Cuisine & Nightlife

Cuisine

Cuisine is varied and delicious in Egypt. There is a range of different delicacies including traditional and international cuisine. On the streets there is a variety of different food booths selling different traditional pieces. The food on the streets is generally safe to eat, although this food may be slightly different to what your normal diet entails and could cause a slight stomach upset.Egyptian food comes from various countries including Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria and the food has been a uniquely adapted to what we know as Egyptian food today. There area also elements of North African cuisine and this influences is evident from the various spices used to flavour the food.

Some traditional food and plates

Bread

Bread is a staple part of the food in Egypt. The most common type of bread is a pita bread, which is a thin bread and typically filled with a variety of different ingredients.

Beans

Beans are used in many Egyptian dishes. Beans can be boiled or mashed with vegetables and spices and then stuffed into bread or sandwiches. Dishes made with beans are also for sale on the streets, a common dish is mashed beans and deep fried into patties and this dish is winner with both locals and tourists.

Mezze

Mezze is a variety of small dishes that are served in restaurants. Some of the dishes include a selection of dips, including eggplant, chickpeas, an oil paste of sesame seeds and some other varieties of delicious dips and treats. Mezze is often served as a starter of a main meal, or is nice to enjoy with a bottle of wine.

Main courses

In Egypt, meat is considered a luxury and is therefore not a common part of a main meal for Egyptians. Plenty of restaurants serve meat so if meat so if you like meat as your main meal, don’t be concerned, you won’t go without!

Torly

Torly is a typical Egyptian dish which will no doubt tickle your taste buds! Torly is a delicious mix of vegetables cooked in a casserole or stew usually made with lamb, or occasionally with beef, onions, potatoes, beans and peas.

Kebabs

Egyptians make a delicious kebab, unique to other styles of kebabs. To make these succulent kebabs, chunks of lambs seasoned in onion, marjoram, and lemon juice is roasted on a spit over an open fire before being served on a mix of salad and typical bread.

Hamaam (small pigeons)

For the adventurous types you might like to tempt your taste buds to national delicacy Hamaam - small pigeons. The exotic and best way to eat Hamaam is after it has been stuffed with seasoned rice and grilled…. be warned, the Hamaam are usually served with their heads buried in the stuffing!

Seafood

Seafood is very popular in Egypt. There are many delectable ways to try different types of food including Egyptians serve both freshwater and sea fish, samak. As well as the common bass and sole, try gambari (shrimp), calamari (squid), gandofli (scallops), and ti'baan (eel). Eels are a white meat with a delicate salmon flavour and can be bought deep-fried on the street.

Vegetables

Egyptians have mastered the art of turning a simple ingredient into a delightful dish. A classic example of this is ruzz (rice) which is cooked with nuts, onions, vegetables or small amounts of meat. This is not only delicious, but hearty and cheap.

Batasstis (potatoes) are another example of a simple delectable treat. They are usually served fried, boiled or stuffed and taste absolutely divine.

Cheese

Egypt is the perfect destination for cheese lovers. The native cheese (gibna) comes in two varieties, gibna beida, similar to feta, and gibna rumy, a sharp, hard, pale yellow cheese. These cheese are usually used in salads and sandwiches and there are also western cheeses available as well. Another popular cheese is Mish, this is a spiced, dry cheese made into a paste and served as part of the mezze or an hors d'oeuvre.

Fruit

Fruit is available all year round in Egypt. In the winter months mainly bananas, dates, and oranges are for sale whereas in summer the markets are full with melons, peaches, plums and grapes. And in August and September a fruit called Tin Shawki, similar to a prickly pear, makes it way to the market.

Nuts

Nuts are a popular snack in Egypt, and also dried seeds, (mohamas), (dried seeds) are a popular snack foods in Egypt, and vendors can be found selling them nearly anywhere.

Desserts

Egypt is a paradise for sweet tooths. The common desserts include pastries or puddings drenched in honey syrup. Baklava is very popular in Egypt. Many people might think of Baklava as a Greek dessert however it is also very common in Egypt. Fatir is another common and delectable desert which is a pancake stuffed with anything from eggs to fruits. Egyptian rice pudding (mahallabiyya) is another treat definitely worth sinking your teeth into, and makes for a hearty dessert. Topped with pistachios and this is one dessert you will never forget.

Coffee and Hot drinks

Coffee was developed in the Middle East and is therefore extremely very popular in Egypt as its so close to the Middle East. The coffee in the Egypt is sweetened in the pot, so don’t forget to ask when you order how sweet you would like it! Other hot drinks are also popular in Egypt, tea is most commonly served with milk, lemon and sugar on the side. Mint tea makes for a refreshing change from normal tea and hot chocolate is particularly popular in winter.

Alcoholic drinks

Alcoholic drinks are available in bars, restaurants, and some shops although devout Muslims must abstain from alcohol. It is possible to drink imported beer and wine if you are not a fan of the local beer called Stella. A stronger variety, Stella Export, is available in bars and restaurants and is more expensive and in smaller bottles.

Nightlife

Egypt it famous for its vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere with an abundance of trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. There are relaxed outdoor cafes for those who like the more peaceful surroundings and there are lively bars for those who like something a little more upbeat. By night Egypt has an unparallel atmosphere where the restaurants, bars and clubs are bustling with a vibrant and exciting ambiance.