Koshari is the national dish
Layers of rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, fried onions, and tomato sauce. It's vegetarian, filling, costs almost nothing, and is available everywhere. Every Egyptian has their favorite koshari shop.
🍜 Food & drink in Egypt
Food in Egypt is woven into daily life — how you order, when you eat, what you tip, and which dishes locals reach for on a Tuesday night versus a weekend out.
In Egypt, food & drink comes down to a few things: koshari is the national dish, street food is king, and tea with everything.
Street food is king
Ful medames (fava beans), ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel, made from fava not chickpeas), and feteer meshaltet (layered pastry). Street carts serve these from dawn.
Tea with everything
Egyptian tea (shai) is black, strong, and very sweet. It's offered everywhere — shops, offices, even while bargaining. Refusing is awkward. Karkade (hibiscus tea) is the refreshing cold alternative.