Food In Egypt
One of the main reasons people travel is to try new cuisines from different cultures. Egypt is no exception!
Traditional Egyptian cuisine is largely influenced by the Middle East, Africa, and the Mediterranean, though it has its roots in ancient Egyptian history, as well. Dominated by the vegetarian diet, you can expect copious amounts of vegetables and seldom the addition of meats.
The reason for this way of eating is, in part, due to the inexpensive nature of vegetables versus meats. Cost aside, Egypt’s food is rich in both culture, history, and most importantly, flavor! For those who have visited Egypt before, they know what we’re talking about…
If you’re a tourist soon to be traveling through the unique Egyptian landscape and you’re curious as to what foods to eat, this guide is for you. From popular cultural dishes to colorful Mediterranean twists and seafood from the iconic River Nile, there’s cuisine for every pallet.
To offer some inspiration and guidance on what to eat while trekking through Egypt, below are some of the most notable dishes to try!
Egypt’s National Dish
Widely considered Egypt’s national dish, Kushari, whether served hot or cold, is arguably the most important food to try while visiting Egypt. As the saying goes, “When in Rome”.
Kushari has a rice base mixed with lentils and pasta. Pour over some spicy tomato sauce, garnish it with chickpeas, and you’ve got yourself a traditional, 19th-century Egyptian dish.
Somewhat similar to a western stir-fry, Kushari has several optional ingredients that can be added by preference; from hot sauce and garlic to vinegar and fried onions. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be delicious.
The good news? You can find this cultural dish at just about any street corner, so there’s really no excuse why you shouldn’t try it at least once!
The Most Popular Food in Egypt
Although Kushari comes in a close second, the most popular food in Egypt is a famous dish called Ta’ameya.
Similar to an Indian Falafel, Ta’ameya consists of crushed fava beans, otherwise known as broad beans, and seasoned with traditional herbs and spices. The end result is a delicious fried burger of sorts.
The reason for its popularity is, in part, due to the inexpensive nature of the ingredients required, not to mention it’s made with abundantly available crops. More importantly, however, is the versatility of the dish and the taste that follows.
While traveling through Egypt, you’ll likely recognize this as a common menu item, both during breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you may even see it available as a street corner snack!
A Meat Lover’s Dream
As mentioned in the preface, traditional Egyptian cuisine is largely vegetarian due to the landscape of available resources and inexpensive nature in general. With that said, that doesn’t mean there aren’t delicious meat-based dishes here in Egypt.
One of those delicious meat-based foods? Kebob!
Simply put, kebob is rolled and grilled meat, typically beef or lamb, and then poked through a skewer for easy access. This meat lover's dream is similar to a western-style sausage but better!
To make this dish even tastier, have your choice of dip. While it’ll be sure to put you in a food coma, it’s worth it…
Wash it Down!
Last but not least, Egyptian beverages.
Herbal teas are extremely popular in Egypt, not only for their place in culture but for their sheer ability to make a meal that much more enjoyable.
Offering several varieties of tea, whether hibiscus, mint or lemon and served in a variety of ways to suit your preferences, you’d be remiss not to enjoy a nice cup of Egyptian tea to soothe the stomach.
If your tastebuds are firing and all this talk of food is making you hungry, it may be time to book the trip of a lifetime and make a dream a reality. To learn more, or to book your next Egyptian getaway, visit: https://circulatetravel.com