahshio
If you are a vegetarian, this dish is perfect for you. Mahshi is a dish made of vegetables (usually zucchini, chilli, cabbage leaves and brinjal) and stuffed with rice.
Before stuffing the vegetables, the rice is mixed with a nice tomato sauce and various spices such as parsley, cilantro and dill. This is a delicious Egyptian dish that is a must-eat, whether you are a vegetarian or not.
Note that some restaurants include meat in the recipe, so if you are a vegetarian, check before ordering at the restaurant.
Fatah
Fattah is a very old and traditional Egyptian dish made of rice, meat, crusty bread and a vinegar/tomato sauce. It is a dish that is commonly eaten at various celebrations such as family gatherings and weddings.
Originating from ancient Egypt, Fatah is a classic Egyptian dish that you can try in the country.
falafel / tameya
Tameya is the Egyptian name for what we know as Egyptian falafel. Egyptian falafel is made from fava beans mixed with coriander, parsley, onion, garlic and leek.
The bean mixture is shaped into balls and then baked or deep-fried. They are traditionally eaten with fluff, egg and pita bread for breakfast. It’s really good, so be sure to try Tameya during your trip to Egypt!
lato
A dish that is considered the national dish of Egypt is koshari. This is one of my favorite Egyptian dishes, made with pasta, rice, lentils and chickpeas, topped with caramelized onions and a savory sauce.
When it comes to Egyptian food, this is one dish not to be missed. It is loved by locals and tourists alike.
okra
Bamiya, also known as bamiya, one of my favorite vegetables, okra, is made from chunks of meat, onions, tomatoes, garlic and various spices.
The spices include cajun and cilantro, which give the stew a really nice taste. This is a classic Egyptian dish that is both healthy and filling.
Mulukhiyya
Mulukhia is an Egyptian dish made from chopped green leaves cooked in a broth with coriander and garlic.
This is one dish that you will either love or hate because of the particular taste. However, it is very healthy and rich in vitamins.
This traditional dish is usually served with meat (chicken, beef or seafood) and rice and bread.
Bad lady
Another favorite Egyptian food is ful madames, which is traditionally eaten for breakfast. It is a dish made from fava beans that are cooked in both oil and salt.
Beans are usually served with egg, pita bread and Egyptian falafel.
Sayadeya
Sayadeya is a dish made from yellow rice, various spices, onions, tomato sauce and white fish. All ingredients are traditionally stored in a clay pot and cooked.
Common places to find this dish in Egypt are Alexandria, Portsaid and Suez.
Shawarma
One of my personal favorite foods is shawarma, which is a type of fast food in Egypt. Shawarma is inspired by doner kebabs from Turkey and consists of meat grilled on long skewers.
When the meat is cooked, it is chopped and served in pita bread or bread with vegetables and Tahini and hummus. When you order it in Egypt, you can always choose the type of meat you want, as well as vegetables and sauces.
Shawarma is a popular dish around the world, but there is no place in the world that tastes as good as Egypt.
Facekho
It is an Egyptian dish that is liked and disliked by locals and tourists alike. It is a dish made from fermented fish that is soaked in salt water and dried in the sun for a whole month.
The fish has a unique taste and is commonly eaten during the ancient Egyptian spring festival of Sham El Nesim. If you love fish, this can be an interesting dish in Egypt.
More about Egyptian cuisine
Egyptian cuisine is influenced by Greek, Ottoman, Roman, Persian and Syrian cuisines.
Depending on which country you are in, the food can vary greatly. For example. So they eat more fish and shellfish on the coast, and the food in the southern part of the country tends to be spicier than the northern part.
Many Egyptian dishes are vegetarian, but it is also common to eat chicken, beef, lamb, fish and shellfish.
This is clearly an interesting country when it comes to food because there is so much fun to taste and many new flavors to discover.
Frequently asked questions and answers about Egyptian food
What is the national law of Egypt?
Egypt does not have an official national dish, but a large part of the local population considers kosher to be the country’s national dish.
What spices are used in Egypt?
Common spices used in Egyptian cuisine include cumin, coriander, cardamom, chili, anise, bay leaf, dill, parsley, ginger, cinnamon, mint, and cloves.
What is the traditional food in Egypt?
A traditional Egyptian meal often consists of lamb, chicken, fish or shellfish with fava beans, rice and pita bread. Garlic and coriander are also common ingredients in Egyptian cuisine.
What do you eat for dessert in Egypt?
Egyptian sweets and confections are made with natural ingredients and a lot of sugar – so you can expect a lot of sweet desserts in Egypt.
Below are suggestions for 10 Egyptian sweets to try in Egypt:
- Basbousa
- brown
- Zalabiya
- umm ali
- quite
- Mahalabiya
- Sweet goulash (Baklava)
- Why?
- Egyptian jalebi
- every piece
What do you drink in Egypt?
In Egypt it is a non-alcoholic drink that is used and many are made from fresh fruits grown in the country. There are interesting drinks to taste in Egypt;
- Mauz Bil-Laban and Jawafa Bil-Laban
- Sobia
- tamarind
- companion
- forced
- Shay Bill Na’na
- Kakde
- Strawberry/mango juice
Do you have more questions about Egyptian cuisine? Feel free to leave a comment below!