18 Best Cuisines and Street Foods in Egypt to try
Egypt’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, traditions, and mouthwatering dishes that reflect the country’s rich history and diverse culture. From staple and traditional dishes to modern an convenient street foods, visitors should try the many amazing foods in Egypt while visiting.
Join on of our Small Group Tours or a Private or Tailor Made holiday to Egypt and enjoy some local cuisine.
Traditional Egyptian food often involves family and friends sharing meals that bring people together. Whether enjoying a casual bite at a street-side vendor or savoring dishes at bustling restaurants, the cities of Egypt are continuously feeding the locals.
While a visit to Egypt involves ancient attractions such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the West Bank’s Valley of the Kings, various UNESCO sites and of course the Nile River, the local cuisine has to be considered another highlight of your stay.
From Cairo to Aswan and Alexandria, eateries line the streets, offering a mix of hearty meals and popular street foods that capture the essence of Egyptian hospitality. Here are 18 iconic Egyptian foods you simply must try.
1. Koshari
Known as Egypt’s national dish, Koshari is a hearty mix of lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions, topped with a tangy tomato sauce and a hint of garlic vinegar. It is also one of my personal favourites.
This meatless dish doesn’t at all feel like it’s incomplete. In fact, meat lovers should definitely give it a try to find out just how fulfilling it really is. A cheap and delicious must try.
Where to try: Head to "Abou Tarek" in Cairo for the most famous koshari experience.
2. Shawarma
Egypt’s most popular “on the go” street food is not only tasty but a cheap bite on the run.
Thinly sliced beef or chicken, seasoned with Middle Eastern spices, wrapped in soft bread with tahini, pickles, and vegetables. It’s a street food favorite and very popular with visiting tourists.
Grab a Shawarma like our tour group did and set sail on a felucca on the Nile in Cairo taking in the city surrounds.
Where to try: Seek out "Gad" in Cairo or local street vendors across the country.
Tour Leader Mel enjoying Shawarma on the Nile in Cairo.
3. Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel)
If you have had Falafel before but not in Egypt, you are in for a delicious treat.
Made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, Egyptian falafel is deep-fried to crispy perfection and served with tahini sauce. It’s a breakfast staple.
If you have not had Egyptian style Falafel I encourage you to give a go. You’ll find falafel being dished up to the breakfast buffet at many hotels, but if you can get it fresh, you’ll get to experience it at its finest.
Where to try: Stop by "Felfela" in downtown Cairo.
4. Stuffed Pigeon (Hamam Mahshi)
Stuffed with spiced rice or freekeh and roasted, this dish is a must-try for newbies.
Eating pigeon requires you to discard the knife and fork and use your hands instead due to the otherwise difficult task of cutting the flesh of the bone. Not because its tough, but because this small bird can be finnicky, so ditch the silverware and get those hands dirty.
Where to try: "Farahat" in Cairo is renowned for its stuffed pigeon.
5. Feteer Meshaltet
This flaky, buttery pastry can be served sweet with honey or powdered sugar. Or for those who prefer the savory kind, you can also enjoy it stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
My favourite would be the honey and also the cheesy kind, so be sure to give it a try next time you’re in Egypt.
Where to try: "El Tabei El Domyati" in Cairo serves fresh feteer.
6. Refreshing Drinks
Egypt is known for its array of refreshing beverages, perfect for beating the heat. A mango juice overlooking the Red Sea with that cool sea breeze brings back so many memories. Or a hot hibiscus tea on a cool winters day is equally reminiscent.
Sugar Cane Juice (‘Asab): Extracted fresh from sugar cane, this drink is sweet and energizing.
Mango Juice: A seasonal delight, mango juice is best enjoyed in summer when mangoes are ripe and plentiful.
Fresh Lemon Drink: Made with freshly squeezed lemons, sugar, and water, this tangy and sweet beverage is perfect for refreshing your palate, particularly in spring and summer.
Hibiscus Tea (Karkadeh): Served hot or cold, this ruby-red drink has a tart flavor and is popular throughout Egypt. It’s especially refreshing during warmer months.
Where to try: Look for "El Abd Juice" in Cairo for a variety of fresh juices, including mango, sugar cane, and lemon. Hibiscus drinks are widely available in local cafes and juice shops.
7. Kofta and Kebab
A staple of Egyptian grilling, kofta and kebab are on thousands of Egyptian restaurant menus.
Kofta is made from minced lamb or beef mixed with onions, parsley, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, shaped into skewers and grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor. Kebab, on the other hand, consists of tender cubes of marinated lamb or beef, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and black pepper, and also cooked on open-flame grills to achieve a juicy, flavorful char. Both dishes are often served with warm flatbread, tahini, and grilled vegetables, making them staples of Egyptian cuisine.
Where to try: "Sobhy Kaber" in Cairo is a popular spot for authentic kofta and kebab.
8. Hawawshi
This traditional Egyptian dish is a local favorite, hawawshi is a stuffed pita bread filled with minced meat, onions, and spices, then baked until crispy.
Restaurants, fast food take out and street vendors all over Egypt sell this popular and convenient food in Egypt.
Where to try: "Hawawshi El Refaey" in Cairo is well-known for this dish.
9. Stuffed Vegetables (Mahshi)
Mahshi includes zucchinis, bell peppers, and eggplants stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. These are cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce and are a favorite comfort food.
Where to try: "El-Tabei El-Domyati" offers delicious variations of stuffed vegetables.
10. Stuffed Vine Leaves (Warak Enab)
Delicate vine leaves are stuffed with the same flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. They are slow-cooked with a tomato-based sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Where to try: Many Egyptian restaurants, including "Sobhy Kaber" in Cairo, serve stuffed vine leaves as part of their menu.
11. Warm Flatbreads
Egyptian flatbreads (“eish baladi”) are a staple of the local diet. These breads are baked fresh daily in street-side ovens, often made from whole wheat flour. Served with dips like tahini and baba ghanoush, or accompanying main dishes, these breads are a key part of every meal.
Where to try: Local bakeries and street vendors throughout Egypt offer fresh, warm flatbreads.
12. Baba Ghanoush and Tahini
Popular dips in Egyptian cuisine, baba ghanoush is made from roasted eggplants, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice, while tahini is a creamy sesame paste often seasoned with garlic and lemon. Both are perfect with fresh bread or as accompaniments to grilled dishes.
Where to try: Found in almost every Egyptian restaurant, especially those specializing in grills.
13. Molokhai
Molokhia is a traditional Egyptian green soup made from finely chopped jute leaves, which give it a unique, slightly slimy texture. It is often flavored with garlic and coriander, then served over rice or with flatbreads, alongside various meats. .Popular year-round, Molokhai is a staple of Egyptian home cooking and is celebrated for its comforting and nutritious qualities.
Where to try: "Sobhy Kaber" in Cairo is known for its molokhia.
14. Ful Medames
Ful Medames is one of Egypt's most beloved traditional dishes, typically enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. It consists of slow-cooked and mashed fava beans, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices, sometimes accompanied by fresh vegetables, eggs, or tahini.
The cooked fava beans offer a hearty and nutritious meal and have been a staple of Egyptian cuisine for centuries. Perfect served with warm flatbread for dipping.
Where to try: "El Rifaai" in Cairo offers a classic take on this dish.
15. Seafood in Alexandria
Alexandria is famous for its fresh seafood, from grilled fish to shrimp and calamari. You’ll find a few seafood restaurants overlooking the Mediterranean coast along the Cornish. Diners can usually pick these catch and have it cooked either grilled or fried. You might also like to try the "sayadeya" dish — fish cooked with rice, onions, and spices.
Where to try: "Fish Market" restaurant offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean and fresh catches.
16. Dates
Dates are an integral part of Egyptian cuisine and culture, valued for their natural sweetness and nutritional benefits.
The date season in Egypt typically runs from August to October, when the fruit is harvested and widely available. During this time, you’ll find fresh dates sold in markets across the country, alongside dried varieties, which are available year-round. The Siwa Oasis is especially famous for its premium date production, offering a variety of sweet and flavorful options.
Where to try: Siwa Oasis is famous for its premium dates, but you can also find them at local markets and shops like "Khan El Khalili" in Cairo or "Al-Attar" in Aswan.
17. Sweet Treats: Basbousa and Kunafa
Egyptian desserts like basbousa (semolina cake) and kunafa (shredded pastry filled with cream or nuts) are perfect for ending your meal.
Where to try: "Abdel Rahim Koueider" in Cairo is a famous spot for sweets.
18. Om Ali
A traditional Egyptian dessert, Om Ali is a warm, comforting bread pudding made with layers of puff pastry, milk, sugar, nuts, and raisins. It’s baked until golden and served hot.
Where to try: "El Malky" in Cairo is renowned for its delectable Om Ali.
Catering to Dietary Needs: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, and Dairy-Free Options
Egyptian cuisine offers a variety of options for those with dietary restrictions:
Vegan & Vegetarian: Dishes like koshari, ta'ameya, foul medames, baba ghanoush, tahini, and stuffed vine leaves are naturally plant-based. Mahshi without meat is a great choice for vegetarians.
Gluten-Free: Molokhia, grilled meats like kofta and kebab (without bread), and stuffed vegetables are excellent options. Look for gluten-free breads at specialty bakeries.
Dairy-Free: Many traditional dishes, such as koshari, foul medames, and grilled meats, are naturally dairy-free. Always confirm with the server about added ingredients like butter or cream.
Where to try: Most Egyptian restaurants are accommodating, but it’s always helpful to explain your needs to ensure a great dining experience.
Final Thoughts
From the savory to the sweet, and the street food to the fine dining, Egypt’s cuisine offers something for every palate. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the local flavors during on one of our Small Group Tours, and make sure to include these culinary stops on your itinerary!