Egyptians are known for their hospitality and Egyptian cuisine is a huge part of that warm hospitality they’re known for. Egyptian cuisine has many different influences including Turkish, Greek, Lebanese, Persian, and Italian, surprisingly enough!
Egyptian food varies depending on the region of Egypt you’re in; there are dishes that will be found only in Upper Egypt or Cairo that can’t be found anywhere else. The variety of Egyptian food makes it one-of-a-kind and a pleasure to get to know!
Egyptian food has unique tastes and flavors that is unlike any other type of cuisine. Egyptian cuisine includes all sorts of things like Egyptian sweets, Egyptian rice, Egyptian bread, Egyptian falafel, Egyptian shawarma, Egyptian kebab, and more! All of these kinds of food generally feature lots of spices, such as cumin and cinnamon.
Get to know Egyptian Cuisine.
Not familiar with Egypt’s food traditions? I will tell you all about Egyptian cuisine, history, flavors, health benefits, and more! Then you’ll be ready to start cooking some of our Egyptian recipes here.
What is Egyptian food?
Egyptian cuisine consists mainly of agricultural products and includes significant amounts of bread, beans, lentils, chickpeas, fish, and other seafood. Meat consumption isn’t very high in Egypt compared to other Middle Eastern regions’ cuisines.
Some popular Egyptian dishes include:
- Ful Medames: a dish of cooked fava beans served with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and cumin
- Koshary: rice, pasta, and lentils
- Kushari, which is made up of rice, macaroni, and lentils
- Molokhia is a soup made from jute leaves that are ground into a thick greenish-green paste, often containing chicken or rabbit broth, onions, and garlic cloves
Where does Egyptian food come from?
Egyptian cuisine has a long and rich history, dating back to the ancient Egyptian civilization. Egyptian food is heavily influenced by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, making it unique and distinctly Egyptian. The flavors in Egyptian food are incredibly complex and flavorful, with a mix of spices that create an unforgettable taste. Additionally, many Egyptian dishes are very hearty and filling, providing a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Is there anything special about Egyptian cuisine that makes it different than other cuisines in the world?
One of the things that makes Egyptian food unique is its use of spices. Many Egyptian dishes are heavily spiced, which gives them a distinct flavor. In particular, cumin and coriander are popular seasonings in Egyptian cuisine. Another distinguishing characteristic of Egyptian food is the use of fava beans. Fava beans are a staple ingredient in many Egyptian dishes, and they often appear in soups, stews, and dips.
Finally, one of the most iconic elements of Egyptian cuisine is its bread. Egyptians love their bread, and there are countless varieties to choose from. Whether it’s flatbread or pita bread or something else entirely, you can be sure that Egyptian bread will be delicious!
It’s also known to be one of the healthiest cuisines in the world.
Egyptian food is rich in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Egyptian cuisine also uses a lot of vegetables which are abundant during the Egyptian spring season. It’s also known for its pickled vegetables like pickles, turnips, and cucumber. It’s not uncommon to find an Egyptian family eating vegetarian meals every now and again, too!
Egyptian food has evolved over time with influences from other countries such as Turkey, Greece, France, and Italy which can be seen in some Egyptian recipes today!
Egyptian cuisine is based on staple food.
Egyptian cuisine is based on staple foods that are served at almost every meal. These include flatbread — such as Egyptian pita bread — rice, legumes, lentils, and chickpeas.
Meat and poultry are also common main course items, but they are typically cooked in a stew or casserole dish. Egypt is also known for its desserts, which can be sweet or savory. The most popular Egyptian desert is baklava, a pastry made with layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup. Other favorites include konafa (a dessert made with shredded wheat noodles soaked in sugar syrup) and um ali (pudding-like dish made with milk.)
Egyptian Dishes are a great way to bring variety to your cooking!
It’s no wonder that Egyptians have been eating this way for thousands of years! In Egypt, there are two main types of cuisine — one influenced by Arab culture and another influenced by European cultures. If you want to start cooking more Arabic dishes, but are unsure about the different ingredients, Egyptian cuisine is a great place to start. It’s a delicacy that can make your mouth water and stomach growl. There are so many dishes to choose from, it’s easy to find something right for you!
If you’re looking for something really special, we recommend trying some shawarma or koshari. These foods will have you coming back for more again and again! We hope this blog has helped answer any questions about the cuisine in Egypt.
