Egypt Cuisine
Africa • Northern Africa
74 iconic dishes
Signature Egypt Dishes
🍽️Main Dishes(13)
Egyptian Moussaka
A hearty and flavorful Egyptian eggplant bake, distinct from its Greek counterpart. This version features layers of fried eggplant and spiced ground meat in a rich tomato sauce, baked until tender and bubbly. It's a comforting home-style dish that doesn't use béchamel.
Egyptian Musaka'a (Eggplant Casserole)
A hearty and flavorful Egyptian eggplant casserole featuring layers of fried eggplant and a rich, spiced ground beef and tomato sauce. This version omits the béchamel sauce common in other Mediterranean musaka'a variations, focusing on the natural richness of the eggplant and tomato.
Egyptian Shakshuka
A vibrant and flavorful Egyptian breakfast or brunch dish featuring eggs gently poached in a rich, spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Perfect for a hearty start to the day or a light dinner, especially when served with crusty bread for dipping.
Fatta
A traditional Egyptian celebration dish, Fatta features layers of toasted pita bread, fluffy rice, and tender meat, all brought together with a pungent garlic-vinegar sauce. It's a hearty and flavorful dish often served during Eid al-Adha.
Fatta with Beef
A traditional Egyptian festive dish, Fatta features layers of toasted bread, fluffy rice, and tender beef, all brought together with a tangy garlic-vinegar sauce. It's a celebratory meal often prepared for Eid al-Adha.
Fattah
A traditional Egyptian festive dish featuring layers of crispy toasted bread, fluffy rice, tender meat, and a tangy garlic-vinegar sauce. It's a celebratory meal often served during Eid al-Adha.
Fattah with Yogurt (Fattah b'Laban)
A classic Egyptian dish featuring layers of toasted bread, fluffy rice, and a tangy garlic-infused yogurt sauce, often garnished with crispy pine nuts. This version highlights the refreshing tang of the yogurt.
Fesikh (Egyptian Fermented Mullet)
Fesikh is a traditional Egyptian dish made from salted and fermented grey mullet, often enjoyed during the Sham El-Nessim spring festival. This process requires careful salting and extended fermentation, resulting in a unique, pungent flavor profile that is an acquired taste. Due to the fermentation process, it is crucial to ensure the fish is handled and prepared hygienically to avoid foodborne illnesses. This recipe outlines the traditional method.
Kofta Mashweya (Egyptian Grilled Meat Kebabs)
Authentic Egyptian Kofta Mashweya, featuring spiced ground meat molded onto flat skewers and grilled to perfection. A quintessential dish for any barbecue or gathering, offering a smoky, savory flavor that is deeply satisfying.
Kofta Meshweya (Egyptian Grilled Kofta)
Authentic Egyptian Kofta Meshweya, featuring a flavorful blend of spiced ground meat molded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. This classic dish is a staple at gatherings and celebrations.
Messa'a (Egyptian Eggplant Bake)
A comforting and flavorful Egyptian casserole featuring layers of fried eggplant baked in a rich tomato and garlic sauce. This simple yet delicious dish is a staple of home cooking.
Samak Mashwi (Egyptian Grilled Fish)
A classic Egyptian dish featuring whole fish, typically tilapia or sea bass, marinated in a fragrant blend of cumin, garlic, and herbs, then grilled over charcoal until the skin is beautifully charred and the flesh is flaky and moist. Traditionally a Nile River specialty, this preparation highlights the fresh, clean taste of the fish enhanced by aromatic spices.
Torly (Egyptian Vegetable Casserole)
A comforting and classic Egyptian baked vegetable casserole, featuring tender vegetables layered with seasoned ground beef and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is a beloved home-style staple.
🥟Appetizer Dishes(13)
Besara (Egyptian Fava Bean Dip)
A vibrant and flavorful Egyptian dip made from tender fava beans and a generous amount of fresh herbs. This vegetarian classic is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, served with crusty bread.
Dukkah (Egyptian Nut and Spice Blend)
An ancient Egyptian condiment, Dukkah is a fragrant and textural blend of toasted nuts, seeds, and spices. It's traditionally served as a dip for bread, by first dipping the bread in olive oil and then into the dukkah.
Egyptian Baba Ghanouj
A classic Egyptian mezze dip, this Baba Ghanouj features intensely smoky eggplant blended with creamy tahini, bright lemon juice, and pungent garlic. Perfect for scooping with warm pita bread.
Egyptian Goulash (Basterma Phyllo Pie)
A savory and rich Egyptian pastry featuring layers of crisp phyllo dough filled with spiced ground beef. This dish is distinct from its Hungarian namesake and is a popular comfort food.
Feteer Meshaltet with Cheese
A beloved Egyptian layered pastry, Feteer Meshaltet, filled with savory white cheese and baked to golden perfection. Its signature flaky layers and rich, melted cheese filling make it a popular choice for breakfast, a hearty snack, or a light meal.
Feteer with Egyptian Sausage
A popular Egyptian savory breakfast or snack, this Feteer features incredibly thin, flaky layers of dough generously filled with spiced Egyptian sausage and cheese, baked until golden and crispy.
Halawa (Egyptian Sesame Confection)
A classic Egyptian sweet treat made from tahini and sugar, often studded with pistachios. This dense, chewy confection is a popular snack or breakfast item.
Kobeiba (Egyptian Kibbeh)
Kobeiba, also known as Kibbeh in many Levantine regions, are delicious fried croquettes made from a flavorful mixture of fine bulgur wheat and ground meat, encasing a savory filling of spiced meat and toasted pine nuts. This Egyptian variation offers a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender, aromatic interior.
Mahshi Warak Enab (Egyptian Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Authentic Egyptian Mahshi Warak Enab, featuring tender grape leaves meticulously stuffed with a fragrant mixture of rice, fresh herbs, and a hint of tomato. This version is known for its smaller size and bright, lemony flavor profile, distinguishing it from other regional variations.
Mombar (Egyptian Stuffed Intestines)
Mombar is a traditional Egyptian delicacy, especially popular during Eid al-Adha. It features beef intestines stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground beef, and aromatic spices, then typically boiled and pan-fried or grilled to a delightful crisp.
Salatet Zaitoun (Egyptian Olive Salad)
A vibrant and refreshing Egyptian appetizer featuring briny green olives, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as part of a mezze spread.
Ta'ameya
Authentic Egyptian Ta'ameya, a vibrant green fritter made from fava beans, not chickpeas. Known for its crispy exterior and tender, herbaceous interior, it's a beloved street food, especially in Alexandria.
Waraq Enab (Egyptian Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Authentic Egyptian Waraq Enab, featuring tender grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, ground beef, and fresh herbs, simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. A beloved traditional dish.
🍲Soup Dishes(6)
Ads (Egyptian Red Lentil Soup)
A simple yet deeply comforting Egyptian red lentil soup, flavored with aromatic cumin and brightened with fresh lemon. This dish, known as 'Ads' in Egypt, is a staple for its nourishing qualities and ease of preparation.
Bamia (Egyptian Okra and Lamb Stew)
A comforting and classic Egyptian home-style stew featuring tender lamb and tender okra simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic and coriander. This dish is a staple in Egyptian cuisine.
Egyptian Dried Molokhia Soup
A comforting and flavorful Egyptian soup made from dried molokhia leaves, perfect for enjoying this classic dish year-round. This recipe focuses on the dried leaf method, offering a rich and aromatic experience.
Kawareh (Egyptian Cow Feet Soup)
A deeply flavorful and comforting Egyptian soup made from slow-cooked cow feet, infused with aromatic spices. This traditional dish is known for its rich, gelatinous broth and tender meat, often served with crusty bread and a tangy vinegar dressing.
Molokhia (Egyptian Jute Leaf Soup)
A beloved Egyptian comfort food, this slippery green soup is made from finely minced molokhia (jute leaves), simmered in a rich chicken or rabbit broth, and infused with a fragrant garlic and coriander 'ta'leya'. It's traditionally served over fluffy Egyptian rice with tender pieces of the poached meat.
Molokhia with Rabbit
A classic and comforting Egyptian green soup made with tender rabbit, fresh molokhia leaves, and a fragrant garlic-coriander 'taklia' (a seasoned oil mixture). This traditional combination is hearty and deeply flavorful.
🥗Salad Dishes(3)
Egyptian Roka Salad
A vibrant and peppery Egyptian arugula salad with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This salad is incredibly fresh, quick to prepare, and complements a wide variety of main dishes.
Ful bi Zeit (Egyptian Fava Beans with Olive Oil and Lemon)
A refreshing and simple Egyptian cold fava bean salad, perfect for a light summer meal. It features tender fava beans dressed in a zesty lemon and olive oil mixture, infused with garlic and cumin.
Salatet Kishk (Egyptian Fermented Grain Salad)
A refreshing and tangy Egyptian salad made from fermented dried yogurt and grains (kishk), mixed with fresh vegetables. This traditional dish, particularly popular in Upper Egypt, offers a unique flavor profile and is often served as a side dish with bread.
🥔Side Dishes(12)
Alexandrian Koshary (Seafood Variation)
A delightful coastal variation of the classic Egyptian Koshary, this Alexandrian version features succulent shrimp instead of the traditional chickpeas, offering a unique seafood twist on this beloved comfort food. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a special meal.
Bram Rice (Egyptian Baked Rice)
A traditional Egyptian dish featuring rice and meat baked slowly in a clay pot, resulting in tender grains and a flavorful, slightly crispy texture. This recipe enhances the classic method with detailed instructions for optimal results.
Egyptian Fatteh with Chicken
A classic Egyptian layered dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, crispy fried bread, and a tangy garlic-yogurt sauce, finished with toasted pine nuts. A comforting and flavorful meal.
Fattah bil Khall (Egyptian Eid Rice and Meat)
A traditional Egyptian dish served during Eid al-Adha, Fattah bil Khall features layers of toasted pita bread, fluffy rice, tender braised lamb, all brought together with a pungent garlic-vinegar sauce. It's a comforting and celebratory meal.
Koshari
Egypt's national dish - a hearty and flavorful vegetarian layered meal of rice, lentils, and pasta, generously topped with a spiced tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.
Koshary
Koshary is Egypt's beloved national dish, a hearty and flavorful street food classic. It's a comforting medley of rice, brown lentils, and pasta, generously topped with a zesty, spiced tomato sauce, tangy vinegar-garlic dressing, and finished with a crown of incredibly crispy fried onions. A true celebration of textures and tastes.
Mahshi (Egyptian Stuffed Vegetables)
A beloved Egyptian comfort food, Mahshi features a medley of vegetables like grape leaves, zucchini, and bell peppers, generously stuffed with a fragrant, herbed rice mixture and slowly simmered in a rich tomato broth.
Roz bi Laban (Egyptian Rice Pudding)
A classic Egyptian dessert, Roz bi Laban is a creamy and comforting rice pudding, often flavored with fragrant rose water and topped with nuts. It's simple to make and utterly delicious served chilled.
Roz bil Khalata (Egyptian Mixed Rice with Vermicelli)
A classic Egyptian everyday side dish, this simple yet flavorful mixed rice features tender grains of rice perfectly complemented by golden-brown toasted vermicelli. It's a staple that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses.
Roz bil Laban (Egyptian Rice Pudding)
A beloved Egyptian street dessert, Roz bil Laban is a creamy and comforting rice pudding infused with the delicate floral notes of rose water. It's traditionally served chilled and is a simple yet satisfying treat.
Samak Sayadiya (Egyptian Fisherman's Rice)
A classic Egyptian coastal dish featuring tender, pan-fried fish served atop fragrant rice infused with the deep, sweet flavor of caramelized onions. This dish is a testament to simple, fresh ingredients transformed into a rich and satisfying meal.
Sayadeya (Egyptian Fish and Rice)
Sayadeya is a classic Egyptian dish from the coastal city of Alexandria, featuring tender fish served atop a bed of fragrant rice deeply flavored with caramelized onions and warm spices. The key to this dish is the rich, almost burnt-sugar sweetness of the onions, which forms the base of the rice's flavor.
🍰Dessert Dishes(16)
Baladi Feteer (Egyptian Layered Pastry)
Baladi Feteer is a beloved Egyptian country pie, renowned for its incredibly flaky, layered texture. Traditionally made in villages, it can be enjoyed as a sweet treat with honey or sugar, or as a savory base for cheese and other fillings.
Balah el Sham
Balah el Sham are delightful Egyptian fried dough pastries, similar to churros, that are soaked in a sweet syrup. They are a popular street food and a beloved treat, especially during Ramadan.
Basbousa (Egyptian Semolina Cake)
A classic Egyptian dessert, Basbousa is a sweet, syrup-soaked semolina cake studded with shredded coconut and topped with a whole almond. It has a wonderfully tender crumb and a rich, sweet flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Egyptian Baklava
A rich and celebratory Egyptian nut pastry featuring delicate layers of phyllo dough, a fragrant nut filling, and a sweet, floral syrup. Perfect for special occasions.
Egyptian Kunafa with Ashta (Cream)
A classic Egyptian dessert featuring layers of crispy, shredded kunafa pastry filled with rich, creamy ashta (clotted cream) and drizzled with sweet syrup. A beloved treat, especially during Ramadan.
Feteer Baladi (Egyptian Layered Pastry)
Feteer Baladi is a traditional Egyptian country pastry, renowned for its delicate, flaky layers. This simple yet delicious bread is a staple in rural Egyptian households and can be enjoyed on its own or with various sweet and savory accompaniments.
Fiteer Meshaltet
Fiteer Meshaltet is a traditional Egyptian layered pastry, often described as an Egyptian pizza or a flaky pie. It's made by laminating dough with generous amounts of butter or ghee, creating numerous delicate, crispy layers. It can be enjoyed as a sweet treat or a savory main course.
Halawa Tehina (Egyptian Sesame Halva)
A dense, rich, and traditional Egyptian sweet made from tahini (sesame paste). This halva is a delightful candy with a unique texture and nutty flavor, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat.
Konafa
A beloved Egyptian dessert made from shredded phyllo dough (kadaif) layered with a rich cream or cheese filling, baked until golden and crispy, then drenched in a sweet sugar syrup and garnished with pistachios.
Luqmat al-Qadi (Egyptian Sweet Dough Balls)
Luqmat al-Qadi, meaning 'Bites of the Judge,' are delightful, crispy, golden-fried sweet dough balls, a popular treat, especially during Ramadan. They are light, airy on the inside, and coated in a sweet syrup.
Mehallabia
A classic Egyptian milk pudding, Mehallabia is a delicately creamy and light dessert made with rice flour, milk, and sweetened to perfection. Often flavored with rose water, it's a refreshing end to any meal, especially popular during Ramadan.
Om Ali
Om Ali is a rich and decadent Egyptian bread pudding, often considered the national dessert. It features layers of flaky pastry, dried fruits, nuts, and shredded coconut, all baked in a creamy, sweet milk mixture until golden and bubbling.
Om Ali Traditional
Om Ali is Egypt's beloved national dessert, a rich and creamy bread pudding made with flaky puff pastry, infused with fragrant milk and cream, and studded with crunchy nuts. It's a comforting and decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
Qatayef (Egyptian Ramadan Pancakes)
Qatayef are small, folded pancakes traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan in Egypt. The batter is cooked on one side only, then filled with a sweet cream (ashta) or chopped nuts, folded in half, and typically deep-fried until golden and crispy, then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. They are a beloved sweet treat and a staple of the iftar (breaking the fast) meal.
Qatayef with Cream (Ashta)
Delicate, ready-made qatayef (small pancakes) are filled with a rich, sweet ashta (clotted cream) and topped with crunchy pistachios, then drizzled with fragrant sugar syrup. A popular and easy dessert, especially during Ramadan.
Umm Ali
A rich and comforting Egyptian bread pudding, often called 'Mother of Ali's' dessert. This version uses puff pastry or croissants soaked in a sweet, creamy milk mixture, studded with nuts, raisins, and coconut, then baked to golden perfection.
🍞Bread Dishes(3)
Aish Baladi (Egyptian Whole Wheat Flatbread)
Aish Baladi is the quintessential Egyptian whole wheat flatbread, often referred to as the 'daily bread'. This rustic pita-style bread is known for its characteristic puff during baking, which creates a natural pocket, making it perfect for scooping or filling. It's a simple yet essential staple in Egyptian cuisine.
Fattah Hummus (Egyptian Chickpea and Bread Bake)
A classic Egyptian layered dish featuring tender chickpeas, fragrant rice, crispy fried bread, and a tangy garlic-vinegar sauce. This recipe offers a vegetarian version, with optional additions for a richer flavor.
Hawawshi Baladi
Hawawshi Baladi is a beloved Egyptian street food featuring a rustic pita bread stuffed with a flavorful, spiced ground meat mixture. It's a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for a quick meal.
🥨Snack Dishes(5)
Egyptian Shawarma
Authentic Egyptian-style shawarma featuring thinly sliced, marinated meat, slow-roasted to perfection, and served in soft Egyptian bread with creamy tahini sauce and tangy pickles. A beloved street food classic.
Falafel
Crispy fried balls of spiced chickpeas and fresh herbs, the quintessential Middle Eastern street food. Traditionally served warm in pita bread with a drizzle of tahini sauce.
Hawawshi
Hawawshi is a beloved Egyptian street food consisting of spiced ground meat baked inside pita bread until golden brown and crispy. It's a flavorful and satisfying sandwich perfect for a quick meal.
Kebda Iskandarani (Alexandrian Liver)
A classic Egyptian street food from Alexandria, featuring tender beef liver quickly stir-fried with aromatic spices and peppers, typically served in fresh bread. This dish is known for its vibrant flavors and quick preparation.
Kibda Alexandrian Style
A classic Egyptian street food from Alexandria, this dish features tender, pan-fried calf or lamb liver quickly cooked with vibrant peppers and aromatic spices. It's known for its intense flavor and rapid preparation.
🍳Breakfast Dishes(2)
Eggah (Egyptian Omelette)
A hearty and flavorful Egyptian omelette, similar to a frittata, packed with vegetables and aromatic spices. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
Ful Medames
Ful Medames is a hearty and flavorful Egyptian breakfast staple made from slow-cooked fava beans, mashed with aromatic garlic, bright lemon juice, and rich olive oil. This ancient dish is both deeply satisfying and essential to Egyptian cuisine.