What to Eat in Egypt: 10 Dishes Worth Trying

Travel Tips · 6 min read · Published 2025-10-15

From koshari to fresh mango juice, here's the Egyptian food you shouldn't leave without tasting.

Egyptian food is comforting, hearty and a lot of fun to explore. It doesn't get the global fame of some cuisines, which is exactly why trying it feels like a discovery. Here are ten things to look for.

1. Koshari The national dish, and the one we send everyone to try first. Rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas topped with spiced tomato sauce, garlic vinegar and crispy fried onions. Cheap, filling and oddly addictive.

2. Ful medames Slow-cooked fava beans mashed with oil, lemon and cumin. It's the classic Egyptian breakfast, scooped up with warm flatbread.

3. Ta'ameya Egypt's version of falafel, made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, greener inside and wonderfully crisp. Often eaten in a sandwich with salad and tahini.

4. Molokhia A green, garlicky soup made from jute leaves, usually served with chicken or rabbit and rice. It divides first-timers, but plenty end up loving it.

5. Hawawshi Spiced minced meat baked inside crisp bread, like a hand-held Egyptian meat pie. Great street food.

6. Grilled meats and kofta Egyptians do mixed grills brilliantly: kofta, kebab and chicken with bread, salads and dips. A reliable crowd-pleaser.

7. Feteer A flaky, layered pastry that can be savoury or sweet. The sweet version with honey and cream is a treat.

8. Om Ali The classic dessert: a warm bread pudding with milk, nuts and raisins. Comforting and a little addictive.

9. Fresh juices Egypt's juice bars are everywhere and the produce is excellent. Mango, sugarcane, guava and pomegranate are all worth a stop.

10. Mint tea and Turkish coffee End any meal the local way. A glass of sweet mint tea or a small, strong coffee is part of the rhythm of the day.

A safety note Stick to busy places with high turnover, drink bottled water, and you'll be fine. Travelling with us, we'll point you to the good spots and can arrange meals to suit any diet. Hungry for the rest of the trip? Browse our <a href="/tours">Egypt tours</a>.