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In my opinion, Egyptian cuisine is one of the most underrated gems of Middle Eastern food! Before I spill the secrets of how to organise your DIY Cairo Food Tour, I need to make sure you follow my two golden rules:
Rule number 1: Put aside everything you think you know about Middle Eastern food!
Rule number 2: Always save room for dessert (I’ll tell you at the end!)
Egyptian cuisine tells its own story, one deeply intertwined with history and the mingling of diverse culinary traditions. Beyond the pyramids and pharaohs, Egyptian food is a story of cultural fusion, reflecting centuries of influences from Islamic empires, Mediterranean flavors, and colonial interactions.
And for those who are still questioning ‘is Cairo worth visiting?’, please go spend just 1 day in Cairo eating and then report back to me!
Here are my top Egyptian foods that every Cairo food tour must include.
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Vegetarians in Cairo
If you are vegetarian or vegan and about to plan a trip to Cairo, Egypt, I am here to calm you down: Egypt is a vegetarian heaven!
Most of my favorite Egyptian foods you should try on this list are completely vegetarian. Of course, I always encourage you to double-check!
1. Koshary
First up on your DIY Cairo Food tour: koshary.
Koshary is Egypt’s ultimate comfort food and a product of centuries of culinary fusion. To understand Koshary is to understand Egyptian food culture itself.
Today, koshary is often considered the national dish of Egypt and a symbol of Egypt’s culinary diversity.
Koshary’s origins can be traced to the late 19th century when Egypt was under British colonial rule.
Koshary mixes Indian spices, Middle Eastern ingredients, and British culinary traditions, which all come together in a harmonious blend that has captured the hearts and palates of Egyptians for generations. In my opinion, Koshary is probably the most unique dish you can eat during your Cairo trip.
From London to Jeddah, wherever you can find Egyptians, you will be able to find koshary!
Best place to find koshary in Cairo
Abu Torek is a national institution in Downtown Cairo and a Cairo must-see attraction.
Local tip: The crowds at the entrance of Abu Torek can be overwhelming. Don’t even attempt to order there! Act like a local, push through and head straight upstairs where the friendly waiters will help you.
2. Taamiya
Taamiya, the less-famous cousin of falafel, boasts roots that reach back to ancient times, where it held a prominent place in Egyptian cuisine, evolving to suit modern palates. If I’m being completely honest, I much prefer taamiya. I find taamiya a little fluffier, probably due to the dish being made from fava bean (rather than the chickpeas of falafel).
Top tip: Do not call this dish falafel! You don’t want to offend your Egyptian hosts and, more importantly, give yourself away as an Egypt novice!
Best place to find taamiya in Cairo
Felfela, a popular Egyptian food gem in Downtown Cairo.
3. Foul
Foul, a robust dish of mashed fava beans, is a typical Egyptian dish which has been a culinary staple in Egypt for centuries. With its origins dating back to ancient Egypt, foul stands the test of time.
Foul can be found on the menus of the best restaurants in Zamalek and on the back of dingy street carts in Khan el-Khalili. A popular food in Cairo and a must-eat for anyone traveling for the first time in Egypt.
Best place to find foul in Cairo
Mahrous Foul in the charming neighborhood of Garden City. Egyptian foodies will know Mahrous, but no Cairo tour guide will ever bring you here!
During my time in Cairo, I would come to Mahrous Foul at least 3x a week. And trust me, if Tarek is around, the foul will be extra excellent!
Local tip: Mahrous Foul has some of the most bizarre opening hours, for up-to-date hours always double check with Google Maps.
Mahrous Foul is conveniently located in Garden City and just a short walk from Downtown Cairo. If you want to spend a little more time in Garden City, one of my favorite areas in Cairo.
4. Fiteer Baladi
The Egyptian answer to pizza, fiteer baladi a typical Egyptian street food. Generally found in the busy bakeries of Cairo, with layers of filo dough and butter, fiteer baladi is a great morning snack. The perfect Egyptian breakfast food or an ideal quick lunch-on-the-go before your Cairo city tour.
Fiteer baladi will sometimes come with toppings or stuffings – cheese, meat, roast vegetables. Take your pick!
Best place to find fiteer baladi in Cairo
The numerous street vendors near Khan El-Khalili, Cairo’s vibrant bazaar district.
5. Umm Ali
How can I write a DIY Cairo food tour and not include dessert. Umm Ali takes my award for the best Egyptian dessert.
Imagine an English bread and butter pudding, but with the flavours of the Middle East: cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg. Umm Ali carries a storied history intertwined with Egyptian royalty and literally means “Ali’s Mother,” with some spectators suggesting the dessert’s origins dates back to the Ayyubid dynasty!
Best place to find Umm Ali in Cairo
El Malky, a renowned pastry shop in the heart of Cairo.
And if you’d rather someone else takes the reins, book a local Cairo food tour for guaranteed amazing flavors and memories.
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