Try these 6 scrumptious local specialties in Cairo
Try these 6 scrumptious local specialties in Cairo
Cairo is a vibrant and bustling city known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and diverse culinary scene. From savory street food to decadent desserts, the city offers a wide range of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore new flavors or a traveler seeking an authentic culinary experience, Cairo has something to offer.
Cairo
Cairo’s 9 million-plus inhabitants bring a buzz to this historic city. Founded in 969 by the Fatima dynasty, the capital city is referred to as ‘the Mother of the World’ by the Egyptians.
Bustling markets, countless museums, and Baladi drinking dens give travelers an opportunity to experience the rich culture of this ancient city.
Visitors won’t want to miss the Pyramids of Giza—the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, or the Egyptian Museum, which houses one of the world’s most important collections of ancient artifacts.Cairo is also known for its Mamluk-era architecture.
The walled city of Al Qahira, which means ‘The Victorious,’ prominently features Mamluk monuments, including mausoleums, madrassas (colleges), and mosques.
Cairo also boasts one of the oldest and largest film and music industries in the Arab world. Lovers of the arts will want to check out the Cairo Opera House and Cairo International Film Festival.
In Cairo, you will find some delectable dishes that you just cannot miss! There are some mouth-watering dishes and tasty dishes like Koshary, Egyptian Shawarma, and Macaroni Bil Bechamel and many more. Continue scrolling to know more.
Try these 6 scrumptious local specialties in Cairo
Here are six scrumptious local specialties in Cairo that you should definitely try during your visit to this fascinating city.
1. Koshary
The national dish of Egypt, koshary is a popular street food that merges culinary styles from Italy and India with those from the Middle East. The dish consists of rice, macaroni and lentils which are blended together and finished with a spicy garlic vinegar tomato sauce. Typically koshary includes a garnish of chickpeas and fried onions that are crispy.
The most popular places to try out Koshary are Koshary Abou Tarek and Manakish Bar.
2. Egyptian Shawarma
Shawarma is a common street food throughout the Middle East. Lamb, mutton, or other meats like beef, chicken, and turkey are slow roasted on a vertical spit. The fats and oils melt and soften the meats, allowing it to be served in thin slices. The Egyptian version is set apart by its tahini sauce. This sauce is made from tahini paste, which is made from a mixture based on ground sesame seeds. The paste is blended with white vinegar, lemon juice, a hot chili paste called “harissa paste”, and seasonings.
The most popular places to try out Egyptian Shawarma are Sabaya and Egyptian Nights.
3. Macaroni Bil Bechamel
The meat filling has ground beef or lamb, which will cook with warm spices, onions, garlic, and tomato sauce. The béchamel sauce is made with butter, flour and milk and is quickly whisked then spread in and over the dish. It’s usually baked at 425, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
The most popular places to try out Macaroni Bil Bechamel are Amritsari Dahi Bhally, Kevin & Amanda and Macaroni Béchamel.
4. Feteer Meshaltet
This dish, sometimes called Egyptian pizza, is a layered flaky pastry that is comprised of several thin layers of dough and ghee. It sometimes includes a filling which can be either savory or sweet. Fillings that are sweet include coconut, raisins, chocolate and Nutella, while more savory ingredients are often ground beef, sausage and cheese.
The most popular places to try out Feteer Meshaltet are Desoky & Soda, lon and AIDA Restaurant.
5. Stoemp
Stoemp is a traditional Belgium dish that features mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables such as carrots, onions, leeks, spinach, green peas and cabbage; a dash of nutmeg and thyme, and a bit of bay leaf. Stoemp is a side dish usually served with fried boudin, fried bratwurst, grilled bacon, fried mince or fried eggs. The dish is also very popular in the Netherlands.
The most popular places to try out Stoemp are Stoemp, fish and chips and Romanov.
6. Cheese
A popular dairy product, cheese is created from the milk of cows, goats and sheep. There are many different types of cheeses that come in a wide variety of flavors and textures. Cheeses sometimes have fragrant molds that can grow on the outer rind layer or spread through the body of the cheese itself.
The most popular places to try out Cheese are Cheesy Pan and lon.
In conclusion, Cairo, the capital city of Egypt, boasts a rich culinary heritage that has been shaped by its history and diverse cultural influences. From hearty meat dishes like Koshari and Molokhia, to savory vegetarian options like Foul and Taameya, to sweet treats like Basbousa and Konafa, Cairo offers a wide variety of delicious and satisfying local dishes.
Whether you are a foodie looking to explore new flavors or a traveler seeking to immerse yourself in local culture, Cairo’s vibrant food scene is definitely worth experiencing. So, don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor these delectable local dishes and discover the unique culinary traditions of this fascinating city.
