Food In Egypt: A Guide To The Flavours Of The Pharaohs

Food in Egypt is tasty and full of culture and history. Egypt is known for its old pyramids and long past, but it also has special meals. Egyptian food has many flavours, is made with spices, and shows the country’s way of life. Easy street foods like Ta’ameya and home dishes like Mahshi and Molokhia exist. Some dishes are salty, and some are sweet, so everyone can enjoy something. Exploring the best food in Egypt helps you learn about its people and places. It is warm, filling, and full of tradition, making it a fun and tasty experience.

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Top 10 Foods In Egypt

Here is a list of the top 10 Famous foods in Egypt that you should experience while travelling to this historic country.

1. Koshari

A bowl of Koshari, a staple among famous foods in Egypt, which you can try with friends.

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Koshari is a mix of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta. On top, it has a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. People in Egypt love to eat it because it is tasty, filling, and not expensive. Koshari is a vegetarian meal and is easy to find in many places. It is a good choice for a quick snack or a full meal. Many visitors and local people enjoy eating it. If you want to try something local and delicious, Koshari is a great food to enjoy in Egypt.

Average Cost: ₹250 – 400
Locations: Cairo, Alexandria, Giza

2. Ful Medames

A traditional serving of Ful Medames, one of the classic foods in Egypt’s Famous restaurant.

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Ful Medames is a simple and healthy dish from Egypt. It is made by slowly cooking fava beans with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. People usually eat it with bread and pickled vegetables. It is a common breakfast and is loved by many across the country. Ful Medames is eaten by both rich and poor people. It is a warm and filling meal that gives energy for the day. This dish has been part of Egyptian life for many years.

Average Cost: ₹150 – 300
Locations: Luxor, Aswan, Cairo

3. Ta’ameya (Egyptian Falafel)

Crispy Ta’ameya is served with fresh salad, which is part of the famous food in the Egypt.

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Ta’ameya is a special kind of falafel from Egypt. It is made using crushed fava beans instead of chickpeas. People mix the beans with green herbs and spices. Then, they fry it until it is brown and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. Ta’ameya is usually eaten with pita bread, salad, and tahini sauce. It tastes very nice and does not cost much, so many people enjoy it. This dish is often eaten for breakfast or lunch.

Average Cost: ₹100 – 250
Locations: Cairo, Port Said, Mansoura

4. Mahshi

A plate of stuffed vegetables called Mahshi, a treasured and delicious food in Egypt.

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Mahshi is made by filling vegetables like courgettes, aubergines, and bell peppers with a mix of rice, herbs, and spices. After stuffing, the vegetables are cooked slowly in a tomato sauce. This dish is warm, soft, and full of flavour. It is usually made at home and served during family meals or special times. Many people in Egypt love Mahshi because it feels like a meal made with care. It has been enjoyed by families for many years and is one of the most loved dishes in the country.

Average Cost: ₹300 – 500
Locations: Alexandria, Giza, Minya

5. Molokhia

A bowl of green Molokhia stew, rich with flavours from the famous food in Egyptian culture.

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Molokhia is a green soup made from jute leaves. People cook it with garlic and coriander to give it a strong and tasty flavour. It is often eaten with rice or flatbread. Sometimes, it is also served with chicken or rabbit. The soup is thick and might feel slimy, which is new for some people. But many people in Egypt love it. They say it is healthy and full of good things for the body.

Average Cost: ₹250 – 400
Locations: Tanta, Cairo, Damietta

6. Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Pigeon)

Grilled Hamam Mahshi is a luxurious delicacy among food choices in Egypt.

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Hamam Mahshi is a traditional dish from Egypt. It is made by stuffing pigeons with rice or green wheat called freekeh. The rice or wheat is cooked with simple spices to add flavour. After stuffing, the pigeons are grilled or baked until the meat is soft and tasty. This dish is usually eaten during special times like festivals or family gatherings. Even though it may seem different to some people, many enjoy it because of its soft meat and tasty filling.

Average Cost: ₹600 – 900
Locations: Cairo, Fayoum, Zagazig

7. Fiteer (Egyptian Pie)

A layered Fiteer served hot, a crispy treat from the world of famous food in Egypt.

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Fiteer is a popular dish from Egypt. It is like a pie made with many thin layers of dough. People can eat it as a sweet or savoury snack. The sweet one has sugar and nuts, and the savoury one can have cheese or meat. It is cooked in a special oven with a wood fire. The outside is crispy, and the inside is soft and flaky. Fiteer is tasty and fun to eat. You can enjoy it at any time of the day.

Average Cost: ₹200 – 400
Locations: Cairo, Hurghada, Shubra

8. Sayadiya

A seafood platter featuring Sayadiya, one of the coastal favourite foods in Egypt.

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Sayadiya is a tasty fish and rice dish that people eat in the coastal cities of Egypt. The fish is cooked with soft brown onions, tomatoes, and simple spices. This gives it a warm and rich flavour. The rice is also cooked with spices and served with the fish. It is a dish that many people who enjoy seafood like to eat. Sayadiya shows a mix of Mediterranean flavours and Egyptian cooking. Sayadiya is one of the famous foods in Egypt and is easy to enjoy.

Average Cost: ₹400 – 600
Locations: Alexandria, Port Said, Suez

9. Kunafa

A sweet serving of Kunafa, a dessert that tops many famous foods in Egypt lists.

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Kunafa is a sweet dish that is very popular in Egypt. It is made using thin, shredded pastry. The pastry is soaked in sugar syrup to make it sweet. Then, it is filled with cream or cheese. After that, it is baked in the oven until it becomes golden and crispy. A special syrup with rosewater is poured on top before serving. People love the mix of crunchy and soft textures. Kunafa is usually eaten during Ramadan or on special days.

Average Cost: ₹150 – 300
Locations: Cairo, Giza, El Mahalla

10. Roz Bel Laban (Rice Pudding)

A creamy bowl of Roz Bel Laban, one of the soothing traditional foods in Egypt.

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Roz Bel Laban is a sweet and simple rice pudding from Egypt. It is made using rice, milk, sugar, and sometimes a little vanilla or cinnamon for flavour. This dish can be eaten warm or cold. Many people in Egypt enjoy it after meals. It is soft, creamy, and easy to eat, which is why children and adults like it. Roz Bel Laban is a nice treat on a hot day or a light dessert after dinner.

Average Cost: ₹100 – 200
Locations: Cairo, Beni Suef, Ismailia

Food in Egypt is full of rich flavours, soft textures, and a long history. From tasty breakfasts to yummy stews and sweet treats, every dish shares a story of Egyptian culture. Whether you eat it in Egypt or somewhere else, you’ll love the warm and special taste. Plan a trip with TripXL and enjoy the real taste of famous Egyptian food today!

Cover Photo: Dina Said / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Food In Egypt: A Guide To The Flavours Of The Pharaohs