🍽️ Top 20 Egyptian Foods to Try in Cairo: A Flavorful Journey Through Egypt's Most Iconic Dishes

When you think of Egypt, images of pyramids, the Nile, and bustling souks may come to mind. But one of the most authentic ways to experience Egyptian culture is through its cuisine. Egyptian food is more than just spices and ingredients—it's a narrative of history, heritage, and hospitality served on a plate.

In this comprehensive guide, we take you on a flavorful journey through 20 must-try Egyptian dishes in Cairo, including traditional favorites like koshari, taameya, and the unique mumbar. Each entry includes a rich description of the dish, cultural background, and where to find the best versions in the city. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a curious foodie, this list is your ticket to the most delicious side of Cairo.

1. Koshari

Koshari is Egypt's national dish and one of the most iconic street foods in Cairo. It's a hearty, carb-loaded bowl made from layers of rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas, tangy tomato sauce, fried onions, garlic vinegar, and spicy chili sauce.

Originating from a similar Indian dish called "khichdi," Egyptians transformed it into a local favorite by adding pasta and bold flavors. Today, koshari is a symbol of local life—affordable, filling, and irresistibly tasty. It's perfect for vegetarians, budget travelers, or anyone who loves strong, comforting flavors.

2. Taameya (Egyptian Falafel)

Taameya is the Egyptian version of falafel—but with a twist. Unlike Levantine falafel made with chickpeas, taameya is crafted from crushed fava beans, blended with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and coriander, then deep-fried to crispy perfection.

Served in pita bread with tahini, salad, and pickles, taameya is a staple Egyptian breakfast. It's vegan, nutritious, cheap, and exploding with green, herby flavor. Ideal for street food lovers and those seeking plant-based options.

3. Alexandrian Liver (Kebda Eskandarani)

Kebda Eskandarani is spicy, sautéed beef liver cooked with garlic, chili, bell pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Often served as sandwiches or with Egyptian baladi bread, this dish is fiery, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

Originally from Alexandria, it has conquered the streets of Cairo and become a go-to snack for late-night cravings. It's not for the faint of heart—this dish is bold, flavorful, and wonderfully intense.

4. Kawarea (Cow Trotters Stew)

Kawarea refers to slow-cooked cow trotters simmered in a thick, rich broth, often paired with a vinegar-and-garlic rice dish known as fetta. It's known as a "bone-healing" meal, said to restore energy and strengthen the joints.

This gelatin-rich dish is a winter favorite in Cairo, especially among those seeking a heavy, warming meal. It's best paired with hot chili sauce and a squeeze of lemon to balance its richness.

5. Oxtail Stew (Akawy)

Akawy is a slow-cooked oxtail stew known for its fall-off-the-bone tenderness and deep, meaty flavor. It's typically prepared in clay pots with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, making a thick, fragrant gravy.

Considered a premium dish, akawy is often served during holidays or special family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with baladi bread or white rice and is a favorite among those who appreciate rich and slow-cooked flavors.

6. Om Ali

Om Ali is Egypt's most beloved dessert, a warm, comforting treat that combines layers of puff pastry or toasted bread soaked in milk, cream, sugar, and a generous mix of nuts like raisins, coconut, and hazelnuts. Baked until golden on top and soft in the center, it's a delightful blend of crunch and creaminess.

This dessert has a rich Mamluk-era origin and is said to have been first made to celebrate a political victory in the royal palace. Today, it's a must-have at weddings, feasts, and Ramadan iftar tables. The hint of cinnamon and the roasted nuts elevate it to a dessert you'll never forget.

7. Kishk (Egyptian Fermented Yogurt Soup)

Kishk is a winter comfort dish with a creamy, tangy profile. Made from fermented milk, flour, garlic, and onions—sometimes enhanced with rice, chicken, or beef chunks—it's cooked slowly into a thick soup and topped with crispy fried onions.

A countryside classic, kishk is a legacy dish passed down in rural Egyptian kitchens. Its flavor is uniquely tangy and garlicky, with a rich texture that makes it a nourishing, satisfying meal. It's often served as a starter or alongside rice and pickles in cold months.

8. Stuffed Pigeon (Hamam Mahshi)

Stuffed pigeon is one of the most luxurious dishes in Egyptian cuisine, traditionally served on special occasions. Young pigeons are filled with spiced rice or cracked wheat, liver, and onions, then boiled and roasted until crispy on the outside.

Despite their small size, the meat is tender and flavorful. This dish symbolizes hospitality and is often served at weddings or festive dinners. Ideal for lovers of delicate meats and hearty stuffing, it's a must-try for culinary adventurers.

9. Potato Casserole with Beef (Sinnet Batatis bel Lahma)

This home-style dish combines sliced potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and chunks of beef or lamb baked slowly in a rich tomato sauce until the flavors melt into one another. It's one of Egypt's most nostalgic comfort foods.

Often served with white rice or baladi bread, this casserole is deeply rooted in family kitchens. Its rich aroma and cozy taste make it a favorite among both children and adults. For many Egyptians, this dish brings back memories of childhood and Friday family lunches.

10. Stuffed Duck (Batt Mahshi)

Stuffed duck is a showstopper served on festive occasions. The duck is filled with aromatic rice or cracked wheat seasoned with onions and spices, then boiled and oven-roasted to a golden finish with a hint of smoky flavor.

Duck meat is rich and flavorful, requiring careful slow cooking. Often paired with molokhia or baked creamy rice, this dish is indulgent and deeply satisfying. It's not an everyday meal, but one that leaves a lasting impression on tourists and locals alike.

11. Creamy Baked Rice (Roz Me'ammar)

Roz Me'ammar is a classic countryside dish where rice is slow-cooked in milk, cream, and ghee—sometimes with chunks of chicken or beef—inside a clay pot until a golden crust forms on top.

It's a dish of patience and passion, born in rural Egyptian kitchens and often served during family gatherings or Friday feasts. Its balance of creamy richness and subtle saltiness gives it a unique identity in Egyptian cuisine.

12. Savory Meat Pastry (Goulash bel Lahma)

Goulash is a savory layered pie made from thin sheets of pastry filled with seasoned minced meat, onions, and spices, then baked until crispy and golden. It's a staple during Ramadan and holidays.

It can be served as a side dish or a light main course alongside salad or pickles. Its versatility and comforting texture make it a favorite across generations, and modern versions even include vegetarian fillings.

13. Kunafa

Kunafa is a signature Egyptian dessert made from shredded filo dough filled with cream, nuts, or even Nutella, then baked and drenched in sugar syrup. Its contrast between crisp and soft textures makes it addictive.

Especially popular during Ramadan, kunafa is the queen of festive sweets. From classic nut fillings to modern chocolate variations, every bite offers a crunch, sweetness, and nostalgia.

14. Basbousa

Basbousa is a moist semolina cake soaked in sugar syrup and topped with almonds or coconut. It's simple yet satisfying, and widely loved across Egypt.

Served during Ramadan, family gatherings, or even just tea time, basbousa embodies homemade goodness. Many modern versions add cream or chocolate for extra indulgence, but the classic always holds its place.

15. Molokhia with Rabbit

Molokhia is a green leafy soup made from finely chopped jute leaves cooked in garlic-and-coriander-infused broth. Though served with chicken or beef, the rabbit version is considered the most authentic.

Served with white rice or baladi bread, molokhia is both nutritious and flavorful. Its distinct texture and garlicky aroma make it a must-try dish that surprises and delights visitors.

16. Fatta

Fatta is a festive dish made from layers of toasted bread, rice, and meat (usually lamb or beef) topped with a rich garlic-vinegar sauce. It's traditionally served during celebrations and special occasions.

The combination of crispy bread, fluffy rice, tender meat, and tangy sauce creates a symphony of textures and flavors. It's a dish that brings families together and symbolizes abundance and hospitality.

17. Mahshi (Stuffed Vegetables)

Mahshi refers to various vegetables stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. Common varieties include stuffed grape leaves, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Each vegetable brings its unique flavor to the dish.

This dish showcases Egyptian ingenuity in using seasonal vegetables and creating satisfying meals from simple ingredients. It's often served as part of a mezze spread or as a main course with yogurt sauce.

18. Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a breakfast dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce with onions, peppers, and various spices. It's served hot in the pan it's cooked in, often with fresh bread for dipping.

This dish has become popular worldwide, but the Egyptian version has its own unique character with local spices and preparation methods. It's perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch that will keep you going all day.

19. Ful Medames

Ful medames is a traditional Egyptian breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin. It's often served with hard-boiled eggs, fresh vegetables, and baladi bread.

This protein-rich dish has been a staple of Egyptian cuisine for centuries and is considered the national breakfast. It's simple, nutritious, and deeply satisfying—perfect for starting your day the Egyptian way.

20. Mumbar (Stuffed Intestines)

Mumbar is a traditional Egyptian delicacy made from sheep or cow intestines stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, spices, and sometimes minced meat. The intestines are carefully cleaned, stuffed, and then slow-cooked until tender and aromatic.

This dish is considered a specialty in Egyptian cuisine, particularly popular in rural areas and traditional households. The combination of the natural casing with the seasoned filling creates a unique texture and flavor that's both rich and satisfying. Mumbar is often served during special occasions and family gatherings, showcasing the resourcefulness of Egyptian cooking.

Ready to Taste Egypt?

These 20 dishes represent just a taste of Egypt's rich culinary heritage, from the beloved koshari to the unique mumbar. Each bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the warm hospitality that makes Egyptian cuisine so special. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Cairo or dining in a traditional restaurant, these dishes will give you a true taste of Egypt's soul.

Bon appétit, or as Egyptians say: Sahtain! (صحتين)