Egyptian food is simple, filling and full of flavour: beans, rice, bread, vegetables, grilled meat and sweet pastries. This guide covers 10 Egyptian dishes to try: koshari, ful medames, molokhia, ta’ameya, mahshi, kebab, rice pudding, fattah, basbousa and shakshuka-style eggs. Many are cheap, and several are vegetarian. For tips on eating and drinking safely, read our guide to eating and drinking in Egypt.
Egyptian cuisine blends ancient traditions with Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African influences. Bread, beans and vegetables have been staples for thousands of years.
Dishes are budget friendly, comforting and easy to share, and vegetarians have many choices.
| Dish | What it is | Vegetarian? | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koshari | Rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, tomato sauce, fried onions | Yes | Koshari shops, all day |
| Ful medames | Slow-cooked fava beans with oil, lemon and cumin | Yes | Breakfast carts and cafés |
| Molokhia | Green jute-leaf soup with garlic and coriander | Often made with meat stock | Home cooking, local restaurants |
| Ta’ameya | Fava-bean falafel with herbs | Yes | Breakfast stalls |
| Mahshi | Vegetables and vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs | Often | Local restaurants |
| Kebab and kofta | Grilled lamb or beef | No | Grill houses |
| Roz bel laban | Rice pudding | Yes | Dessert shops |
| Fattah | Bread, rice and meat with garlic-vinegar sauce | No | Festive meals, Eid |
| Basbousa | Semolina cake in syrup | Yes | Sweet shops |
| Shakshuka | Eggs in spicy tomato sauce | Yes | Breakfast |
Koshari is Egypt’s favourite street food and is often called the national dish: rice, brown lentils, small pasta and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce, garlic-vinegar dressing (dakka) and crispy fried onions. You add the chilli sauce yourself. It is vegetarian, filling and one of the cheapest meals in the country. Koshari shops are everywhere; the famous ones in Downtown Cairo are busy all day.
Ful medames are fava beans cooked slowly overnight, then mashed with oil, lemon, cumin and salt. Egyptians have eaten ful for breakfast for centuries, usually from a street cart, with fresh bread, pickles and a little tahini. Try it with chopped tomato or a fried egg on top.
Molokhia is a green soup made from finely chopped jute leaves, cooked in stock with a sizzling mix of garlic and coriander added at the end. It has a slightly slippery texture that people either love or hate. It is served with rice or bread, and usually with chicken or, in the countryside, rabbit.
Ta’ameya is the Egyptian falafel. Unlike the chickpea falafel of the Levant, it is made from fava beans with lots of fresh herbs, which makes it green inside. Eat it hot in a pocket of baladi bread with salad and tahini, for breakfast or as a cheap lunch.
Mahshi means “stuffed”: peppers, courgettes, aubergines, cabbage leaves and vine leaves filled with rice, tomato and herbs, then cooked slowly in broth. It is a home-cooking favourite and a big family dish, often served on Fridays.
Kebab and kofta are grilled lamb or beef, sold by weight at grill houses (kababgy) and eaten with bread, tahini, salads and pickles. Choose a busy place with a fast turnover, and order a mix of kebab, kofta and grilled chicken to share.
Roz bel laban is a creamy rice pudding made with milk and sugar, sometimes flavoured with vanilla or rose water and topped with nuts or cinnamon. It is sold chilled in small pots in dessert shops and is a light way to end a meal.
Fattah layers toasted bread and rice with boiled lamb or beef and a garlic-vinegar tomato sauce. It is the traditional dish of Eid al-Adha and family celebrations, rich and filling.
Basbousa is a semolina cake soaked in sugar syrup, often topped with almonds or coconut. Sweet shops sell it by the piece or by weight, next to konafa and baklava.
Shakshuka is eggs cooked in a spicy tomato, pepper and onion sauce, served in the pan with bread for dipping. It is a common breakfast in cafés and homes.
Want to know what to drink with all this? See our guide to eating and drinking in Egypt.
Koshari is usually called the national dish.
Yes. Koshari, ful, ta’ameya and many vegetable dishes are vegetarian.
Choose busy stalls where food is cooked fresh, and drink bottled water.
Ful medames with bread, ta’ameya, eggs and tea.
It is one of the cheapest meals in Egypt. Prices vary by shop and portion size, so check the board on the wall.
Basbousa, konafa, roz bel laban and Umm Ali are the most common.
Start with koshari and ful, then try molokhia and fattah with a local family or guide. Save room for basbousa.
Book a nearby tour: Giza Pyramids and Egyptian Museum Day Tour from $30.
Get ready for the trip of a lifetime as we bring you the best of Egypt has to offer. Explore the awe-inspiring wonders of the Egyptian ancient civilization, immerse yourself in rich history, and experience the magic of Egypt’s enchanting landscapes.
With our carefully crafted tour packages, you can finally fulfill your lifelong dream of visiting Egypt. From cruising down the majestic Nile River to discovering the magnificent temples of Aswan, every moment will leave you breathless, Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Book your customized Egypt tour package now and embark on an unforgettable journey through time.
Egypt travel blog dedicated to providing the best possible information for traveling to Egypt. Our articles include information on best holiday Destinations in Egypt, Things to do in Egypt, How to get Around in Egypt, and of course planning Your Perfect Itinerary for your holidays in Egypt.
