Egyptian Street Food: 15 Must-Try Dishes

Egyptian Street Food: 15 Must-Try Dishes

Egyptian street food is delicious, affordable, and found everywhere. From busy Cairo streets to small village stalls, the same beloved dishes have been feeding Egyptians for generations. Here are 15 dishes you absolutely must try.

The Essential Egyptian Dishes

1. Koshari (Egypt's National Dish)
A hearty mix of rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions, topped with spicy tomato sauce and garlic vinegar. Filling, cheap, and completely vegan. Every Egyptian has their favorite koshari shop.

• Price: 15-40 EGP ($0.50-1.30)


• Best in Cairo: Abou Tarek, Koshary El Tahrir

2. Ful Medames
Slow-cooked fava beans mashed and served with olive oil, lemon, cumin, and garlic. Egypt's traditional breakfast, eaten with fresh baladi bread.

• Variations: With egg, tahini, or tomato


• Price: 10-25 EGP

3. Ta'ameya (Egyptian Falafel)
Unlike Middle Eastern falafel made from chickpeas, Egyptian ta'ameya uses fava beans, making it bright green inside and incredibly flavorful.

• Best eaten: Fresh and hot in an aish baladi sandwich


• Price: 5-15 EGP for a sandwich

4. Feteer Meshaltet
Flaky, buttery layered pastry similar to puff pastry. Can be sweet (with honey, sugar, cream) or savory (with cheese, meat, vegetables).

• Price: 30-80 EGP depending on toppings

5. Shawarma
Thinly sliced meat (chicken or beef) wrapped in bread with tahini, pickles, and vegetables. The Egyptian version is lighter than Lebanese style.

• Price: 25-50 EGP

More Delicious Options

6. Hawawshi
Spiced minced meat stuffed inside bread and baked until crispy. Like a meat-stuffed pita pocket. Absolutely delicious.

• Price: 20-40 EGP

7. Fiteer Baladi
Simple village-style flatbread, perfect for scooping up ful or dipping in honey and cream.

8. Molokhia
Green soup made from jute leaves, served over rice with chicken or rabbit. The texture is unique but the flavor is amazing.

9. Kofta
Grilled ground meat on skewers, seasoned with onions and spices. Often served with bread and tahini.

10. Kebda Iskandarani
Alexandria-style liver, quickly fried with peppers and spices. A street food specialty.

Sweet Treats

11. Basbousa
Semolina cake soaked in sweet syrup, often topped with almonds or coconut. Incredibly sweet and satisfying.

12. Konafa
Shredded phyllo pastry filled with cream or cheese, baked and soaked in syrup. Best eaten warm.

13. Om Ali
Egyptian bread pudding with milk, nuts, raisins, and coconut. Served warm and comforting.

14. Balah El Sham
Fried dough similar to churros, soaked in syrup. Crispy outside, soft inside.

15. Roz Bel Laban
Creamy rice pudding flavored with rose water and topped with pistachios.

Where to Find the Best Street Food

• Cairo: Downtown, Khan El Khalili, Sayeda Zeinab
• Alexandria: Along the Corniche, Raml Station area
• Luxor: Near the train station, local souqs
• Aswan: The souq area, Nile-side stalls

Tips for Eating Street Food

• Look for busy stalls - high turnover means fresh food
• Watch where locals eat - they know the best spots
• Start with cooked-to-order items if you have a sensitive stomach
• Carry hand sanitizer
• Don't be afraid to try new things!
• Learn basic Arabic food words for easier ordering