Top 10 Traditional Egyptian Dishes

Egypt is one of the most attractive countries for tourists around the world. It has a lot of followers from many foreign countries. This amazing knowledge is up to have a special site. It is in the heart of the world, where the old continents, Africa, Asia, and Europe are linking. This specific location created many ears and civilizations. 

They started with Pharaohs, followed by Ptolemies and Romans, which leaded to various dishes.  One of the questions which is often asked by people before visiting Egypt “What is the most popular food in Egypt?” or “What is the traditional food in Egypt?”. So, through this article, I will try to spot a light on some of the most popular and delicious Egyptian food.

Top 10 Traditional Egyptian Dishes 

FulMedammes & Ta’ameya

Egypt's typical breakfast dish. Made of mashed fava beans seasoned with cumin, salt, and a bit of chili powder. Other seasonings could be added like oil or Butter. What distinguishes the Egyptian Ta'ameya or Falafel as known all around the world, is that unlike the more famous Levantine variety, it's made of Fava Beans not Chickpeas. 

It's also a typical breakfast choice. Fried balls of ground Fava Beans mixed with herbs. Unlike the well-known Falafel that is mainly made with ground chickpeas.

Besarah

Besarah has been known since Pharaonic times and the ancient Egyptians, this vegetarian dish is a celebration of herbs and spices; made with parsley, dill, leek, crushed fava beans, onions, green bell pepper or hot chili pepper, fresh green coriander, and spices. When cooked it turns into a green, creamy paste-like dip. Best eaten with baladi bread.

Koshary

The most lovely and popular dish here in Egypt. Made with a mixture of Lentils, Rice, Pasta, Caramelized Onions, and Tomato sauce. Typical condiments are Chili sauce and 'Daqqa', which is a mixture of vinegar and cumin served as a sauce.

Mulukhiyah

Mulukhiyah is the national dish of Egypt, a soup made by cooking a large amount of finely chopped jute, which is a green leaf vegetable with a distinctively bitter flavor. Traditionally, the soup is cooked with garlic, coriander, chicken meat, or chicken stock, and is usually served with white rice or pita bread, and a lemon or lime wedge on the side.

Fatteh

Made of a layer of fried little bread pieces mixed with garlic vinegar dipping sauce, covered with a layer of rice cooked with veal broth or lamb broth, which is topped with a spiced tomato sauce. 

This one is eaten specifically in the Muslims feasts and even some Christian’s feasts, and it could be served as well in the ordinary days. Also, people serve large pieces of stewed beef beside the Fattah, especially in Eid EL Adha (Religious feast for Muslims) and Easter for Christians. 

Kabab & Kofta

Grilling meat on a stick is one of the most basic, simple, and ancient of Egyptian food practices. Cooking little pieces of meat takes far less time than cooking an entire animal or large joint. But, being small, you can't hold it in your fingers over an open fire. 

The practice of amassing pieces too small to be individually skewered as Kofta probably didn't take long to follow as wasting food was not an ancient value.

Sayadeya

A dish that is mainly cooked in coastal cities like Suez, Portsaid, and Alexandria. It is made of white fish such as bass or bluefish and cooked with yellow rice, onion, spices, and tomato sauce. It is then baked in an earthenware pot.

Liver and Sausages

It is one of the most popular dishes in Egypt. Most egyptian people like this dish. They are prepared with spicy pepper, garlic, and onion or tomato sauce may be added. They are both served with pickles.

Rozz Me’ammar

A dish of white rice prepared by the addition of milk, butter or cream and chicken broth. All the ingredients are baked in the oven, and then usually served in occasions and family gatherings.

Feseekh

It is fermented mullet fish, prepared by letting the fish dry in the sun and then soaked in salty water for up to a month. It’s famously eaten in the spring celebration known as Sham El Nessim. Feseekh is the main dish, eaten and served with fresh-cut salad and pita bread.

There are many delicious and fulfilling dishes else in Egypt that should be tasted by anyone visiting Egypt. There are Shawarma, which is preferred to be eaten with fresh bread. Also MacaroniBéchamel, Egypt’s version of lasagna or macaroni and cheese. In addition to FeteerMeshaltet, one of the best bread ever.

Written By: Hossam Elsakran

Edited by: Gourav Chowdhury