By Bridget Castner
If you’re planning a trip to Egypt and looking for the most delicious dishes, then look no further. Read on to discover ten of the best foods to eat in Egypt, from pasta dishes to flaky cheese pastries, flavorful dips and more!
Kushari
Kushari is the national dish of Egypt and is one of the most popular street foods among its cities. A very filling yet simple meal packed with nutrients, Kuhari is pasta served over rice and brown lentils, topped with a fragrant, spicy tomato sauce and garlic vinegar. The dish is typically served warm and garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions. It can be found at most restaurants and street vending carts.
Hamam Mahshi
Stuffed pigeon may sound like a nightmare if you’re from New York, but in Egypt, squab are healthily raised in towers in the countryside. Once ready to be cooked, the birds are marinated and then stuffed with rice of freekeh which is a cereal food made from green durum wheat. The bird is also stuffed with onion and chopped giblets seasoned with cinnamon, cumin, nuts, and pepper, and then is either spit-roasted or grilled.
Fiteer Baladi
Think of Fiteer Baladi, also known as Baladi Bread, as Egyptian pizza. Cooked in a brick oven, this incredibly versatile pastry can be made sweet or savory, stuffed, or with toppings. Made with layers of crisp, airy, phyllo dough and butter, it's sure to melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more! Try a sweet version stuffed with cheese, coconut, or chocolate, or have a savory version with ground beef, sausage, or cheese.
Kofta Kebab
If you’re a fan of kebabs, the Kofta Kebab is the way to go when you travel to Egypt! Traditionally made with a combination of ground beef and lamb, the meat is mixed with fresh herbs, garlic, onion, and seasoned with coriander and cumin. The meat is rolled and grilled, and the kebabs are usually paired with sides of vegetables, dips, and bread.
Baba Ghanoush
This delicious and creamy eggplant dip is served with vegetables and flat bread. The eggplant is blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice and salt, topped off with fresh parsley and olive oil. It’s not too heavy, so it makes a great afternoon snack to hold you over until dinner time! It’s also one of the most vegetarian-friendly foods in Egypt.
Ful Medames
Ful Medames, or fava bean stew, is a hearty meal that will keep you full and searching the internet for make-at-home recipes. This dish is rich in fiber and protein which makes it a healthy meal as well! The beans are cooked in olive oil and lemon juice, seasoned with cumin, parsley, garlic, and onions. It is served with delicious, warm pita bread and is sometimes topped with green onion and diced tomato, or sliced cucumbers and olives.
Falafel
Egyptian falafel is made with dried fava beans instead of chickpeas, and has a very fluffy texture despite being fried. The beans are mixed with garlic, onion, cumin, fresh parsley, and coriander to give your taste buds a delicious experience! This is also a great vegan and vegetarian food in Egypt.
Kebda Eskandarani
Kebda Eskandarini is another incredible, must-try meal in Egypt! This is a popular street dish, and certainly no ordinary sandwich. Fried beef liver is seasoned with classic Egyptian spices like cumin, garlic, and cardamom, and is usually served with tahini dip or warm rice with lime wedges.
Makarōna Bechamel
This is one of the most popular comfort foods in Egypt, and an absolute must try. It is made with a variety of pastas, though mainly penne, and is similar to an Italian lasagne (Yum!). A delicious meat mixture is layered in between the pasta with bechamel sauce, and then baked. Warm, and filled with creamy delightful carbs, there is no way you can go wrong with this meal!
Kunafa
If you have a sweet tooth, try Kunafa. A fluffy Egyptian dessert, this incredible pastry is made with layers of philo pastry and sweet cheese. The philo pastry is soaked in a simple syrup infused with rose or orange blossom water, and the finished product is topped with crushed pistachios and cream. Make sure you eat this hot, so you can experience the gooey, sweet filling in its prime!
