With its magnificent ancient ruins, nature and wildlife wonders, snorkeling facilities, water parks, historical sites, safari tours, archaeological sites, and flea markets, Egypt is a must-visit destination worldwide. However, these are not the only reasons to see this mysterious land. Foods in Egypt should definitely be in your to-try list when you plan to book a flight to Egypt. Corendon Airlines Blog gives you the insights about the Egyptian cuisine that you need in this post. Keep reading to have a clearer idea of what to and what not to eat in Egypt.
Egyptian Cuisine Specialties
So, what is the most popular food in Egypt? Relying heavily on vegetables and legumes, Egyptian cuisine offers a diverse range of delicious dishes suitable for both daily life and special occasions. Let’s dive deeper to see the most common foods in Egypt in detail!
Koshari
Koshari is the most popular Egyptian food and it is made from a hearty mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas. Lastly, top it with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.
When Is Koshari Eaten?
This dish is eaten as lunch or dinner throughout the country and is available in street vendors and casual restaurants.
How Is It Made?
Koshari is made by cooking rice, lentils, and pasta separately. Chickpeas are added, and the combination is topped with a tangy tomato sauce, garlic, vinegar, and crispy fried onions.
Baba Ghanoush
This famous Egyptian food is not only delicious but also nutritious, since it has vegetables and garlic in it. This creamy Middle Eastern dish is made from roasted eggplants, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Flame-roasted eggplants give the dish a smoky flavor. Although you can see Baba Ghanoush on generally traditional tables, this tasty mezze is worth being a part of daily meals.
When Is Baba Ghanoush Eaten?
You can eat Baba Ghanoush almost in every restaurant in Egypt in every season, as it is a general appetizer in the country. Also, since it is made with common ingredients for Egyptians, such as garlic, tahini, and eggplant, you can easily find this dish in almost every Egyptian household.
How Is It Made?
The first step of cooking Baba Ghanoush is roasting the eggplants. You can do this either over an open flame or in the oven. The aim is to make the inside of the vegetable softer than the skin. Once the roasting process is over, peel the eggplant and blend it with tahini, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. At this point, you can also add some yoghurt to the mixture if you like. Use parsley and pomegranate to decorate!
Duqqa (Dukkah)
In Egyptian cuisine, besides foods, spices also have a special spot. You can see different types of seeds and herbs in almost every dish. Duqqa is one of these famous spices. It is made from roasted nuts, seeds, and herbs. This makes it crunchy and incredibly aromatic.
When Is Duqqa Eaten?
This dry mixture is typically used as a snack or breakfast item. For example, when you are in Egypt, you can easily see natives dip their bread in olive oil and then into duqqa for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Also, this spice finds its place as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, and even salads. You can find this dish in almost every menu in restaurants.
How Is It Made?
Egyptians usually roast hazelnuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, coriander, cumin, salt, and dried herbs to obtain duqqa. The key here is not to grind all the ingredients into powder, but to crush them to maintain the crunchy texture.
Hummus
A classic one you definitely should not miss when deciding what to eat in Egypt during your visit: Just like duqqa, hummus is also a dip, served as a mezze at lunch or dinner. This rich dip is made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. You can find hummus almost everywhere in the Middle East, but in Egypt, the taste is slightly tangier.
When Is Hummus Eaten?
This delicious appetizer is served as a mezze, or even a light lunch with pita bread. As it is easily made and the ingredients are from everyday life, you can see hummus in every home and restaurant in Egypt. It is consumed from summer to winter, in every season.
How Is It Made?
Start cooking the chickpeas first. After the cooking, the chickpeas are blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and sometimes cumin. With this, you obtain a tasty creamy mixture ready to decorate with olive oil and paprika.
Tomiya
Tomiya is a dip made from made from garlic, lemon juice, oil, salt, and cumin. It’s warm, comforting, and has a thick, rustic texture.
When Is Tomiya Eaten?
As Tomiya is a dip, it is generally eaten in lunch or dinner time. You can see this dish served as a starter in some restaurants, or as a light meal at home.
How Is It Made?
All you need is to create creamy dip often served with grilled meats. Blend garlic, lemon juice, oil, and salt and obtain a thick texture and sharp taste.
Kamounia
Kamounia has a huge place in Egypt cuisine. It’s a slow-cooked stew renowned for its rich, cumin-infused flavor. Traditionally made with beef, liver, or sometimes lamb, it’s rich, hearty, and packed with warm spices.
When Is Kamounia Eaten?
You can see Kamounia almost everywhere in the country, but it is quite popular among home-cooked meals. Also, this delicious dish is served during traditional family gatherings. It’s often served for lunch or dinner, accompanied by rice or Egyptian flatbread. Some regions prefer it on weekends or special occasions.
How Is It Made?
The most important ingredient of this dish is cumin. After sautéing the onions and garlic, add cumin as a key ingredient, along with paprika, coriander, and black pepper. The next step is to cook meat or liver in a tomato-based sauce until it is tender. The longer the cooking time, the more tasty it gets. You can finish it with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Fatta
Here is a festive dish from Egypt: Fatta! This delicious and hearty dish is made from layers of crispy bread, rice, and slow-cooked meat, topped with a tangy garlic and vinegar sauce. It’s rich, filling, and considered one of Egypt’s most celebratory meals.
When Is Fatta Eaten?
Fatta is traditionally served during major celebrations such as Eid al-Adha, weddings, and family gatherings. It’s a centerpiece dish, usually prepared in large portions and shared among many people. While it’s popular throughout Egypt, it’s especially enjoyed in rural areas and among families who enjoy eating together.
How Is It Made?
Start placing the pieces of fried or toasted flatbread at the bottom of the serving dish. Meanwhile, remember to simmer the lamb or beef until tender. Also, rice is cooked with ghee. The signature topping of this dish is a fragrant garlic-and-vinegar sauce, locally known as “tasha”. Pour it over the layers just before serving. For an extra-rich flavor, tomato sauce is a great choice.
What Not to Eat in Egypt
Along with the common and famous foods of the country, you should also know what not to eat in Egypt. Here is the list!
- Tap water or beverages prepared with untreated water, including ice cubes
- Raw or undercooked street-food meats that may not be handled hygienically
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables sold on the street or in open-air markets
- Salads from small food stalls that might not follow strict hygiene standards
- Seafood from places far from the coast where freshness cannot be guaranteed
- Dairy products that are not refrigerated or seem homemade without proper storage
- Juices sold on the street where the equipment or water source may not be clean
- Any food that has been sitting out for too long under the sun, especially during summer months
- Pre-cut fruits exposed to dust and insects in busy markets
- Cheap buffet-style dishes in touristy areas where turnover may be low
Don’t forget to also read our article “Best Time to Travel to Egypt” before planning your trip!
