Egyptian cuisine represents one of the world’s oldest food traditions, with roots stretching back to ancient times and influences absorbed from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African cultures. For travelers to Egypt, exploring local dishes offers a delicious window into the country’s cultural heritage.
Essential Egyptian Dishes:

Koshari: Egypt’s beloved national dish combines lentils, rice, macaroni, and chickpeas, topped with crispy fried onions and spicy tomato sauce – a hearty vegetarian delight found everywhere from street carts to upscale restaurants.
Ful Medames: This breakfast staple of slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin dates back to pharaonic times, typically served with Egyptian baladi bread.
Molokhia: A distinctive green soup made from jute leaves, garlic, and coriander, usually served with chicken or rabbit over rice – a comfort food with roots in ancient Egypt.
Hamam Mahshi: Stuffed pigeons filled with rice or freekeh (green wheat) and herbs represent a special-occasion dish with a legacy stretching back to ancient times when Egyptians domesticated pigeons specifically for food.
Om Ali: This beloved dessert of bread pudding layered with nuts, coconut, raisins, and cream carries a fascinating backstory from the Mamluk era.

Where to Experience Egyptian Cuisine:

Local Restaurants: For authentic experiences, seek establishments filled with Egyptian families rather than tourists. In Cairo, neighborhoods like Zamalek and Dokki offer excellent local eateries.
Street Food Tours: Guided culinary walks through Cairo or Alexandria provide safe opportunities to sample street specialties like ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas).
Cooking Classes: Several culinary schools in Cairo and Luxor offer day classes where visitors learn to prepare classics like koshari or mahshi (stuffed vegetables).
Nile Cruise Dining: Quality Nile cruises typically include Egyptian theme nights featuring traditional dishes alongside international options.

At Fares Egypt Tours, we believe culinary experiences form an essential part of cultural understanding. Our itineraries include opportunities to sample regional specialties, from Alexandria’s fresh Mediterranean seafood to Aswan’s distinctive Nubian flavors, ensuring your Egyptian journey satisfies all senses.