Egyptian Food Guide 2026: 17 Dishes You MUST Try
-
Khalid Al Mansoor
- . February 15, 2026
- . Update: February 15, 2026 10:12 pm
The food culture in Egypt is as massive as its pyramids. The food options are flourishing in 2026, with a combination of old foods and new street food. It does not matter whether you are eating in a five-star hotel in Luxor or a crowded alley in Downtown Cairo, the tastes are spicy, cozy, and memorable.
Savoring Traditional Cairo Cuisine
Your journey begins with Traditional Cairo Cuisine, a reflection of the city’s chaotic energy. First in the list is Koshary which is the national dish that cannot be disputed. It is a bowl of rice, Macaroni and lentils that are mixed with a hot tomato sauce and crunchy onions. Breakfast will not pass without Ful Medames, making fava beans cooked slowly with olive oil, lemon, and cumin and usually served with Taameya, Egyptian fava-bean falafel, which is greener and fluffier than its Levantine counterpart. Meat lovers would also want to locate Hawawshi which is a pita filled with spiced minced meat and baked in a wood-fired oven.
Sweet Treats and Authentic Nile Flavors
No meal ends without sugar. Authentic Nile Flavors extend to desserts like Om Ali, a warm bread pudding soaked in milk, cream, and nuts, dating back to the Mamluk era. The other dish that should be tried is Kunafa, rotating pastry dipped in syrup and topped with cheese or cream. A glass of strong mint-flavored tea or Qahwa (Turkish coffee) are the best partners of these dishes.
Experience Egypt Social: Click here
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to eat street food in Egypt?
Yes, as a rule, when you go to busy stalls with a high turnover. Koshary and Taameya are safe bets. Do not eat raw salads or unpeeled fruit in the street markets.
2. Are there vegetarian options in Egyptian cuisine?
Absolutely. Numerous of its staples such as Ful Medames, Koshary, and Besara (fava bean puree) are vegan or vegetarian in nature, and hence a welcoming place to plant-based eaters.
3. What is the best drink to try?
Besides mint tea, make an attempt with Karkade (hibiscus tea) that can be hot, cold and is reputed to be refreshingly tart.
4. Do restaurants serve alcohol?
In major cities there is availability of alcohol in hotels, resorts, and licensed restaurants, though in most of the local cafes and street food outlets there is no alcohol served.
