Home » Travel Guide » Exploring Egypt »
A trip to Egypt is a once in a life time experience. And while your main focus might be marvelling at the pyramids or sailing the Nile, there is one thing you simply can’t sleep on – and that’s the food! Egyptian cuisine is rich, filling and full of dishes you won’t find anywhere else. To make sure you don’t miss out, we’ve rounded up the best Egyptian food you have to try during your trip.
Thinking about travelling to Egypt? Let us make it easy. Join one of our organized Egypt tours and experience the country without worrying about the details. We arrange your accommodation, transport, and unique cultural activities. You just come along for the ride and enjoy every second of it.
Before you set off, take some time to browse our Egypt packing guide and explore the rest of our travel articles. From top Egyptian highlights, packing tips and city breakdowns to itinerary suggestions and practical advice on safety, culture and local customs. You’ll find everything you need to feel prepared.
1. Ta’meya (Egyptian Falafel)
Ta’meya is Egypt’s version of falafel, but unlike the Levantine version made with chickpeas, Egyptian ta’meya uses fava beans. This gives it a vibrant green interior thanks to fresh herbs like parsley and coriander. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, it’s commonly stuffed into pita with salad and tahini sauce. It’s affordable, filling, and perfect for travellers on the go.
2. Kofta & Kebab
Kofta and kebab are grilled meat staples found in restaurants all over Egypt. Kofta is minced meat mixed with spices and herbs, shaped into a kind of meatball, while kebab usually refers to chunks of marinated lamb or beef. Both are grilled over charcoal, giving them a smoky, juicy flavour. They’re often served with rice, salad, and fresh bread.
3. Koshary
Koshary is Egypt’s ultimate comfort food and a must-try for any visitor. It’s a hearty mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crispy fried onions. The combination may sound unusual, but the flavours and textures work perfectly together. It’s filling, cheap, and widely available in dedicated koshary restaurants across the country.
4. Fiteer Baladi
Fiteer Baladi is Egypt’s answer to flaky pastry perfection. This layered, buttery dough can be served sweet (with honey, sugar, Nutella, or cream) or savory (with cheese, vegetables, or meat). It’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, making it incredibly satisfying. You’ll often find it in traditional restaurants or countryside bakeries.
5. Hawawshi
Hawawshi is one of Egypt’s most satisfying street food staples. It’s made by stuffing baladi bread with spiced minced meat, onions, and peppers, then baking or grilling it until the outside is crispy and golden. The inside stays juicy and packed with flavour, making it a perfect grab-and-go meal. You’ll find it everywhere from local bakeries to casual restaurants.
6. Hamam Mahshi
Hamam Mahshi is a traditional Egyptian delicacy made from pigeon stuffed with seasoned rice or freekeh. It’s typically roasted or grilled until the skin is crispy and the filling is rich and aromatic. While it may feel adventurous to some travellers, it’s considered a celebratory and highly respected dish in Egypt. A great option if you want to try something truly local and traditional.
7. Molokhia
Molokhia is a traditional green soup made from finely chopped jute leaves, cooked with garlic and coriander. Its slightly silky texture may surprise first-time visitors, but it’s deeply comforting and rich in flavour. It’s usually served over rice and paired with chicken, rabbit, or seafood. This dish has ancient roots and remains a staple in Egyptian homes.
8. Baba Ghanoush
While not technically an Egyptian dish, Baba Ghanoush is an incredibly popular staple of Egyptian mezze spreads. Roasted eggplant is blended with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil to create a smooth, flavourful dip. It’s light but rich at the same time, and perfect for sharing with fresh bread before a main meal. If you love Mediterranean flavours, this one will quickly become a favorite.
9. Ful Medames
Ful Medames is one of Egypt’s oldest and most beloved dishes, often considered the country’s national breakfast. Made from slow-cooked fava beans mashed with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and cumin, it’s simple but incredibly flavourful. It’s typically served with warm baladi bread for dipping and sharing. You’ll find it everywhere — from street carts to hotel breakfast buffets — and locals eat it daily.
10. Egyptian Tea
Tea is more than just a drink in Egypt — it’s part of daily life and hospitality. Usually served strong and sweet in small glass cups, it can be enjoyed plain (shai ahmar) or with fresh mint. It’s offered everywhere from markets to homes and is often shared during long conversations. Saying yes to tea is saying yes to Egyptian culture.
11. Sayadeya
Sayadeya is a coastal Egyptian dish especially popular in cities like Alexandria. It’s made with white fish cooked in a spiced onion and tomato base, then served over fragrant rice that absorbs all the flavour. The dish has a slightly caramelized, savory depth from the browned onions. If you’re visiting Egypt’s coastal regions or the Red Sea, this is a must-try seafood option.
12. Kebda Eskandarani
Kebda Eskandarani, or Alexandrian liver, is a bold and flavourful street food specialty from Alexandria. Thin slices of beef liver are sautéed with garlic, chili, cumin, and green peppers. It’s usually served in a sandwich with tahini and pickles, making it spicy, tangy, and unforgettable. If you enjoy strong flavours, this one is a must.
13. Salatet Zabadi
Salatet Zabadi is a refreshing yogurt-based side dish often served with grilled meats. Made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lemon juice, it’s lighter and milder than Greek tzatziki. It helps balance spicy or smoky dishes and adds a cool, creamy contrast to heavier meals. You’ll commonly see it alongside kofta, kebab, and other grilled specialties.
14. Basbousa
Basbousa is a sweet semolina cake soaked in sugar syrup and often topped with almonds or coconut. It’s soft, moist, and wonderfully fragrant. This dessert is popular across the Middle East, but Egypt’s version is especially loved. It’s commonly served at celebrations and family gatherings.
15. Om Ali
Om Ali is Egypt’s famous bread pudding-style dessert made with layers of pastry, milk, nuts, raisins, and sugar. It’s baked until golden and slightly crispy on top while remaining creamy underneath. Warm, comforting, and indulgent, it’s especially popular in winter. Many restaurants serve their own unique twist on it.
More Articles About Travelling to Egypt:
Leah Warner
Leah has been living in and exploring Madrid since 2013 when she moved to the city for a simple summer abroad. She started the Citylife Blog in 2014 with the goal to share everything there is to know about her favourite place on earth!
