Unlike their ornate clothing and jewelry, ancient Egyptians had a very simple diet and selection of food. Ancient Egyptian cuisines were much simpler than French or other European cuisines. During various ancient Egypt periods, food was not only the means of filling stomachs but also as a mode of payment to purchase and sell. Food items were used for barter in addition to being eaten. Although simple, traditional Egyptian food tastes great and still has the authentic touch of ancient times. Here are the top Egyptian dishes which are must taste if you visit Egypt.
1. Kushari
Kushari is famous Egyptian dish that was made over 100 years ago and is still considered to be the national dish of Egypt. This dish is not originally from Egypt but was introduced by the British when they visited Egypt in the 19th century. Egyptians have given this pasta dish a wonderful taste. It is made of tomato sauce, rice, lentils, caramelized onions, carbohydrates, garlic, and chickpeas.
2. Fattah
Fattah is an amazing festive dish of Egypt that is made on special occasions by both Christians and Muslims. It consists of layers of fried rice, rice bread, and garlic and vinegar meat soup. It is usually made 50 days before Easter by Christians and eaten in the month of Ramadan by Muslims.
3. Shawarma
This dish became Egyptian after Egypt came under the Ottoman Empire. This delicious dish is basically a middle-eastern sandwich is comprised of shaved goat, chicken, chicken, lamb, beef or turkey. A special Egyptian sauce called tahini sauce is used along with this tasty sandwich.
4. Feeseekh:
Feeseekh is a traditional Egyptian dish that is prepared for the Shaam-El-Nessim festival. This dish consists of fermented, salted and dried gray mullet. The fish is first dried in the sun and is then salted. Special care needs to be taken in the preparation of this dish as any mistake can lead to getting very sick from the fish.
5. Hawawshi
Hawawahi is basically Egyptian meat pie. It is made by stuffing rice, wheat or herbs in pigeon that is either baked in regular oven or rotisserie.
6. Konafah
It is a yummy Egyptian sweet dish which is made from a thin noodle-like pastry. The origin of Konafah is very mysterious but it is mentioned in early books of ancient Egypt as well as Turkey. The noodles are first made dry and rigid and then butter or oil is added. This is baked with fruit syrup on top and it tastes extremely delicious when it’s done.
7. Gibna Domiati:
Gibna Domiati is a traditional and famous Egyptian cheese that is made in Damietta and is extremely white and soft. It is usually made from buffalo milk sometimes cow and tastes delicious if kept for a longer time in the can and used later.
Apart from these, there are few other dishes like dukkah, Halawa, taro soup, Kabab was kofta, mahshi and many more. So, taste all these and have a delightful tour at the great Arabic place of Egypt. Good Luck!
