Sharm El Sheikh is a Red Sea resort city at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, known for diving at Ras Mohammed and the Straits of Tiran, beach resorts and Naama Bay nightlife.
Sharm El Sheikh's food scene mixes Egyptian staples (koshary, grilled meats, fuul), Bedouin dishes, fresh Red Sea fish and a broad international range aimed at resort guests, from Italian and Thai to burgers.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Sharm El Sheikh.
Koshary
Rice, lentils, pasta and fried onions with spiced tomato sauce
Grilled Red Sea fish
Fish chosen by weight and grilled with lemon and tahini
Bedouin lamb or chicken with rice
Slow-cooked meat served with rice in desert tents
Ful medames and ta'amiya
Fava bean stew and falafel for breakfast
Sayadiyah
Fish baked on spiced rice, a coastal speciality
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Egyptian Grill
International
Pan
Food tours & tastings in Sharm El Sheikh
Eat your way through Sharm El Sheikh with a guide.
Browse food experiences in Sharm El SheikhWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Shawarma stands
Find it at: Old Market
Price: EGP 50-100 (~$1-2)
Koshary shops
Find it at: Old Market
Price: EGP 40-80 (~$0.8-1.6)
Fresh sugarcane juice
Find it at: Old Market
Price: EGP 20-40 (~$0.4-0.8)
Ta'amiya sandwiches
Find it at: Old Market
Price: EGP 15-30 (~$0.3-0.6)
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Old Market (Sharm El Maya)
Fruit, vegetable and spice stalls with cafes and grill shops.
Hours: About 09:00-23:00
Local fruit and vegetable stalls near the Old Market
Daily produce stalls where local residents shop.
Hours: Mornings to early evening
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Restaurants add about 12% service and 14% VAT; a further cash tip of EGP 20-100 is customary.
Fish is priced by weight; confirm the weight and per-kilogram price before cooking.
Carry cash; some small places do not take cards.
Alcohol is served in hotels and licensed venues only; prices are higher than in Europe.
During Ramadan many local restaurants close at midday and open after sunset; hotels serve visitors.
Vegetarian options are easy (fuul, koshary, falafel, salads); halal is the default. Vegan and gluten-free are possible in hotel and Naama Bay restaurants but ask for ingredients.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |