Get ready to give your dinner an exotic twist with these Egyptian recipes. The cuisine blends influences from the Middle East and the Mediterranean for something truly amazing.
I am thrilled to share these easy recipes so you can enjoy the flavors right at home.
Egypt offers fascinating history and culture alongside those breathtaking ancient pyramids. It is definitely on the bucket list for every adventurer I know.
Traditional dishes often feature rice and bread and figs. The influence from neighboring countries gives the food even more character and flavor.
You can explore the beautiful country from your own kitchen with these 20 recipes.
1. Chicken Shawarma
Shawarma is a personal favorite of mine. There is just something special about the succulent meat and tender pita paired with rich garlic sauce.
I used to doubt that you could make this at home without a vertical rotisserie. I was so wrong because this recipe is ridiculously tasty.
You need to pin this one if you are a shawarma lover like me.
2. Egyptian Hummus
Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern spread that is popular all over the world. You make it by mashing chickpeas and flavoring them with tahini and garlic plus olive oil and lemon juice.
It comes out rich and creamy and downright delicious. I love using it as a pasta sauce or a sandwich filling.
You will never run out of ways to use it if you get creative.
3. Om Ali (Umm Ali- Egyptian Bread Pudding)
You should always make room for dessert and you will definitely want to for this one. Om Ali is a bread pudding that is guaranteed to knock you off your feet.
You soak puff pastry in milk and load it up with coconut flakes and raisins plus nuts and sugar. The oven does the rest of the work.
You are treated to pudding perfection when it is done.
4. Koshari (Rice with Crispy Onions and Tomato Sauce)
There is no better way to start than with the national dish of Egypt. Koshari is a hearty mix of lentils and chickpeas plus rice and pasta in tomato sauce.
It gets topped with crispy fried onions. This dish is for you if you want to load up on carbs.
It is a classic comfort food that will cure your blues with just one spoonful.
5. Egyptian Ghorayebah (Butter Cookies)
These rich and buttery cookies cap off the list perfectly. They will make you fall in love if you enjoy butter cookies.
The flavor is outstanding and the texture is melt-in-your-mouth soft. It is everything you could ask for in a cookie.
The recipe calls for five basic ingredients so it really couldn’t get any better.
6. Ful Medames
Ful medames is a traditional breakfast that features fava beans. It gets flavored with garlic and olive oil for a filling dish served everywhere from fancy restaurants to busy streets.
It is so terrific that it is even approved by pharaohs. An old Arab saying actually states that beans have satisfied even the pharaohs.
7. Egyptian Lentil Soup
Lentils are a huge staple in this cuisine and this soup highlights them perfectly. This version is the one to beat if you like your soup with a kick.
You puree red lentils and potatoes plus carrots and celery to make a smooth and creamy soup. Spices like cumin and turmeric add warmth.
Every vegetable adds a layer of flavor to make it impeccable.
8. Egyptian Hawawshi
Hawawshi is basically the Egyptian answer to the American hamburger. I honestly think it is way better.
You fill crispy pita pockets with a mixture of ground beef and peppers. The seasoning adds excitement with a mix of allspice and cardamom plus cinnamon.
This blend of spices transforms the dish from bland to brilliant.
9. Basbousa
Basbousa is a sweet semolina cake made with yogurt. It is wonderfully soft and studded with almonds for a unique treat.
Coconut gives it character while the yogurt keeps it seriously moist. You drizzle a sweet and sticky syrup all over it for extra flavor.
You will see vendors selling this staple at almost every corner in Egypt.
10. Salata Baladi
Salata baladi is a salad made of cucumber and tomato plus bell pepper and parsley. You also add onion to the mix.
The dressing is a blend of lemon and vinegar with cumin and chili pepper. This salad tastes just as delicious as it looks.
11. Fattah (Meat with Rice, Toasted Pita and Tomato Sauce)
Fattah is a stand-alone dish that comes complete with lamb or beef and rice. It also features pita bread and a delectable garlic tomato sauce.
Each component works together to create a harmonious dish. You will get hooked after one bite.
It is traditionally served during special occasions like weddings.
12. Dukkah (Nut, Seed, and Spice Blend)
Dukkah is a signature seasoning that combines nuts and seeds with spices. This recipe is for you if you want to spice up your food the Egyptian way.
You likely already have the coriander and cumin and sesame seeds in your pantry. Use it to flavor meats or veggies.
It makes such a difference.
13. Egyptian Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is ubiquitous in Egyptian meals and used on everything from pasta to rice. It is not uncommon to find a bowl of it on the dinner table.
You need to learn how to make your own if you want to immerse yourself in the cuisine. This sauce is wonderfully garlicky and tangy.
It is bound to become a staple in your home.
14. Falafel
Falafel is probably one of the most popular Egyptian dishes known to man. This fava bean treat is absolutely epic.
You can top your falafel with tomato and onion plus pepper and tahini. Eat it with naan for a simple meal that sure hits the spot.
15. Toum/Tooma (Garlic Sauce)
Tooma is a white garlic paste that originated in Lebanon. It is a ridiculously rich condiment that usually accompanies barbecues and shawarma.
You can use it as a filling for pita bread or a seasoning for boiled potatoes. It is creamy like mayo but packs a pungent punch from the garlic.
The lemon juice balances the flavor with its tartness.
16. Rice Stuffed Veggies with Tomato Sauce (Mahshi)
Egyptian mahshi is quite something else even though stuffed vegetables are familiar. It is a vegetarian dish of baked vegetables with an aromatic rice filling.
The vegetables can vary from bell peppers to zucchini. The filling mixes rice and tomato sauce with cilantro and dill.
It is so good that you won’t even miss the meat.
17. Egyptian Lentils and Rice
Lentils and rice is a staple on the Egyptian dinner table. It combines the goodness of chickpeas and rice to make a seriously hearty dish.
A rich tomato sauce ties them all together. This recipe uses the slow cooker so you can trust that it is ridiculously easy to make.
18. Egyptian Garlic Yogurt Cucumber Salad
This salad is a must-try if you love the combo of yogurt and garlic. It is beautiful and refreshing.
You make it with juicy cucumber and a creamy garlic yogurt dressing. It is the perfect summer appetizer to enjoy on its own or as a dip.
It is drool-worthy either way.
19. Kofta
You flavor ground lamb or beef with onions and garlic plus spices for this dish. You form them into patties and grill them to perfection.
My favorite way to eat it is with soft pita bread. This is not your average ground meat dish.
The fragrant herbs make kofta a cut above the rest.
20. Egyptian Mahlab Bread
Bread is a big part of this cuisine and Mahlab bread is one of the best. It is puffy and thin with a serious crunch.
You will find yourself wanting one after another. Mahlab bread tastes great with anything from cheese to watermelon.
It does not matter if you like your meal sweet or savory.