From hearty street food to home-cooked delights, food is central to Egyptian life. It celebrates simple ingredients that are elevated by time-honoured recipes and native spices. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite from a street-side vendor or sitting down to a family-style feast, food here is all about comfort and generosity. 

Drinks in Egypt are just as central to daily life. From refreshing hibiscus and sugarcane juices to classic black tea, sharing a drink is integral to every Egyptian gathering. 

Must-try dishes 

Koshary 

Egypt’s national dish 

The country’s ultimate comfort food, koshary is a hearty mix of rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas layered with tangy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. Loved for its bold flavours and satisfying textures, this budget-friendly staple is found everywhere from street carts to busy cafés. 

Ta’amiyya  

Fava bean fritters 

Much like falafel, these deep-fried balls of goodness are a real delight. Light, herb-packed and vibrant green inside, they offer a uniquely Egyptian twist. They’re best served in bread, on top of a salad or on their own dipped in tahini. 

Shawarma 

Spit-roasted sliced meat 

Shawarma is a street food classic! Thinly sliced, spit-roasted meat is stuffed into pitta or flatbreads, along with fresh lettuce, tomatoes and red onion, and topped off with tahini sauce. 

Molokhiyya 

A bright green soup  

This highly nutritious soup has been eaten for centuries – it's made of finely chopped jute leaves and is often eaten with rice. These days, its flavours are enhanced by tasha paste, which is made up of minced garlic, coriander and cumin. While it’s still piping hot, this is poured into the molohkiyya. 

Divine drinks of Egypt  

Karkade  

Hibiscus tea 

Brewed from dried hibiscus petals, karkade is a vibrant ruby-red drink known for its tart, refreshing flavour. Served chilled on hot days or warm in winter, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour. Popular at celebrations and street cafés alike, it’s one of Egypt’s most iconic and versatile drinks. 

Shai  

Tea 

Tea is a staple of daily life here and often served black and sweetened. You’ll see people supping it everywhere – at home, in cafés and on street-side kiosks. It’s the drink that anchors social life across Egypt. Much like it does here in the UK, actually! 

Asab 

Sugarcane juice 

Asab is naturally sweet, light and incredibly refreshing. Often served straight from street-side juicers, it’s a favourite way to cool down on a hot day. It’s one of Egypt’s most popular everyday drinks.