Egyptian cuisine has some beautifully spiced mezze-style food. But what about the sweets and desserts in Egypt? I know for me, no meal is complete without a sweet treat. A beautiful dessert will round off a delicious meal, and my stomach will finally tell me it is finished.

Egypt has some beautiful desserts and pastries of their own, as well as putting their own unique twist on some of their neighbors’ sweet imports. But as in every other culture on earth, sweets and desserts can be eaten any time, and who can deny the calling of your sweet tooth when it calls?

You may know several of these famous Egyptian sweets and desserts already, but let’s get right in and discover some of these appealing dishes.

Popular Desserts In Egypt

There are so many delicious desserts in Egypt that it can be hard to pick just one to eat at any given moment. If you happen to be in Egypt for an extended holiday or visit, you’ll have plenty of time to give them all a try. We are sure you will find one or more Egyptian desserts that you will fall in love with.

Om Ali (Egyptian Bread Pudding)

Om Ali directly translates to Ali’s Mother in Egyptian and is perhaps one of the most famous desserts of Egypt. If you’re only to have one dessert in Egypt, make sure it is this delicious dish. Traditionally made with stale bread milk, it can also be made with several layers of pastry.

The puff pastry version is made with several layers of pastry, soaked in milk before having nuts, raisins, coconut flakes, and sugar mixed in, and all baked in the oven. Regularly topped with pistachios for a delightful crunch, this Egyptian dessert is not one you will forget in a hurry.

Sweet Couscous

Sweet Couscous may seem like a surprise to you couscous lovers out there. But trust us when we say it is a delightful surprise. This simple yet delicious dish is a classic Egyptian dessert, using mainly Couscous, butter, and powdered sugar. Of course, there are many variations to this dessert if you want to branch out on the classic.

With nuts, fruits, seeds, and sweet spices being added to give this dish so much variety, you’ll be spoilt for choice; what will be your go-to option? This Egyptian dessert is traditionally eaten around New Year, the white color symbolizing the wish for a peaceful year. Sweet Couscous is also a popular breakfast dish throughout Egypt. 

Sweet Potato

Yes, you read that correctly. Sweet Potato is a staple of desserts in Egypt, especially in the capital Cairo. Popular amongst the food stalls, you can have your oven-baked sweet potato topped with various sweet toppings from cream, chocolate, nuts, and caramel sauce to ice cream and more.

It is a notably healthier option, maybe without the ice cream topping, and extremely cheap to buy.

When you see one of these stalls, be prepared to queue, as they are very sought after by the locals, which is always a great sign of how amazing a simple dish can be.

Rice Pudding

A classic dish in a lot of countries around the world, the Egyptians also love the rice pudding. Made with rice, water, and milk, the Egyptians boil this dish before storing it in the fridge to help bind it.

Give this dish a try out in Egypt, and you will find delightful toppings such as ice cream and pistachios as a lovely addition. Raisins, nuts, and cinnamon are also pretty common ingredients added in the rice if you fancy mixing it up with your Rice Pudding.

Halawet El Jibn (Sweet Cheese Rolls)

Extremely popular across many Arab countries, this exquisite dessert is relatively unchanged in Egypt. It is a simple dessert, with it being a sweet cheese roll stuffed with clotted cream. They are regularly garnished with sugar syrups and pistachios.

Either orange blossom or rose water is also used to add extra flavor to this little Egyptian dessert, enhancing its fragrance and taste. Halawet El Jibn is made with a specific Arab cheese. Majdoola or Akkawi, as well as Mozzarella, are favored cheeses to use.

Mahalabia (Sweet Milk Pudding)

If your sweet tooth is not so sweet, this custard-style milk dessert may be right up your alley. Mahalabia (also known as Muhallebi) is an ancient Egyptian dessert enjoyed not only in Egypt but across the whole of the Middle East.

Made from milk, sugar, rosewater, and cornstarch, it is exceptionally light and not overly sweet. If you feel you would like a sweeter version, some variations will also include fruit purees as an extra layer on top, as well as dustings of cinnamon, pistachios, and various other flavors.

Layali Lubnan (Semolina Pudding)

Technically this is a Lebanese import but still popular throughout Egypt, especially in the larger cities. Little has changed when it comes to the main ingredients of this pudding across many Arab countries.

It is very aromatic and light, with a thick and soft semolina pudding base and a firm and smooth cream layer on top. Usually drizzled with syrup and pistachios, it is a simple yet sweet dessert in Egypt.

Cakes In Egyptian Desserts

Egyptian cakes are a must-have treat whilst visiting. With a lot of influence from other cultures, the Egyptians have put their own unique twist on these cakes.

Basbousa (Sweet Semolina Cake)

This sweet cake is very common in a lot of Arab countries and dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It is one of the more popular desserts in Egypt during special festive occasions. However, you will still be able to find this sweet cake at plenty of bakeries all year round.

Basbousa is a simple yet tasty dessert made with semolina, coconut, yogurt and syrup. Flavored syrups are very popular to use with this Egyptian dessert, creating even more delicious versions of this cake.

Nuts are often used as a topping, adding a lovely extra crunch to this soft treat. This cake will be served in small diamonds or squares to serve, and we believe that you will be going back for more after your first taste.

Cassata (Ice Cream Cake)

This is a very colorful and truly indulgent ice cream Egyptian dessert. Heavily influenced by the Italians, the Egyptians have made the Cassata a very unique dessert. This ice cream cake is made with sour cream, flavored with vanilla, chocolate, and mangoes. It is then frozen into a delectable dessert in Egypt. Popularly served with fruit or cake, you may find slight variants of Cassata in the Northern regions of Egypt.

Aisj El Saraya (Middle Eastern Style Tiramisu)

Aisj El Saraya translates to ‘the royal court’s bread’. From the visuals of it alone, it’s easy to understand why. This cake is as tasty as it looks and comes made with layers of caramelized bread before being topped with pistachios and cream.

It has a unique and pleasurable mixture of sweetness and tartness. Even with its bread layers, it is very light, and the caramelization adds a lovely flavor. This is a Lebanese cake that the Egyptians have made their own, and be sure to grab a slice. 

Hegazeya (Nut Cake)

This Egyptian dessert was founded originally in the northern city of Alexandria. It is a simple cake made with pastry batter, which has a delightful mix of semolina, cinnamon, and nuts sitting in between the two layers of pastry.

As with a lot of desserts in Egypt, this Nut Cake is garnished with a healthy portion of pistachios. One slice of this cake may not be enough. Hegazeya is usually only found in Alexandria, so if you are staying in the area, go and seek this delightful cake in Egypt out before you leave.

READ MORE: 20 THINGS EGYPT IS FAMOUS AND KNOWN FOR

Pastry Desserts In Egypt

Pastries are very popular in Egypt; bakeries and stores will be full of them, but be quick, they will sell out quickly!

Balah El Sham (Egyptian take on a Churro and Donut)

One look at this Egyptian dessert, and it is easy to see why it looks like a churro, just a smaller and slightly thicker version. It has a similar sweet and soft interior to a Donut, whilst its exterior is very much like a Churro and crunchy when you take a bite.

It is essentially choux pastry that has been deep fried and then dunked in sugar syrup. Some variations of the Balah El Sham also get filled with fruit, chocolate, whipped cream, or some other delectable sweet ingredient.

Katayet (Stuffed Fried Pancakes)

Also known as Qatayef, these little pancakes are another dessert in Egypt that is popular during Ramadan. They are made from yeasted dough, stuffed with cream and nuts before being fried to golden perfection, then soaked in syrup.

Many places where they are made and sold will either make them fully closed or with an opening at the end; they are the same Egyptian dessert and just as lovely.

New variations of these crunchy pancakes are also filled with fruit, chocolate, or just nuts on their own. As they only tend to be sold during Ramadan, they will be a bit more difficult to find at any other time of year. Shops and bakeries will sell out of these very quickly, so grab some when you can.

Kunafa (Sweet Cheese Phyllo)

This is one of the more popular Eygptian desserts and food in Egypt and is also found throughout many of the Arab nations. The Egyptians have put their own unique spin on this sweet by stuffing this phyllo-style pastry with cream cheese.

Over the years, this pastry has been transformed with dozens of new flavors. Particularly popular during the holy month of Ramadan, a lot of shops and cafes are known to compete against each other to produce a fantastic new version of this dessert every year. You will surely find so many variations of this pastry it will be hard to pick a favorite.

Sweet Feteer – (Sweet Flakey Pastry)

Also known as Feteer Mashaltet, this is a very popular flakey layered pastry. This is a traditional Egyptian dessert but can also be served with savory stuffings alongside a mezze-style meal. In its simple yet delicious form, it is served as it is with ghee, milk, and honey before being dusted with powdered sugar. But of course, there can be many various stuffings, including white honey and cream, Egyptian cheese, chocolate, and more.

Egyptian Sweets

We can’t forgo discussing some traditional Egyptian sweets, and these are just a few favorite desserts in Egypt. Make sure you try some on your travels when you find them. 

Ghorayeba (Egyptian Shortbread)

Quite similar to their Scottish cousins, with having a similar buttery and melt-in-your-mouth sensation, these cookies are a go-to Christmas, and Eid treat. Ghorayeba is simply made with ghee, flour, and powdered sugar. As easy as that!

They are not overly sweet and have more of a velvety and soft bite compared to the more firm crunch you can get with Scottish Shortbread. These are left simply flavored as they are, with some variations having shaved or whole pistachios as a garnish. Grab a box, and you may just eat this Egyptian sweet all in one sitting.

Kahk (Egyptian Biscuit/Cookie)

A popular Egyptian sweet around Eid, these butter cookies are available everywhere during this holiday. It is a simple yet tasty cookie made from ghee, honey, butter, sesame seeds, and various nuts, before being dusted with powdered sugar.

Egyptians make so many variations of this cookie, adding plenty of different ingredients, and the flavorings will differ from bakery to bakery. This Egyptian sweet has been known to have been eaten since the time of the Pharaohs, showing just how ancient this cookie is.

Egyptian Jaleb/Mashabek (Twisted Funnel Cake)

Known both as Jaleb and Mashabek, its name translates to twisted funnel cake but is more of a sweet than a cake. This Egyptian sweet is a sweet batter that has been deep fried.

Either soaked previously in honey or simple sugar syrup, the batter becomes satisfyingly crunchy after frying. This twisted sweet is very popular across the whole of Egypt and very cheap to buy. A delicious and affordable dessert in Egypt.

Halva (Egyptian Style Fudge/Candy)

There are so many variations of this candy throughout the Arab countries. In Egypt, every region will again have their own recipe, but one popular kind that you will find is made from nut butter or seeds.

Different variations of this cube-style sweet will also contain tahini, sesame seeds, pistachios, hazelnuts, and more. The Egyptian varieties are very soft and crumbly, hence why they are similar to fudge. No matter what flavor of Halva you choose, its sweetness will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.

Zalabya (Egyptian Sweet Fritters)

This is a pastry you will find everywhere in the street food stalls across Egypt. Traditionally they look like the inside of a ring donut that has been cut out, but only larger. This is where the similarity ends.

The texture is lighter and fluffier on the inside whilst having a nice crispy skin. When you bite into a Zalabya, you will get a delightful simple sugar syrup taste.

This yeasty dough will have been lightly fried and dunked in sugar syrup before being dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in chocolate. When buying from a stall on the streets of Egypt, you will see them cooked in front of your eyes, and you will get to choose your topping.

Discovering Delicious Egyptian Desserts In Egypt  

The desserts of Egypt are incredibly varied and equally as delicious as they are colorful. A visit to Egypt would be incomplete if you didn’t manage to try even a small handful of these Egyptian desserts.

There are desserts and sweets for all tastes, from Sweet Goulash to the Katayet to even the Middle Eastern take on Churros with Balah El Sham. With some desserts in Egypt being more popular during Ramadan, they may not be as easily found outside of this holy period of the Islamic Calendar. So if you can find those elusive desserts, grab a portion when you can.

We hope that this gives you plenty of mouth-watering options for your visit to Egypt. Keep an eye out on the bakeries, numerous food stalls, and restaurants and explore the many delights of the Egyptian food. Your sweet tooth will thank you for it.

PIN THESE DESSERTS IN EGYPT FOR LATER!

Breakfast, as we all know, is hailed as the most important meal of the day. And the Egyptians sure know how to prepare an excellent breakfast. With a wide variety of dishes, you’ll be able to change up your Egyptian breakfast almost every day. Here are some of the popular food for breakfast in Egypt. Some of these dishes are Egypt’s own unique breakfast fares, while others are similar across the Middle East with an Egyptian twist.

Most Traditional Egyptian Breakfast Food

Emmer (Egyptian Flat Bread)

Also known as Aish Baladi, this is a very traditional Egyptian-style flatbread. It is quite a common occurrence at breakfast in Egypt, as well as at any meal time. Made from Emmer wheat, this wholegrain flatbread can be stuffed with various ingredients.

Emmer flatbread has its history dating back to the Pharaohs. There is even a recipe being found on the wall of a Tomb in modern-day Karnak. A flatbread that has truly stood the test of time has also changed very little in over 3000 years.

Savory Breakfast In Egypt

Shakshuka (Poached Eggs with Mixed Vegetables)

A traditional North African cuisine dish, Shakshuka is an extremely popular Egyptian breakfast. Shakshura is made with poached eggs in a tomato-based sauce, with garlic, green and bell peppers, onions, and olive oil.

All cooked in one skillet, with plenty of cumin, paprika, and other herbs and spices, this tomato-based dish is fantastic. Ingredients can be mixed up to make more of a green-based dish, swapping out the tomatoes with leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and even brussels sprouts. Some recipes even have some meat thrown in for good measure.

If you can find variations away from the classic tomato base, give it a go, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. This simple dish, more well known as a breakfast meal, can also be eaten at any time of day.

Eggah (Egg Omelette/Frittata)

This thick-baked Omelette is also similar to a Frittata. Eggah can be filled with numerous ingredients and baked in the oven with spices from cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, fresh herbs, and more.

Whilst this dish is very popular as a breakfast dish, it is very popular any time of day and with a variety of other dishes. This Egyptian Omelette can be made with so many varied ingredients you could possibly eat a different style of Eggah every day.

Ful Medames (Egyptian Stew)

Ful Medames is one the most famous Egyptian food, and it is traditionally eaten at breakfast in Egypt. A truly ancient meal, this Egyptian breakfast can be made with a few variations of its recipe. One of the more popular versions of this dish comes with fava beans, boiled eggs, tomatoes, and a whole load of spices. It is excellent when paired with Emmer for extra sustenance.

Traditionally this meal is slow-cooked for several hours, turning the beans into a beautiful stew. The Egyptian word ‘Medames’ directly translates as buried, which is how this dish was originally cooked back as early as the fourth century, over a low fire. Whereas the word ‘Ful’ is the type of beans used. 

Taameya (Egyptian Falafel)

A traditional staple for breakfast in Egypt, the Egyptian version of a Falafel is made with fava beans rather than chickpeas. Due to their use of fava beans, Taameya is lighter, fluffier, and has more of a moist texture. It is also more noticeable green in color due to the fava beans.

Paired well with Emmer flatbread and perhaps some tahini, this is a savory Egyptian breakfast we feel you will thoroughly enjoy. Taameya is a great addition to the Egyptian breakfast spread, but also a very popular dish of choice at any time of day.

Beid Bel Basturma (Fried Eggs with Cured Beef)

This is a true classic in Egyptian Breakfasts. Beid refers to the eggs, whereas Basturma is cured beef, a bit like a cousin to Bacon, just the Middle Eastern version. The two are fried together in a pan with either ghee or butter, releasing the exquisite flavors of the Basturma and adding so much flavor to the eggs.

This is an excellent breakfast in Egypt, especially with some warm Emmer flatbread to help soak up the runny yolk. If you’re not a fan of fried eggs, this dish can easily be adapted with scrambled eggs and is just as delicious. Basturma is well known to have quite a strong smell, which comes from the fenugreek spice used in its creation. Just a little warning when this is being prepared.

Stuffed Pickled Eggplant

Pickled Eggplant may sound like an unusual breakfast item, but trust us when we say it is worth giving it a try. It is pretty common at breakfast in Egypt. This is a fantastic ingredient when stuffed inside Emmer flatbread with some Taameya. Usually prepared with baby Eggplants, the size of these are convenient for loading inside the Emmer flatbread.

These little pockets of pickled goodness are generally picked for a day or more. They can be stuffed with chilies, cumin, and paprika, all mixed in with white wine vinegar. If you are a spice fan, these Eggplants are a must-try for breakfast.

Egga and Falafel Omelette

Now we have mentioned these two popular Egyptian breakfast items before, but what is great about these two dishes is that they make an excellent Omelette when combined. If you ever get the chance to try this Egyptian breakfast dish, we believe you will be a convert.

It tastes as delicious as it smells, and its beautiful green color comes from the fava beans in the falafel. It is an excellent mixture of these two breakfast items and will keep you full of energy for all that exploring you will be doing when out and about on your trip in Egypt.

Sweet Breakfast In Egypt

Sweet Couscous

If you’re not originally from the Middle East, having Sweet Couscous may seem bizarre. But this sweetened version is very much a staple item at breakfast in Egypt. Full of cream, ghee, sugar, as well as nuts and fruit, this is quite similar to oatmeal in Western culture.

Sweet Couscous, unlike its oatmeal counterpart, is less likely to become mushy or as heavy. In addition to being popular in the mornings for breakfast, Sweet Couscous is quite regularly repurposed into a dessert in Egypt.

Clotted Cream and Honey

This is a very self-indulgent breakfast item and, as its name suggests, is simply clotted cream and honey. This simple mixture is fantastic spread onto some fresh, out-of-the-oven Emmer flatbread and is an uncomplicated yet delicious Egyptian breakfast.

It goes great with some traditional Egyptian black tea and milk. Clotted cream and honey is also extremely popular within family households in Egypt and if you’re lucky enough to be staying at someone’s home during your visit, try out this beautiful sweet offering.

Enjoy the Diversity of Egyptian Breakfasts

These popular Egyptian breakfasts are sure to satisfy those early morning cravings during your travels through Egypt. A hearty breakfast in Egypt will also certainly set you up nicely for the day, especially if you have a full day of tourist exploration ahead of you.

From savory to sweet dishes, there is plenty to fit everyone’s needs, and every restaurant has plenty of variations on these classic Egyptian breakfasts. Definitely hunt around and see what gems you find.

READ MORE: 20 THINGS EGYPT IS FAMOUS AND KNOWN FOR

PIN THESE BREAKFAST IN EGYPT FOR LATER!

Egypt is most famous for its ancient history. From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the tombs of the Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, there is a lot for you to visit during your time here. That said, Egyptian food is equally a great reason to visit, with some foods dating back to Ancient Egyptian times.

You will be well aware of a few of their more popular dishes, such as falafel, hummus, and other well-known Middle Eastern dishes, all have their own Egyptian twist. Here we will dive more into some delicious Egyptian cuisine.

Ranging from main dishes, snacks, sweets, pastries, and more, you’ll have plenty of Egyptian foods to explore for everyone’s taste buds.

What’s Special About Egyptian Food?

Egyptian food over the centuries has been influenced by many different cultures, including Lebanese, Greek, Turkish, Persian, and also Italian. Food across this nation varies from region to region, which gives you even more of an excuse to go on a road trip to explore.

Traditional Egyptian food is heavily based on the country’s agricultural products. Compared to the rest of the Middle East, Egyptians have a lower consumption of meat. So expect a lot of beans, fish, lentils and other vegetables.

Egyptian foods use a lot of beautiful spices in their cooking, with cumin being a popular spice throughout. The spices and flavors in Egyptian dishes are what help to make their food so special, creating genuinely exceptional dishes; that will not only leave your taste buds wanting more but also provide a hearty and pleasurable meal.

Most Famous Egyptian Dish

Ful Mudammas (Egyptian Stew)

This is perhaps the most famous of Egyptian dishes, although there are definitely a few contenders to pick from. It is a staple of the Egyptian diet and although this dish can be eaten at any time of day, Ful Mudammas is popular for breakfast in Egypt.

This popular dish can be eaten with cheese, eggs, and with either pita bread or its Egyptian equivalent in Aish Baladi. Whilst this dish can be made with many types of beans, such as fava beans and European broad beans, it can also be made with bath beans.

A stew-style type dish, this Egyptian food is exceptionally delicious with its creamy beans and spices. Once you have tried this stew, you’ll understand why this dish is a famous food in Egypt.

Popular Street Food In Egypt

Egypt, like many other Middle-Eastern countries, has a lot of tapas-style meals, with small plates being common throughout Egyptian cuisine. These dishes are full of flavor and guaranteed to fill you up.

Koshari (Lentil, Rice and Macaroni)

This dish is a popular Egyptian street food throughout the country. Mainly consisting of lentils, chickpeas, rice, macaroni, and all topped off with a spiced tomato sauce and crispy onions. A dish that was originally popular with laborers, this beloved comfort food became widespread in restaurants in more recent times.

Regardless of where you grab your Koshari from, it is a little dish of carby goodness and really has combined many different cultures into its creation.

Falafel (Fava Bean Fritter)

We can’t forget the popular Falafel, which has its roots firmly planted in Egypt. It is not only a snack but can also be eaten for breakfast. What makes the Egyptian Falafel unique is that it is traditionally made with fava beans and not chickpeas. Great for consumption at any time of day, either on their own or in a pita, these little balls of deliciousness are very versatile.

Aish Baladi (Egyptian Flat Bread)

Also known as Emmer, this Egyptian flatbread is very similar to pitta bread but instead made with whole flour. It is a traditional bread in Egyptian food and an everyday staple across the whole of the country. This style of bread has been cooked since ancient Egyptian times, and it is consumed every day and used in many dishes, mainly as an accompaniment.

Hummus (Chickpea Dip)

Who doesn’t love hummus? This extremely popular dip not only goes well with Aish Baladi, but is also a favorite among traditional Egyptian food. In addition, Hummus is also commonly eaten with falafel. This dish also dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, when it was more chunky in texture.

Tarb (Egyptian Kofta Kebab)

This Egyptian dish is a twist on the more common ‘Kofta’. Here, the Tarb will use similar ingredients to a kofta and then wrapped in a layer of lamb fat and then grilled to a golden brown. Featuring a delicious combination of beef, onions, and spices, this is very popular in many restaurants across Egypt.

Hawowshi (Meat Sandwich)

A staple of Egyptian foods; traditionally, this sandwich dish is made in a pita or Aish Baladi, which is then stuffed with minced meat, onions, chilies, pepper, and parsley. Sounds simple but oh so yummy. There are many variants of this style of sandwich, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with this popular Egyptian dish.

Mahshy (Stuffed Vegetables)

These stuffed vegetables will blow your mind. Available in many different forms and loaded with everything from zucchinis, bell peppers, eggplants, vine leaves, and so much more. Traditionally also stuffed with rice, these special mixtures make this an interesting dish to have. Try to order a mixed plate if you can to try its many variants.

Baba Ghanoush (Roasted Eggplant Dip)

How can we not discuss this exceptional dish whilst discussing Egyptian foods? It does have Lebanese origins but is widespread in Egyptian cuisine. Prepared from roasted eggplant and blended with garlic, olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, and spices.

Usually served cold and a part of a mezze style platter, the smokiness from the roasted eggplant makes this a must-have dish when you visit Egypt. If you have been lucky enough to have Baba Ghanoush in your home country, trying this dish in Egypt will leave you spoiled and wanting to go back to Egypt for more.

Masaa’a (Eggplant Curry)

A vegan dish that is very typical of curry-style Egyptian food, with the main ingredient being eggplants. In addition to eggplants, this spicy little dish also contains potatoes, chickpeas, bell peppers, and a lot of fragrant spices. A delicious dish best served with rice and, as always, with some pita bread.

Sayadieh (Seasoned White Fish and Rice)

This beautifully seasoned fish dish is one of the more well-known Egyptian food when it comes to fish. It mainly uses white fish such as haddock or cod, and comes with rice full of spices from cumin, cinnamon, and caraway. This Egyptian dish is well known across the Middle East and varies from country to country and from restaurant to restaurant.

If you are traveling around Egypt, you will find this dish pretty much everywhere but with slightly different spices. It is delicious and goes fantastic with the rice it comes served with.

Traditional Soups And Stews In Egyptian Cuisine

Soups are a staple in any country, and all have their own unique twist on these classic dishes. Egypt is no exception, and these soups are ones you are more likely to come across when you visit.

Molokhia (Jute Leaf Soup)

This soup is in close contention to also be a famous food of Egypt, and once you have tried it, it is easy to see why. It is made from the leaves of a leafy shrub, more commonly known as the jute mallow. These leaves are finely chopped up and boiled in chicken broth with garlic, coriander, and other seasonings.

Molokhia can come served with either rice or our now well-known Aish Baladi and is excellent alongside meat or fish dishes. This traditional dish can be made with so many vegetables, so don’t be surprised to see different variations of Molokhia on your Egyptian travels.

Halabessa (Chickpea Soup)

This Egyptian dish is technically a soup but is quite commonly served in cups with straws. Halabessa is made with chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, and garlic as well as spices, all boiled together to make a delicious soup. You’ll get a handy little spoon to eat the chickpeas with.

It is popular in kiosks alongside the Nile, this is definitely an eating experience you will never forget while overlooking one of the world’s most famous rivers.

Main Dishes In Egyptian Food And Cuisine

A lot of Egyptian foods can be easily eaten at any time of day, from breakfast, lunch, and even dinner. The foods are so versatile and delicious no matter when you decide to devour one.

Shawarma (Meat Kebab)

A traditional Arab dish, it is a massive hit in Egypt, especially in Cairo, as well as the entire Middle East. All contained within a pita bread or a wrap, thinly shaved pieces of meat have been grilled on a rotisserie and stuffed with fresh salad, hot sauce, and tahini.

Shawarma meat is slowly roasted in its own fat and juices whilst rotating on a vertical style spit. The meat is so tender that it will melt in your mouth. If you miss out on this dish whilst in Egypt, you will be sorely disappointed.

Kebda Eskandarani (Liver Sandwich)

Especially popular in the Alexandria region in the north of Egypt; this traditional Egyptian food is made from fried beef liver with some spicy seasonings. It is usually served in sandwich form, or on its own with a rice accompaniment and Aish Baladi. You can commonly find this amongst street food carts, it is a great dish to have on the go.

Makarona Beshamel (Egyptian Baked Pasta)

It may seem unusual to see pasta as a go-to dish in Egyptian cuisine. Still, this pasta dish is a very popular dish amongst the Egyptian locals. Made with either macaroni or penne, it is cooked with a bechamel and minced beef sauce, as well as onions and tomato sauce.

The Egyptian dish is usually baked in an oven, similar to mac and cheese in the US. It comes out all lovely and gooey and just absolutely delicious. Makarona Beshamel is incredibly filling, so it can be eaten on its own.

Akawi (Ox Tail Stew)

Akawi is made from ox tail; usually slow cooked in a casserole dish alongside tomatoes and onions. Served with some pita bread and white rice, it can get quite messy, as tradition states that it can only be eaten with your hands.

Be prepared to get stuck in as you might suddenly find that everything tastes better when eating with your hands. A worthy mess to fill your stomach and indulge in this hearty Egyptian dish.

Feter (Flakey Egyptian Pie)

A traditional and yet heavy Egyptian food; this is more easily described as a pie, but maybe not what you used to. Made from many layers of thin pastry, it can either come plain or be filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Anything from chicken, sausages, minced meat, and vegetables, to sweet fillings such as sugar custard, can be used to fill this buttery pie; make sure you try as many different styles as you can.

Hamam Mahsi (Stuffed Pigeons)

This is quite an uncommon dish outside of the Middle East but extremely tasty nonetheless. Before these birds are stuffed, they are first boiled. When this is done, they are then stuffed with spicy rice, onions, nuts, and giblets before being roasted or grilled.

Mombar (Stuffed Sausages)

Similar to Mahshy, this dish is also stuffed with rice. This Egyptian dish is a type of sausage made from sheep intestines. Not only can this style of sausage be filled with rice, it can also contain a mixture of meat and spices. Recipes will vary wherever you buy them from, but they are delicious no matter what you choose.

Bamya (Okra Stew)

A popular and common stew-style Egyptian dish, okra or lady’s finger is one of the main ingredients used in the country. This versatile dish can be left as a vegetarian meal or slow-cooked with meat. The base of this tasty stew will contain tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, and spices. It is best served with either white rice or pita bread.

Sweets And Pastries In Egyptian Cuisine

There are so many delicious sweet Egyptian foods we will not be able to cover them all here today. But here are just a few to get you in the mood; you can find more tasty dishes in our list of best Egyptian desserts and sweets.

Kunafa (Cream Cheese Pastry)

Kunafa or Konofa, is not only a popular traditional food of Egypt but in many countries throughout Western Asia and the Balkans. It is made from several layers of shredded phyllo pastry and sweet milky cheese, and finished off with pistachios and drizzled with simple sugar syrup. You’ll definitely be going back for seconds and thirds with this beautiful dessert.

This popular dessert is in particularly high demand during Ramadan; you will be able to find it everywhere. In this modern day and age, there are dozens of different flavors available, including the old classics of the original dish, and every year new recipes get created.

Kahk (Egyptian Biscuit/Cookie)

This small round biscuit has its origins in Egyptian food; it is eaten around Easter and Eid al-Fitr across the Arab world. These little biscuits are made with ghee, honey, sesame seeds, and occasionally nuts and covered with powdered sugar. It is quite popular when served plain as it is, since it doesn’t have a lot of sweetness.

However, there are still many delicious Kahk that have also been prepared with other ingredients, including pistachios, dates, lokum and more, to help add that extra sweetness if so desired. These biscuits were also eaten back in ancient Egyptian times and have changed very little since.

Sweet Goulash/Baklava (Phyllo Dough Dessert)

You may be more accustomed to this dish being a Baklava in other countries around the world, here in Egypt it is known as Goulash. Very different to a savory Goulash, the Egyptian take on the Baklava is an experience. Layered phyllo is stuffed with a sweet cream, soaked in sugar syrup, and garnished with nuts.

The original Baklava is also available throughout Egypt, which is again phyllo filled with pistachios and nuts before being soaked in a sugary syrup. If you are a lover of Baklava, the Egyptian twist on this classic dessert is not one to be missed.

Om Ali (Egyptian Bread Pudding)

The Egyptian version of bread and butter pudding, this dessert is a firm favorite among locals and will probably also be yours after one mouthful. This Egyptian dish is a contender to being Egypt’s national dessert, and it’s no wonder why.

Translating directly to mean Ali’s Mother, this dessert is traditionally made from stale bread and milk. Om Ali also contains sugar and butter it is then baked in the oven before being topped off with some nuts – especially pistachios, and possibly some whipped cream, all depending on where you buy it. Either way, this dessert is divine.

Discovering Tasty Egyptian Food

Whatever brought you to Egypt, whether it’s ancient history or a sunny exploration trip, the gastronomic experience is another reason to go back. Many of the Egyptian dishes above have been around for thousands of years; you can boast that you’ve eaten desserts that Pharaohs will have had on their plates.

With Egypt’s unique geographic position, being surrounded by so many world-renowned cuisines, their own traditional Egyptian food has taken on so many influences. This created some truly amazing dishes that will not only blow your mind but your taste buds as well.

From delicious dips such as Baba Ganoush to Hummus, to fantastic mains such as Makarona Beshamel and Bamya, and finishing off with delightful desserts with Om Ali and Kunafa. You will find so much satisfaction in Egyptian food, and enjoy every moment of it.

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