Egypt captivates travelers with its ancient pyramids, majestic Nile River, and vibrant culture spanning over 5,000 years. From the iconic Sphinx and Valley of the Kings to bustling Cairo bazaars and Red Sea coral reefs, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.
Egyptian cuisine is a rich tapestry of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African influences, built around the ancient gifts of the Nile Valley — lentils, broad beans, wheat, and freshwater fish. The backbone of Egyptian food is ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans), ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel), and koshari (a beloved rice-lentil-pasta dish), all seasoned with cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Egyptian mezze culture embraces dozens of small dishes shared communally, and the tradition of slow-cooked meats and stuffed vegetables reflects the country's deep culinary heritage.
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Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
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Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Cafe
Egyptian
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Fresh Bread
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Food tours & tastings in Egypt
Eat your way through Egypt with a guide.
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Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Koshari
Egypt's national dish and ultimate street food — a hearty bowl of rice, lentils, and pasta topped with spiced tomato sauce, crispy fried onions, and chili vinegar. Koshary Abou Tarek on Maarouf Street in Downtown Cairo is the most famous koshari shop in the world.
Find it at: Downtown Cairo koshari shops; Koshary Abou Tarek, 16 Maarouf Street
Ful Medames
Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with cumin, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, served with warm Egyptian flatbread (aish baladi). The staple breakfast of millions of Egyptians, eaten from sidewalk carts across the country.
Find it at: Sidewalk carts throughout Cairo and all Egyptian cities, active 6-11 AM
Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel)
Unlike Levantine falafel, Egyptian ta'ameya is made from fava beans rather than chickpeas, giving it a greener color and earthier flavor. Fried fresh and served in flatbread with tahini, tomatoes, and pickles.
Find it at: Falafel carts near Al-Azhar in Islamic Cairo, Tahrir Square area
Hawawshi
A crispy flatbread envelope stuffed with spiced minced meat, onions, and chili, baked in a traditional oven until golden. Cairo's most beloved late-night street food, found at small grills throughout the city until 2 AM.
Find it at: Grill shops throughout Cairo, especially Downtown and Dokki neighborhoods
Feteer Meshaltet
A flaky Egyptian pastry of many paper-thin layers, sweet or savory, made by expert pastry layers who toss and stretch the dough in a hypnotic display. Available with honey and cream or minced meat fillings.
Find it at: El-Abd Bakery (Talaat Harb Street, Downtown Cairo), feteer shops throughout Egypt
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Khan el-Khalili Spice Market
The alleyways around Al-Hussain Square in Islamic Cairo contain Egypt's most atmospheric spice traders selling cumin, coriander, saffron, dried hibiscus, and dozens of blends used in Egyptian cooking for centuries.
Hours: Daily 9 AM - 10 PM
Souq el-Ataba
Cairo's historic central market adjacent to downtown with stalls selling fresh produce, spices, dried goods, and street food at the lowest prices in the city. Chaotic and authentic, it's where most Cairene households shop.
Hours: Daily 7 AM - 9 PM
Aswan Souq (Food Section)
The food section of Aswan's main market street offers outstanding Nubian spice blends, dried karkade (hibiscus), Aswan honey, dates, and preserved lemons. Far less touristy than Cairo's markets with excellent prices.
Hours: Daily 8 AM - 11 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch is the main meal in Egypt — served from 2-4 PM. Many Egyptian families eat their largest meal at lunch; dinner is lighter.
Egyptian restaurants rarely close before midnight. Many popular spots don't fill up until 9-10 PM.
Tap water is unsafe to drink — always order bottled water ('maya madaniyya'). Costs EGP 10-20 per bottle.
Tipping (baksheesh) of 10-15% is expected at sit-down restaurants if no service charge is included.
Vegetarians are well-served by Egyptian cuisine — ful, koshari, ta'ameya, and countless mezze dishes are naturally plant-based.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $2-8/meal | Street food and local koshari/ful shops — the cheapest and often most delicious option |
| Mid-range | $15-35/meal | Sit-down Egyptian restaurants and tourist-oriented eateries with menus in English |
| Upscale | $50+/meal | Fine dining at hotel restaurants like Sequoia, Abou El Sid, or Nile-view restaurants in Zamalek |