Egyptian cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food. It’s a delicious blend of flavors, spices, and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
If you’re a foodie looking to expand your culinary horizons, you’re in for a treat.
From hearty stews to flaky pastries, Egyptian food is all about comfort, flavor, and a whole lot of love.
Ready to dive into a world of mouthwatering dishes? We’ve rounded up the 10+ best Egyptian recipes you absolutely need to try at least once in your life.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing your friends, these recipes are sure to hit the spot. Let’s get started!
1. Koshari Egypt’s National Dish
Koshari is the ultimate Egyptian comfort food. Imagine a bowl filled with rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.
It’s a carb-lover’s dream come true!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup elbow pasta
- 1 cup chickpeas (canned or cooked)
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Cook the rice, lentils, and pasta separately. Fry the onions until crispy and set aside.
In a pan, sauté garlic, then add tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer.
Layer the rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas in a bowl, top with the sauce, and finish with fried onions.
Why We Chose It:
Koshari is the heart and soul of Egyptian street food. It’s hearty, flavorful, and totally unique.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s Egypt’s national dish.
2. Molokhia The Green Stew You’ll Love
Molokhia is a traditional Egyptian stew made from jute leaves. It’s rich, earthy, and often served with rice or bread.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups molokhia leaves (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp coriander
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the broth and add molokhia leaves. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and coriander in butter until fragrant.
Add this mixture to the stew and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with rice or bread.
Why We Chose It:
Molokhia is a staple in Egyptian households. Its unique flavor and velvety texture make it a must-try.
3. Ful Medames The Breakfast of Champions
Ful Medames is a hearty fava bean dish that’s perfect for breakfast or any time of the day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fava beans (canned or cooked)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Mash the fava beans slightly. Add garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and serve with pita bread.
Why We Chose It:
Ful Medames is a protein-packed dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. It’s a breakfast favorite for a reason.
4. Hawawshi Egyptian Stuffed Bread
Hawawshi is a flavorful meat-stuffed bread that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita bread rounds
How to Make It:
Mix the meat, onion, garlic, and spices. Stuff the mixture into pita bread and seal the edges. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
Why We Chose It:
Hawawshi is the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for a quick meal or a party snack.
5. Baba Ganoush Smoky Eggplant Dip
Baba Ganoush is a creamy, smoky eggplant dip that’s perfect with pita bread or veggies.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Roast the eggplants until soft. Scoop out the flesh and mix with garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Why We Chose It:
Baba Ganoush is a crowd-pleaser. Its smoky flavor and creamy texture make it irresistible.
6. Mahshi Stuffed Veggies Galore
Mahshi is a dish of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
Ingredients:
- 4 zucchinis, hollowed
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp dill, chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Mix rice, onion, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. Stuff the mixture into the veggies. Place in a pot, add tomato sauce, and simmer for 45 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Mahshi is a labor of love. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine.
7. Basbousa Sweet Semolina Cake
Basbousa is a moist, sweet cake made from semolina and soaked in syrup.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups semolina
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup sugar syrup
How to Make It:
Mix semolina, sugar, yogurt, butter, and baking powder. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Pour sugar syrup over the warm cake.
Why We Chose It:
Basbousa is the perfect dessert. It’s sweet, moist, and utterly satisfying.
8. Shakshuka Eggs in Tomato Sauce
Shakshuka is a dish of eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onion and garlic, add tomato sauce and spices. Simmer, then crack eggs into the sauce. Cover and cook until eggs are set.
Why We Chose It:
Shakshuka is a breakfast game-changer. It’s easy, flavorful, and totally Instagram-worthy.
9. Fattah A Festive Feast
Fattah is a layered dish of rice, bread, and meat, often served during celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice
- 4 pita bread rounds, toasted
- 1 lb lamb or beef, cooked and shredded
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Layer toasted bread, rice, and meat in a dish. Top with tomato sauce and garlic. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Fattah is a celebration on a plate. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for special occasions.
10. Roz Bel Laban Creamy Rice Pudding
Roz Bel Laban is a creamy rice pudding flavored with vanilla and topped with nuts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup nuts (optional)
How to Make It:
Cook rice in milk until soft. Add sugar and vanilla. Simmer until thick. Top with nuts if desired.
Why We Chose It:
Roz Bel Laban is the ultimate comfort dessert. It’s creamy, sweet, and totally addictive.
11. Egyptian Lentil Soup A Bowl of Comfort
This hearty lentil soup is packed with flavor and perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 4 cups broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onion, garlic, and carrot. Add lentils, broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer until lentils are soft. Blend until smooth.
Why We Chose It:
This soup is a hug in a bowl. It’s nutritious, flavorful, and perfect for any time of the year.
Conclusion
Egyptian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, and these 10+ recipes are just the beginning.
Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or somewhere in between, there’s something here for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and start cooking your way through these delicious dishes.