Top 10 Authentic Local Foods to Try When You Are in Egypt
If you’re planning a trip to Egypt and wondering what local food you must try—look no further. Egyptian cuisine is full of flavor, tradition, and history. Whether you’re wandering through the bustling streets of Cairo or exploring hidden gems in Alexandria, tasting Egypt’s local dishes is an unforgettable part of the experience.
Here are the top 10 authentic Egyptian foods every visitor should try:
1. Koshary
Koshary (also spelled koshari) is Egypt’s national dish—and a must-try for every traveler. This hearty bowl mixes pasta, lentils, rice, crispy onions, and chickpeas, topped with a zesty tomato-vinegar sauce. It’s the ultimate Egyptian street food and perfect for vegetarians.
2. Ful Medames
One of Egypt’s oldest and most beloved breakfast dishes, ful medames is made from fava beans cooked slowly overnight with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It’s served with warm bread and often paired with boiled eggs or falafel.
3. Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel)
Unlike Levantine falafel made with chickpeas, Egyptian ta’ameya is crafted from crushed fava beans and flavored with fresh herbs. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s a breakfast favorite—especially when served inside baladi bread with salad and tahini.
4. Mahshi
Mahshi means "stuffed"—and in Egypt, that often means vine leaves, zucchini, eggplants, or bell peppers filled with a savory mix of rice, herbs, and spices. It’s a home-style dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
5. Molokhia
Molokhia is a green leafy vegetable turned into a thick, garlicky stew often served with rice and chicken or rabbit. The texture may surprise first-timers, but the flavor is rich, earthy, and deeply satisfying.
6. Hawawshi
Think of hawawshi as Egypt’s take on a meat-stuffed pita. Spiced minced beef is baked inside crispy bread—making it one of the most flavorful and affordable meat dishes you'll find on the streets of Cairo.
7. Fattah
A traditional feast dish, especially during Eid al-Adha, fattah layers rice and crispy bread topped with slow-cooked beef or lamb and a garlicky vinegar-tomato sauce. It's rich, festive, and incredibly satisfying.
8. Sayadeya
A must-try in coastal cities like Alexandria or Port Said, sayadeya is a fragrant fish and rice dish cooked with caramelized onions, garlic, and spices. It’s a seafood lover’s dream with an Egyptian twist.
9. Kebda Eskandarani (Alexandrian Liver)
This spicy street food from Alexandria is made from beef liver, sautéed with garlic, chili, cumin, and lime. It’s served in sandwiches with pickles and is not for the faint of heart—but locals love it.
10. Basbousa
No culinary tour is complete without dessert! Basbousa is a semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup and often topped with almonds or coconut. It’s the perfect way to end a flavorful Egyptian meal.
Experience Authentic Egyptian Food with a Local
Want to taste all these dishes and more? Join one of our authentic Egyptian food tours in Cairo! Walk through bustling markets, eat where the locals eat, and learn the stories behind Egypt’s most beloved foods. Our local guides take you off the beaten path to experience Egypt through its flavors.
➡️ Book your Cairo food tour now and discover Egypt one bite at a time!
