10 Authentic Cairo Delicacies You Should Not Miss On Your Upcoming Visit

Cairo is a city with a rich and diverse culinary history. From the ancient Egyptians to the modern day, Cairo has been a melting pot of cultures, and this is reflected in its food. There are many authentic Cairo delicacies that you must try on your next visit.

1- Koshari

Koshari is a traditional Egyptian dish made of rice, lentils, pasta, and fried onions, drizzled with a spicy tomato sauce.

It’s a national and widely popular street food in Egypt. 

If you are looking for a delightful and authentic Egyptian food experience that is also vegetarian-friendly, be sure to try koshari. You won’t be disappointed!

2- Foul

Foul is an Egyptian traditional breakfast dish, there is no shortage of shops or carts where they cook foul with a side of falafel anywhere you go.

This hearty breakfast delicacy is made of mashed fava beans cooked with garlic, lemon juice, and spices, and is often served with pita bread, vegetables, and spices.

Foul is a good source of protein and fiber, and it is low in fat. It is also a vegan and vegetarian-friendly option.

3- Falafel (Ta’miyya)

A popular side dish with a fresh plate of foul, these deep-fried patties of mashed fava beans or chickpeas, often served with a salad, are a treat.

You can have them served in a dish with some tahini dipping or served in pita bread wraps or sandwiches with tahini sauce tomatoes, onions, and pickles.

Falafel is a popular street food in Egypt and is delicious as a healthy snack or meal. It is a good source of protein and fiber, and it is low in fat, and also suitable for our vegan or vegetarian friends.

4- Molokhia

This is one of the most popular delicious dishes in Egypt.

It’s a soup made of chicken or beef broth with a green leafy vegetable called molokhia.

The leaves are finely chopped and cooked in the broth with garlic, and spices, with a side of meat or chicken. 

Traditionally Molokhia is served with white rice or bread.

Molokhia is a good source of iron, which is important for preventing anemia, a delicious and nutritious meal.

5- Kebda

Kebda, also known as Alexandrian liver, is a popular street food all over Egypt.

This hearty dish is made of chops of beef liver marinated in a mixture of spices and then fried, served with a side salad or in pita bread sandwiches with tahini sauce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles.

6- Mahshi

Mahshi is a traditional Egyptian delicacy made with vegetables that are stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices and cooked in tomato sauce. 

The most common vegetables used for Mahshi are tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and zucchini. 

It’s a hearty dish that you definitely don’t want to miss on your next visit.

Now to the desserts!

When in Cairo you will be greeted with a selection of mouthwatering sweet treats that will melt your tastebuds away:

7- Baklava

You’ve probably heard of this dessert in different parts of the Middle East, with each country having its own unique recipe.

Egyptian baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough filled with a mixture of nuts and syrup, often garnished with crushed pistachios or other nuts.

It is a popular dessert in Egypt and is often served on special occasions, especially the holy month of Ramadan, but you can find it in all patisseries all year long.

8- Umm Ali

Umm Ali is a traditional Egyptian sweet dessert made with bread or puff pastry, milk, sugar, nuts, and spices, topped with cream or custard. It is often served warm with whipped cream or ice cream, a favorite dessert among Egyptians an unmissable delight.

9- Basbousa

A delicious and popular dessert made with semolina, sugar, butter, eggs, and milk. It is often soaked in a syrup made with sugar and water, and then topped with nuts or coconut.

10- Zalabya

Zalabya, also known as Lokmat Al Kady, is a popular dessert made with yeasted dough that is deep-fried and then soaked in a sweet syrup. It is a delicious and popular dessert in Egypt and is offered with a variety of toppings from powdered sugar to dark or white chocolate sauce.

And here are some additional tips for trying authentic Cairo delicacies:

1. Ask your hotel concierge or a local for recommendations. They will be able to point you in the direction of the best places to try authentic Cairo food.
2. Be adventurous and try new things. Cairo has a wide variety of dishes to offer, so don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.
3. Enjoy the experience! Eating authentic Cairo food is a great way to experience the culture and history of the city.

These are just a few of the many authentic Cairo delicacies that you must try on your next visit. With its rich culinary history, Cairo has something to offer everyone. So come hungry and be prepared to be amazed by the delicious food!

Enjoy your visit to Cairo and bon appétit!

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