Egyptian Cuisine: Discover the flavors of ancient Egypt with traditional dishes like koshari and ful medames, and indulge in refreshing drinks like hibiscus tea. Explore the bustling streets of Cairo and Alexandria to find the best local eateries and savor the authentic taste of Egypt.

Exploring Egypt’s Local Cuisine: Traditional Dishes and Drinks to Try and Where to Find Them

Egypt is a country that is rich in history, culture, and cuisine. The local cuisine is a reflection of the country’s diverse history and influences from neighboring countries. Egyptian cuisine is known for its use of herbs and spices, which give the dishes a unique flavor. In this article, we will explore some of the traditional dishes and drinks that you must try when visiting Egypt and where to find them.

One of the most popular dishes in Egypt is koshari. Koshari is a vegetarian dish that consists of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and macaroni, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and fried onions. This dish is a staple in Egyptian cuisine and can be found in almost every restaurant and street food vendor. One of the best places to try koshari is at Abu Tarek, a restaurant located in downtown Cairo. The restaurant has been serving koshari for over 100 years and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Another popular dish in Egypt is ful medames. Ful medames is a dish made from fava beans that are cooked with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The dish is usually served with bread and is a popular breakfast food in Egypt. One of the best places to try ful medames is at El Tahrir, a restaurant located in downtown Cairo. The restaurant has been serving ful medames for over 50 years and is known for its delicious and authentic taste.

If you are a meat lover, then you must try shawarma. Shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish that is made from marinated meat that is cooked on a spit and then sliced into thin strips. The meat is usually served with pita bread, vegetables, and a variety of sauces. One of the best places to try shawarma in Egypt is at Felfela, a restaurant located in downtown Cairo. The restaurant has been serving shawarma for over 50 years and is known for its delicious and authentic taste.

Egypt is also known for its street food, and one of the most popular street foods is taameya. Taameya is a vegetarian dish that is similar to falafel. It is made from fava beans that are ground into a paste and then mixed with herbs and spices. The mixture is then shaped into small balls and deep-fried. Taameya is usually served with bread and a variety of sauces. One of the best places to try taameya is at Mohammed Ahmed, a street food vendor located in downtown Cairo. The vendor has been serving taameya for over 50 years and is known for its delicious and authentic taste.

Egypt is also known for its sweet treats, and one of the most popular sweet treats is basbousa. Basbousa is a dessert made from semolina, sugar, and coconut, and is usually served with syrup. The dessert is popular in Egypt and can be found in almost every bakery and sweet shop. One of the best places to try basbousa is at El Abd, a sweet shop located in downtown Cairo. The shop has been serving basbousa for over 100 years and is known for its delicious and authentic taste.

When it comes to drinks, Egypt is known for its tea and coffee. One of the most popular teas in Egypt is karkadeh. Karkadeh is a tea made from hibiscus flowers and is usually served hot or cold. The tea is known for its refreshing taste and is a popular drink in Egypt. One of the best places to try karkadeh is at El Fishawy, a coffee shop located in the Khan El Khalili market in Cairo. The coffee shop has been serving karkadeh for over 200 years and is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.

Egypt is also known for its coffee, and one of the most popular coffees in Egypt is Turkish coffee. Turkish coffee is a strong coffee that is usually served in small cups. The coffee is known for its rich flavor and is a popular drink in Egypt. One of the best places to try Turkish coffee is at El-Fishawy, a coffee shop located in the Khan El Khalili market in Cairo. The coffee shop has been serving Turkish coffee for over 200 years and is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.

In conclusion, Egypt is a country that is rich in history, culture, and cuisine. The local cuisine is a reflection of the country’s diverse history and influences from neighboring countries. From koshari to taameya, ful medames to shawarma, and basbousa to karkadeh, there is something for everyone to try in Egypt. Whether you are a foodie or just looking to try something new, Egypt’s local cuisine is sure to leave you satisfied and wanting more.