Discover the Best 6 Egyptian Foods To Try in Cairo

By Sarika V

  ●   Last Updated : 09 Jan 2025

Food Hospitality

Africa

Cairo, the Capital city of Egypt is not just famous for its historical sites but also for some of the best treats in the world. Egyptian cuisine offers a rich blend of flavors, with a diverse range of dishes packed with proteins and carbs. If you think Egyptian cuisine is all about non-vegetarian food, you're wrong. It offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, filled with various vegetables and legumes. Most of the dishes in Cairo are highly influenced by the North African and the Middle Eastern cuisines. Come and devour yourself in some of the best food in Cairo.


Most Popular Egyptian Dishes & Restaurants in Cairo


Here's a curated list of the must-try foods in Cairo. If it's your first time in this vibrant city, you absolutely can’t miss these six delicious cuisines.


Koshary


Koshary is a vegan’s heaven with a Mediterranean twist. It is known as the National dish of Egypt and is widely popular in the streets. A traditional Egyptian staple mixed with pasta, Egyptian fried rice, brown lentils and vermicelli topped with chick peas and garlicky tomato sauce, garlic vinegar and deep fried crispy onions. 


Where to Try?

  • Koshary Abu Tarek
  • Koshary El Tahrir


Koshary


Hawawshi


Hawawshi is a perfect mix of a pie and a sandwich. It is roasted in a wooden oven, which gives it that extra crisp. The stuffing is made up of pita bread and thinly chopped chicken along with flavored peppers, onions, and pinenuts. This spicy bread is served with pickled vegetables (torshi) for that extra tanginess.


Where to try ?

  • Hawawshi Al-Rifai
  • Hawawshi Shalby


Hawawashi


Falafel & Foul (Ful Medames)


Egyptian Falafel is also known as Ta’meya. It is made from fava beans blended with fresh herbs and spices like cumin, parsley, and garlic then coated with sesame seeds and deep-fried for a crunchy finish. Falafel is often enjoyed as a snack, it’s served with pita bread or tahini sauce.


Ful Medames, on the other hand, is a hearty stew of mashed fava beans. It is seasoned with olive oil, spices, and lemon juice. A popular breakfast dish, it’s traditionally served with warm pita bread. While falafel is enjoyed in its fried form, Ful Medames is consumed in its stewed form, showcasing the versatility of fava beans in Egyptian cuisine.


Where to Try?

  • Felfela
  • Zooba
  • Arabiata


Falafel


Hamam Mahshi


Hamam Mashi is a rich luxurious delicacy of Cairo reserved for Special occasions. It is  a roasted pigeon marinated and stuffed with rice, cinnamon, onions, nuts, and cumin and then grilled over the charcoal, until it's juicy. Haman Mahshi is undoubtedly one of the best foods in Cairo, and a people's favourite.


Where to try?

  • Abou El Sid Restaurant
  • Hamam Abdoh
  • El Gomhoureya


Hamam Mashi


Simit


Simit, often referred to as the Turkish bagel, is a very popular food in Cairo. This circular, sesame topped bread is usually served with a boiled egg. This bread has a subtle sweetness and a perfect crunch with every bite.


Where to try?

  • Simit Sarayi
  • Street cart at a souk (marketplace) 
  •  Khan el-Khalili (Al-Azhar St).


smiti


Kebab and Kofta


Cairo is famous for its juicy grilled meat. The food markets in Cairo are filled with a variety of delicious kebabs. Kofta is a typical meat ball made either from beef or lamb, flavored with middle eastern spices and served mainly with rice, bread or salads. 


Where to Try?

  • Abdo El Gazar
  • Abou Shakra
  • Shaker Restaurant


Kababs


These best foods in Cairo are a delightful experience that everyone must savor to enjoy a true Mediterranean feast.  After tasting these flavorful specialties, the unforgettable taste of Egypt will linger on your tongue, staying with you long after the meal.


Sarika V

Join me on my travels as I dive into vibrant cultures, explore jaw-dropping landscapes, and collect stories that will make you want to pack your bags and go!

Related Blogs

Popular Things to do

Popular Cities

Home Explore

Discover the Best 6 Egyptian Foods To Try in Cairo