Top Authentic Egyptian Dishes You Must Try

Explore the Richness of Egyptian Cuisine with iBestTravel

Egyptian cuisine is often underrated, despite its deep historical roots and vibrant flavors. From the time-honored recipes that date back to the pharaohs to contemporary dishes that locals enjoy, there is a wide array of culinary delights waiting to be savored.

Iconic Juices

Juices: Some are the more popular fruity options are tamarind, carob, doam, hibiscus and orchid juices.
Juices: Some are the more popular fruity options are tamarind, carob, doam, hibiscus, and orchid juices.

Underrated Egyptian Cuisine

Underrated Egyptian cuisine: The flavors found in Egypt are just as tasty, and often more intriguing than the traditional cooking of other Mediterranean countries.
Underrated Egyptian cuisine: The flavors found in Egypt are just as tasty, and often more intriguing than the traditional cooking of other Mediterranean countries.

Ancient Foods

Ancient foods: Egypt's culinary traditions stretch back more than 5,000 years, to the time of the pharaohs. And it's still possible to sample dishes served in ancient days.
Ancient foods: Egypt’s culinary traditions stretch back more than 5,000 years, to the time of the pharaohs. And it’s still possible to sample dishes served in ancient days.

Signature Dishes of Egypt

  • Shakshouka: Shakshouka is an ensemble of poached eggs, tomato sauce, peppers and garlic.
    Shakshouka: Shakshouka is an ensemble of poached eggs, tomato sauce, peppers and garlic.
  • Molokhiya: One of Egypt's national dishes, this green soup is said to be depicted on tomb paintings as a meal good enough only for pharaoh.
    Molokhiya: One of Egypt’s national dishes, this green soup is said to be depicted on tomb paintings as a meal good enough only for pharaoh.
  • Fattah: Rice, beef, eggs and fried bread are the main ingredients of this stew-like dish.
    Fattah: Rice, beef, eggs, and fried bread are the main ingredients of this stew-like dish.
  • Kebda: Grilled kebda (or liver) is served several different ways in Egypt — as the main ingredient of sandwiches or on its own as a starter or main dish.
    Kebda: Grilled kebda (or liver) is served several different ways in Egypt — as the main ingredient of sandwiches or on its own as a starter or main dish.
  • Mahshi: Mahshi is eggplant, bell pepper, zucchini squash, cabbage, tomato or grape leaves stuffed with mince meat and rice, seasoned with sundry spices and often cooked in lamb, beef or chicken broth with lemon juice.
    Mahshi: Mahshi is eggplant, bell pepper, zucchini squash, cabbage, tomato, or grape leaves stuffed with mince meat and rice, seasoned with sundry spices and often cooked in lamb, beef, or chicken broth with lemon juice.
  • Ta'ameya (Falafel): Although the falafel is found throughout the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, the deep fried balls -- made with broad beans in Egypt but chickpeas elsewhere in the region -- was most likely born in ancient Egypt.
    Ta’ameya (Falafel): Although the falafel is found throughout the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, the deep-fried balls — made with broad beans in Egypt but chickpeas elsewhere in the region — was most likely born in ancient Egypt.
  • Koshary: Koshary is a combination of macaroni, rice and beans flavored with tomatoes, onions, garlic and whatever else the chef feels like tossing in.
    Koshary: Koshary is a combination of macaroni, rice, and beans flavored with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and whatever else the chef feels like tossing in.
  • Baba Ghanouj: This traditional dip is made from mashed grilled eggplant flavored with parsley, cumin, and lemon juice, as well as salt and pepper.
    Baba Ghanouj: This traditional dip is made from mashed grilled eggplant flavored with parsley, cumin, and lemon juice, as well as salt and pepper.
  • Samak: Samak is the Egyptian word for 'fish.' Among the more popular restaurant fishes is denise (sea bream).
    Samak: Samak is the Egyptian word for “fish.” Among the more popular restaurant fishes is denise (sea bream).
  • Gebna: One of the nation's favorite summer snacks is gebna we bateekh, a cooling combination of white cheese and watermelon.
    Gebna: One of the nation’s favorite summer snacks is gebna we bateekh, a cooling combination of white cheese and watermelon.
  • Konafa: Konafa revolves around thin, noodle-like pastry soaked in syrup, stuffed with creamy cheese and often topped with nuts.
    Konafa: Konafa revolves around thin, noodle-like pastry soaked in syrup, stuffed with creamy cheese and often topped with nuts.

Refreshing Beverage: Shai (Tea)

Shai (Tea): Served with a copious amount of sugar, there are two basic varieties -- golden koshary tea in the north (often served with mint) and dark saiidi tea in the south -- as well as a wide variety of herbal teas.
Shai (Tea): Served with a copious amount of sugar, there are two basic varieties — golden koshary tea in the north (often served with mint) and dark saiidi tea in the south — as well as a wide variety of herbal teas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Egyptian cuisine offers a wealth of flavors and traditions waiting to be explored. Whether you are enjoying a hearty family meal or savoring street food, these dishes provide a connection to the rich history of the region. Therefore, diving into this culinary experience with iBestTravel ensures a memorable gastronomic journey.


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