Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt, offers a rich culinary scene with a variety of delicious local dishes that showcase the country's unique flavors and culinary traditions. When in Cairo, be sure to try these must-try local dishes:
Koshari: This is Egypt's national dish and a must-try in Cairo. Koshari is a hearty vegetarian meal made from layers of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas, topped with a flavorful tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It's both filling and tasty.
Ful Medames: A traditional Egyptian breakfast dish, ful medames consists of slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and various spices. It's often served with bread or pita.
Hawawshi: Hawawshi is a popular Egyptian street food. It's made by stuffing minced meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with spices into flatbread and baking it until crispy. It's a savory delight.
Ta'meya (Falafel): Egyptian falafel, known as ta'meya, is made from ground fava beans or chickpeas mixed with herbs and spices. These deep-fried patties are commonly served on pita bread with tahini sauce and fresh vegetables.
Molokhia: Molokhia is a traditional Egyptian soup or stew made from the leaves of the molokhia plant, which is similar to spinach. It's often cooked with chicken or rabbit and served with rice or Egyptian bread.
Mahshi: Mahshi refers to various stuffed vegetables like vine leaves (warak enab), zucchini, and eggplants. They are typically filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and minced meat, then cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
Shawarma: While shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish, it's quite popular in Cairo. Thinly sliced pieces of marinated meat (often beef or chicken) are stacked on a vertical rotisserie and served on flatbread with tahini or garlic sauce and vegetables.
Feseekh: Feseekh is a traditional Egyptian dish made from fermented salted fish, typically served during the Sham El Nessim holiday. It's an acquired taste due to its strong flavor and smell.
Basbousa: For dessert, try basbousa, a sweet semolina cake soaked in simple syrup and often garnished with almonds or coconut. It's a delightful treat enjoyed across Egypt.
Aish Baladi: This is the traditional Egyptian bread, a round, flat, and rustic whole wheat bread. It's an essential part of every Egyptian meal and is often used to scoop up various dishes.
Fatta: Fatta is a festive dish typically served during celebrations and special occasions. It consists of layers of toasted bread, rice, and meat (usually lamb or beef), all soaked in a garlic-infused tomato sauce and topped with yogurt.
Kebda Iskandarani: This dish features sautéed liver (usually from calf or lamb) seasoned with cumin, garlic, and other spices. It's a popular street food in Cairo.