1. Koshari – Egypt’s National Comfort Food

What It Is: Koshari is a delicious mix of lentils, rice, chickpeas, pasta, crispy onions, and tangy tomato sauce. It’s Egypt’s ultimate street food.

Where to Eat Koshari:

• Abou Tarek (Cairo): Known worldwide for its authentic and quick koshari service.
• Koshary El Tahrir (Nationwide): A modern chain serving customizable spice levels.

2. Feteer Meshaltet – Egyptian Layered Pie

What It Is: A flaky, layered pastry enjoyed plain or stuffed with sweet fillings (honey, cream) or savory options (cheese, minced meat).

Where to Eat Feteer:

• El Dawar (Fayoum): Famous for clay oven-baked traditional feteer.
• Feteera (Cairo): Offers creative, modern fillings in a cozy ambiance.

3. Ful Medames – Classic Egyptian Breakfast

What It Is: Slow-cooked fava beans flavored with garlic, lemon, and olive oil, served with bread, eggs, and tahini.

Where to Eat Ful:

• El Prince (Giza): A popular spot serving rich, flavorful ful.
• Sobhy Kaber (Cairo): Known for street-food vibes and generous portions.

4. Molokhia – The Green Egyptian Superfood

What It Is: A nutritious soup made from jute leaves cooked with garlic, coriander, and broth, served with rice or bread.

Where to Eat Molokhia:

• El Brins (Shubra): Famous for its perfectly seasoned molokhia.
• Kazouza (Cairo): Offers molokhia with a modern twist in a retro-inspired setting.

5. Mahshi – Stuffed Vegetables

What It Is: Zucchini, bell peppers, vine leaves, and cabbage leaves filled with rice, herbs, and tomato sauce.

Where to Eat Mahshi:

• El Sit Hosneya (Alexandria): Known for homemade-style mahshi bursting with flavor.
• Om Hassan (Nationwide): A popular chain offering authentic Egyptian meals.

6. Grilled Kebabs and Kofta

What It Is: Char-grilled meat skewers (kebabs) or seasoned ground beef patties (kofta) with Egyptian spices.

Where to Eat Kebabs and Kofta:

• Akl Zaman (Luxor): Perfect for freshly grilled kebabs served with warm pita.
• Farahat (Cairo): A favorite for its tender and flavorful kofta.

7. Om Ali – Egypt’s Iconic Dessert

What It Is: A creamy bread pudding made with puff pastry, milk, nuts, and raisins.

Where to Eat Om Ali:

• Naguib Mahfouz Café (Khan El Khalili, Cairo): Perfect for a historical dining experience.
• Al Fayrouz (Sharm El Sheikh): Known for its rich, indulgent Om Ali.

8. Ta’ameya – Egyptian Falafel

What It Is: Egyptian falafel made from crushed fava beans, deep-fried, and served with salad, tahini, or in pita sandwiches.

Where to Eat Falafel:

• Zooba (Cairo): A modern take on Egyptian street food with unique falafel twists.
• Gad (Nationwide): A trusted chain for traditional Egyptian falafel.

9. Alexandrian Liver and Sausages

What It Is: Spicy liver and sausages stir-fried with garlic, chili, and peppers, served with fresh bread.

Where to Eat Alexandrian Liver:

• Mohamed Ahmed (Alexandria): Famous for liver sandwiches and street-food classics.
• El Shabrawy (Cairo): A popular spot for authentic Alexandrian-style dishes.

10. Fresh Egyptian Seafood

What It Is: Grilled or fried fish, shrimp, calamari, and crab served with rice, tahini, and fresh salads.

Where to Eat Seafood:

• Fish Market (Alexandria): Enjoy fresh seafood with breathtaking Mediterranean views.
• El Borg (Cairo): Known for its authentic flavors and high-quality seafood dishes.