What to Eat in Egypt

Egypt offers a food culture that stretches back thousands of years, shaped by ancient Pharaonic traditions, Arab and Ottoman influences, and the flavors of the Mediterranean. From slow-cooked fava beans eaten at sunrise to grilled meats and sweet pastries enjoyed late into the evening, Egyptian cuisine is hearty, deeply spiced and impossible to forget. Here is what to eat when you visit Egypt.

1. Koshari

Koshari is Egypt’s national dish and one of the most beloved street foods in the country. It layers rice, macaroni and lentils in a bowl, then tops them with spiced tomato sauce, chickpeas and crispy fried onions. Garlic vinegar and chili sauce are added to taste. The dish reflects Egypt’s history of blending cultures, combining ingredients from Indian, Italian and Middle Eastern cooking into something entirely its own. Koshary Abou Tarek in Cairo is widely considered the best place in the country to try it.

2. Ful Medames

Ful medames is one of the oldest dishes in Egyptian cuisine, with origins traced back to the time of the pharaohs. Slow-cooked fava beans are mashed and seasoned with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and cumin, then served warm with pita bread. It is the quintessential Egyptian breakfast, eaten by locals across every level of society. Street vendors ladle it from large copper pots into sandwich pockets. Simple, filling and deeply flavorful, it is a dish that defines daily life in Egypt.

3. Ta’meya (Egyptian Falafel)

Egypt’s version of falafel is called ta’meya and differs from the rest of the Middle East in one key way: it is made with mashed fava beans rather than chickpeas. The mixture is blended with parsley and herbs, shaped into flat discs rather than round balls, and fried until crispy outside and tender within. Ta’meya is typically eaten as a breakfast sandwich tucked into bread with salad and tahini. It is crunchier, greener and more herbal than its chickpea-based counterpart.

4. Hawawshi

Hawawshi is Egypt’s answer to the meat pie. Minced beef is seasoned with onions, peppers and a bold blend of spices, stuffed inside Egyptian flatbread and baked or grilled in a wood oven until the bread is golden and crackling. The result is juicy, spiced meat encased in crispy bread, typically served with pickled vegetables. It is a satisfying street food popular across Cairo and a must-try for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors.

5. Molokhia

Molokhia is a traditional Egyptian stew made from finely chopped jute leaves cooked in a garlic and coriander-scented broth. The dish has a distinctive silky texture and a deep, earthy flavor. It is commonly served over rice or with bread, often accompanied by chicken, rabbit or lamb. Molokhia has been eaten in Egypt since the time of the pharaohs and remains a beloved home-cooked staple. Abou El Sid in Cairo is one of the best restaurants to try it in an authentic, heritage setting.

6. Mahshi (Stuffed Vegetables)

Mahshi refers to a family of dishes in which vegetables such as zucchini, peppers, eggplant and vine leaves are stuffed with a mixture of rice and aromatic herbs, then slowly cooked in tomato sauce. It is a labor-intensive dish and a point of pride for Egyptian home cooks. Each region and family has its own variation. The flavors are subtle and comforting, with the stuffing absorbing the essence of the vegetable and the sauce over a long, slow cook.

7. Grilled Meats and Kofta

Grilled meats are central to Egyptian dining. Kofta, minced meat skewers seasoned with onion, parsley and spices, are cooked over charcoal and served with bread, salad and tahini. Lamb chops, chicken and mixed grills are staples at traditional restaurants across Cairo and Alexandria. The combination of open-fire cooking and well-spiced meat produces some of the most satisfying meals you will find anywhere in the region. Khan El Khalili Restaurant & Naguib Mahfouz Cafe in Cairo’s historic bazaar district is a memorable setting for grilled meats.

8. Alexandria Seafood

Alexandria, Egypt’s great Mediterranean city, is famous for its seafood. Fresh fish, shrimp, calamari and sea bass are grilled or fried to order at harborside restaurants across the city. Dishes are served simply, often with rice, salad and tahini, letting the quality of the fresh catch speak for itself. The White and Blue Restaurant, known locally as The Greek Club, overlooks Alexandria’s harbor and is one of the most celebrated spots for seafood in the city.

9. Basbousa and Konafa

Egyptian desserts are rich, sweet and worth saving room for. Basbousa is a dense semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup and topped with almonds or coconut. Konafa is a layered pastry of thin shredded dough filled with cream, sweet cheese or nuts and drenched in syrup. Both are especially popular during Ramadan and are found at bakeries throughout the country. They are also widely available year-round at dessert shops, and no visit to Egypt is complete without trying at least one.

10. Egyptian Tea and Turkish Coffee

Drinking tea is a ritual in Egypt. Egyptians drink their black tea strong and heavily sweetened, often flavored with fresh mint. In the south, karkade, a deep crimson hibiscus tea served hot or cold, is equally popular. Turkish coffee, thick and unfiltered, is served in small cups at ahwas, the traditional coffeehouse gathering spots found in every neighborhood. Sitting at an ahwa, sipping tea and watching Cairo or Alexandria pass by is one of the great simple pleasures of visiting Egypt.

Royal Caribbean shore excursions offer ways to experience Egypt’s cuisine alongside its legendary history and landmarks.

• Alexandria by Night and Legendary Santa Lucia Restaurant: Explore the highlights of Alexandria, the city founded by Alexander the Great, before sitting down to a dinner at the legendary Santa Lucia Restaurant, one of the most celebrated dining institutions in Egypt.
• Cairo, Pyramids and Tombs: Visit the Pyramids of Giza and ancient tombs on this full-day excursion, which includes a delicious lunch buffet served amid the splendor of Egypt’s most iconic landscape.
• Simply the Pyramids: Stand before the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, enjoy a delicious lunch and learn the traditional art of Egyptian paper-making on this focused, full-day excursion to Giza.
• The Cairo Overland Experience: Spend two days immersed in Egypt’s grandeur on this overnight excursion to Cairo, which includes a dinner cruise along the legendary Nile River, visits to the pyramids and tours of world-class museums.

From street-food institutions in Cairo to harborside seafood in Alexandria, Egypt’s dining scene is as rich as its history. Here are some of the top restaurants to visit.

1. Koshary Abou Tarek – Cairo

The most famous koshari restaurant in Egypt, Koshary Abou Tarek has been serving Cairo’s national dish since 1950. The multi-story restaurant in downtown Cairo is always packed with locals and tourists alike. Order a medium or large bowl, customize with as much chili sauce and fried onions as you like, and experience one of the great affordable meals in the world.

2. Abou El Sid – Cairo

Set in Zamalek and other Cairo locations, Abou El Sid is the gold standard for classic Egyptian cuisine in a warm, heritage-styled setting. The menu features molokhia, koshari, stuffed pigeon, tagines and other beloved home-style dishes. It is consistently recommended by locals as the best place for visitors to experience authentic Egyptian flavors in a comfortable, restaurant setting.

3. White and Blue Restaurant (The Greek Club) – Alexandria

Overlooking Alexandria’s historic harbor, the White and Blue Restaurant — known to locals as The Greek Club — is one of the most celebrated seafood restaurants in Egypt. Fresh fish, shrimp and Mediterranean dishes are served with sweeping views of the water. It is a must-visit when exploring Alexandria and a perfect complement to the city’s rich coastal food culture.

The most popular foods in Egypt include koshari, ful medames, ta’meya, hawawshi, molokhia and mahshi. Egyptian cuisine draws on thousands of years of culinary history, blending Pharaonic staples with Arab, Ottoman and Mediterranean influences. Whether you are eating street food beside the pyramids, dining at a Cairo institution or sampling fresh seafood in Alexandria, food in Egypt is one of the richest and most rewarding parts of visiting this ancient country.