Recommendations Egyptian Cuisine

For some people, food is the highlight and focus of their travels, and they may even specifically plan their itineraries around culinary experiences. This article aims to introduce some Egyptian dishes worth trying.

1.Koshary

Koshary is a traditional Egyptian dish made of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, served with tomato sauce, crispy onions, and spices. The toppings can vary based on region and personal preferences, but the most common ones are garlic vinegar and hot sauce. Koshary is an affordable national dish, very filling, and often served with rice pudding at specialty shops.

2.Mahshi

Mahshi is a traditional Egyptian dish where vegetables (such as peppers, eggplants, zucchini, cabbage, and grape leaves) are stuffed with rice and spices. Grape leaves stuffed with rice are also called wara2 3enab. Mahshi is a popular family dish often seen during gatherings and festivals. Its preparation is labor-intensive, so it is mostly made at home with family help. Many restaurants do not serve Mahshi, and if they do, the taste may not compare to homemade versions. I particularly recommend the stuffed cabbage rolls, which are delicious!

3.Stuffed Pigeon (Hamam Mahshi)

This is a traditional and unique Egyptian dish where rice or wheat mixed with spices is stuffed into a whole pigeon. While pigeon meat is minimal, the stuffed rice is highly flavorful, especially after being cooked with various seasonings. This dish is often prepared at weddings (although not as common in modern times) and requires great skill to make. For the best version, choose a restaurant carefully.

4.Shawarma

Shawarma is a beloved dish across Egypt and the Middle East. The traditional Egyptian shawarma is typically made with beef, chicken, or sometimes lamb. The meat is marinated with spices, roasted on a vertical grill, and sliced off in thin pieces, often mixed with sauces and spices for added flavor. Shawarma can also include cheese or fries, adding layers of flavor and texture. There are different bread options like burger buns, long loaves, or pita wraps, making it a versatile dish.

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5.Molukhiya

Molukhiya is a thick, green soup made from jute leaves, offering a smooth texture and rich flavor. It’s a highly popular traditional dish, commonly found on Egyptian dinner tables. The soup can be eaten with bread, mixed with rice, or enjoyed as a standalone soup. The best Molukhiya is thick, smooth, and infused with garlic flavor.

6.Mouza

Mouza refers to lamb shanks and is commonly roasted or stewed. The stewed version is particularly tender and juicy, cooked with aromatic spices. It is a dish enjoyed by both locals and tourists, often served during special occasions and feasts.

7.Fattah

Fattah is a traditional dish with cultural significance, often eaten during holidays, weddings, or special occasions. It consists of rice, baked or fried flatbread, meat, and a vinegar-garlic tomato sauce, creating a rich and distinctive flavor. It is also associated with rituals like slaughtering animals and distributing the meat to the needy.

8.Akawi

Akawi is a traditional stewed beef tail dish, known for its rich collagen content. The meat becomes tender and melts in your mouth after slow cooking, while the broth becomes thick and flavorful. Vegetables are often added to the stew, enriching the broth with a mild sweetness.

9.Tajin

Tajin refers to a Moroccan-style clay pot dish, but in Egypt, it's also made with clay cookware. This dish can be made with various ingredients like beef, lamb, or vegetables (commonly okra, potatoes, onions, and carrots), simmered for a long time with spices, which allows the flavors to meld and results in tender meat and concentrated broth.

10.Grilled Meat (Kabab, Kofta, Shish Tawook)

Grilled meats are widely enjoyed in Egypt and the broader Middle East. Kabab and Kofta are made with lamb or beef, sometimes mixed, and grilled over charcoal. Kabab consists of pure meat chunks on skewers, while Kofta is ground meat shaped into long pieces and grilled. Shish Tawook refers to charcoal-grilled chicken skewers. These meats are marinated with spices, ensuring that the grilled meat is tender and juicy, often served with bread, sauces, and pickles.

phoro credit :freepik

Recommended Vegetarian Dishes

1. Falafel (Ta3mia)
   Falafel, known as Ta3mia in Egypt, is a popular vegetarian snack typically eaten for breakfast. Made primarily from fava beans and deep-fried, it has a crispy exterior and soft interior. It can be wrapped in bread to make a sandwich, making it a convenient and affordable option.

2. Koshary
   Koshary, a traditional Egyptian dish made of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, is a famous and economical street food in Egypt.

3. Misa3a
   This is a stew made primarily from eggplant, which is fried or roasted and then cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices. It has a rich, layered flavor.

4. Lentil Soup
   A popular soup in Egypt and the Middle East, this lentil soup is made with small lentils and a variety of spices. It has a rich, smooth texture, perfect for winter. It is usually served with crispy fried bread.

5. Foul
   Foul is made with fava beans and is one of Egypt's most common and beloved breakfast dishes. The beans are cooked with olive oil, spices, and herbs, creating a fragrant, flavorful dish often served with flatbread or pita as a sandwich.

6. Shakshuka
   Shakshuka is a dish popular in Egypt and North Africa, made with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and spices. Eggs are poached in the sauce, resulting in a flavorful, colorful dish that combines the rich sweetness of tomatoes with the smoothness of eggs.

7. Tajin Bamya
   Tajin Bamya is a clay pot dish made with okra, tomatoes, onions, and spices, simmered until the okra is tender and the broth thickens. The dish is then baked in the oven to further concentrate the flavors.