Some Reasons As To Why Egypt Deserves A Visit For Its Food Alone
The last year witnessed a huge rise in tourism in the country of Egypt. Apart from a wide range of beautiful spots to visit, food tourism is another reason owing to the rise in popularity of the country as a tourist spot. Egyptian cuisine stands out in the Middle East, thanks to its rich and varied ingredients influenced by history and geography. It uniquely blends African and Middle Eastern flavours.
Meals in Egypt often feature stews and vegetables. However, street food like kushari (a mix of noodles, rice, black lentils, fried onions, and tomato sauce) and ta'amiyya (Egyptian falafel made with fava beans) are also popular. Fava beans are a staple, served stewed for any meal.
Experience Egypt's National Dish: Fuul Medames
Many Egyptians believe no visit is complete without trying fuul medames, the national dish. This simple yet nutritious meal consists of fava beans slowly cooked with olive oil, cumin, and various spices. Parsley, chili, lemon juice, and garlic are added based on personal preference.
Fuul medames is typically eaten for breakfast or dinner, either in sandwiches or with bread. People often customise it with tahini or boiled eggs. The variations are endless.
For an authentic experience in Cairo, join locals at Mahrous to enjoy this traditional dish.
Savour Crunchy Ta'amiyya Sandwiches
Ta'amiyya is a deep-fried patty made from ground fava beans mixed with parsley, coriander leaves, and spices. Unlike chickpea-based falafel found elsewhere, Egyptian ta'amiyya is fluffier due to the greens used. A typical sandwich includes a crunchy patty with mixed salad and tahini.
In western Cairo, Tabali Bistro offers a cozy atmosphere and excellent service where you can try ta'amiyya along with other traditional dishes.
Indulge in Egypt's Street Food Delights
Kebda iskandarani sandwiches are quick meals available at kebda carts throughout Egyptian cities. These sandwiches combine finely chopped beef liver with cumin, chili, cardamom, garlic, green peppers, and lemon juice in a thick bread roll.
Kushari is another popular street food option. This vegetarian dish can be found at kushari carts on crowded streets or in simple restaurants across Egypt.
For a sit-down kebda meal instead of eating on the go, Yokal offers street-food-style sandwiches in a pleasant setting. Abu Tarek is renowned for its kushari.
Treat Yourself to Kebab and Kofta
Kebab and kofta are two beloved grilled meat dishes in Egypt. Kebab consists of flame-grilled lamb chunks while kofta is seasoned ground lamb or beef mixed with parsley, onion, and garlic shaped on skewers. Both are usually served with tahini, salad, pickles, and bread.
For an upscale dining experience overlooking the Nile, visit El Kebabgy at Sofitel Cairo.
Try Hamam Mahshi: A Special Pigeon Dish
Pigeon has been a delicacy in Egypt since 3000 BCE. Hamam mahshi features pigeon stuffed with rice and onions spiced with nutmeg, cumin, and coriander before being seared and served.
Al Khal offers hamam mahshi among its many traditional dishes for those seeking fine dining options.
Sample Molokhiyya: A Traditional Soup
Molokhiyya is a leafy green vegetable from the jute plant that was part of the pharaohs' diet. It has a sticky texture similar to okra and is prepared as a soup with coriander and garlic. Often served as an accompaniment or sauce with rabbit or chicken or paired with rice.
Teatro Eskendria in Alexandria combines art and culture while serving delicious molokhiyya balanced perfectly with coriander and garlic.
Dive into Cairo's Cafe Culture
Cairo's coffeeshops are social hubs where Egyptians spend hours chatting over tea or coffee while playing backgammon or smoking waterpipes. Local drinks like karkade (hibiscus-flower infusion) known for lowering blood pressure or sahleb (milk-based beverage topped with nuts) offer healthy alternatives to desserts.
Naguib Mahfouz Coffee Shop provides a lively ambiance within Islamic Cairo’s bustling bazaar where you can enjoy these drinks.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With Oum Ali
The perfect way to end your day in Egypt is by indulging in oum ali. This dessert comprises layers of puff pastry soaked in milk mixed with nuts raisins coconut flakes sugar then baked until divine perfection achieved.
You can savour oum ali amidst serene rural surroundings at Kom el Dikka Agri Lodge located Al Fayoum offering an idyllic setting for this delightful treat.
Savour Fiteer: A Versatile Pastry
Fiteer evokes memories of vacations feasts among Egyptians soft flaky pastry made from paper-thin dough traditionally prepared countryside ovens leading group gatherings each person cuts piece dips salty feta cheese molasses various fillings savory sweet options include cheese sausage ground beef pastrami olives jam honey custard raisins nuts powdered sugar sprinkled top Samiha Cairo known best fiteer generously filled fresh ingredients
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