Food
Egyptian cuisine tells the history of Egypt in its most delicious form, being the result of conquests and interactions with many neighbouring countries. Greek, Syrian, Turkish, Lebanese and Palestinian influences can be felt and tasted in various dishes. Egypt’s coastline naturally favours fresh seafood, while inland and southern areas enjoy more spicy, North African cooking styles.
Popular dishes include:
Hamam Mahshi or Stuffed Pigeon: This is one of Egypt’s most loved dishes and consists of a pigeon that is stuffed with rice or ferek (green wheat). It is then roasted.
Dawood Basha: This dish is made with small balls of kofta (ground meat seasoned with parsley and onions). They are then cooked in a tomato sauce and served with rice and roasted pine nuts. Lamb is usually the meat of choice in this dish.
Aish Balai: To Egyptians, bread is the most important part of every meal. It is therefore not surprising that Aish translates to life. Wholemeal and white flour are mixed and then baked near an open flame to make a pita. These are then used to scoop up food or to make sandwiches with taameya or shawarma.
Koshari: This is a famous snack food sold by vendors and small shops all over Egypt. It consists of rice, lentils, fried onions and pasta that is cooked in tomato sauce. It can be spicy and sometimes, vinegar and garlic are added.
Ful Medammes: This is a popular “quick eat” type of food in Egypt. It involves slow-cooked fava beans that have been seasoned with salt, garlic, chopped parsley, lemon and olive oil, black pepper and cumin. Traditionally eaten at breakfast, it is usually served with aish.
Drink
Tea is Egypt’s national drink, while coffee is part of the traditional welcome. Karkadeh is a traditional drink made from boiling dried red hibiscus flowers, the water is then chilled. Sugar is added and this drink can also be enjoyed hot as herbal tea. Karkadeh is high in vitamin C and minerals. Aseer asab or sugar cane juice is another very popular drink found in almost all fruit juice vendors. Despite being a predominately Muslim country, alcohol is still readily available in Egypt. However, during Ramadan, only Western-style hotels, pubs and restaurants will sell alcohol.
Things to know:
Tips, known as baksheesh in Egypt, are expected for all services provided. Transfers, luggage assistance and guided tours are all tipped per journey. Around 10% is acceptable in restaurants.
Drinking age:
21
EgyptTravel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Egypt.
Learn about the history and culture of Egypt, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Egypt'snature and wildlife, weather and geography, and 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Ourglobetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Egyptfor yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Egypttours today!
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AfricaExpertsisthe exclusive division of Gowaythat specializes in planning and organizingEgypttours and experiences. Choose from a simple city stopover, see the country highlights on ourclassic itineraries, enjoy a beach stay, locally escorted tour, a stay of distinction, or a cruise on the Nileand more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to Egypt.
FAQs
Tea is Egypt's national drink, while coffee is part of the traditional welcome. Karkadeh is a traditional drink made from boiling dried red hibiscus flowers, the water is then chilled. Sugar is added and this drink can also be enjoyed hot as herbal tea.
What is the most popular drink in Egypt? ›
Tea is Egypt's national drink, while coffee is part of the traditional welcome. Karkadeh is a traditional drink made from boiling dried red hibiscus flowers, the water is then chilled. Sugar is added and this drink can also be enjoyed hot as herbal tea.
Do they drink alcohol in Egypt? ›
Alcohol in Egypt
As Egypt is a majority Muslim country, many locals abstain from alcohol completely. However, it is possible to find liquor stores and bars in some upmarket neighborhoods, and many hotels and resorts serve alcohol.
How much is a trip to Egypt? ›
The cost of a round-trip ticket to Egypt can range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the time of year and the airline you choose. Accommodation costs per night can range from budget hotels or hostels for $10 to $50, mid-range hotels for $50 to $150, and luxury hotels for $150 to $500.
What do Egyptians drink for breakfast? ›
As for drinks, Egyptians usually have black tea, sometimes with milk and usually with sugar, or coffee. The tea that is most popular in Egypt is koshary, a black tea made with cane sugar and fresh mint leaves.
What alcoholic drink is Egypt known for? ›
Despite religious restrictions and conflicting views on alcohol after the Muslim conquest of Egypt, the consumption of beer did not cease, and it still remains the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country by far, accounting for 54 percent of all alcohol consumption.
Is it safe to drink coffee in Egypt? ›
From the point of view of the water used for tea and coffee you should have no problem. It will be normal water but bear in mind that even from the tap it is of drinkable quality, just not always to peoples taste because of the chlorination treatments.
What not to eat in Egypt? ›
where possible, avoid eating salads and uncooked vegetables. only eat fruit they can peel. avoid unpasteurised milk, cheese and ice cream. avoid food that has been left uncovered in warm environments and exposed to flies.
Can Americans drink in Egypt? ›
Egyptian laws towards alcohol are quite liberal compared with that of most Islamic countries, except for the month of Ramadan when alcohol is strictly forbidden and only holders of foreign passports are allowed to buy alcohol. The legal drinking age in Egypt is 21.
How much is a meal in Egypt? ›
Cost of Living in Egypt
| Restaurants | Edit |
|---|
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | 100.00EG£ |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | 500.00EG£ |
| McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | 130.00EG£ |
| Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) | 50.00EG£ |
62 more rowsThere are many popular cities you can visit on an 8-14 day trip to Egypt, such as Hurghada, Luxor, Nile Cruise, Alexandria, Cairo, etc. If you can have a vacation of more than two weeks, you can experience Egypt in depth, or combine your Egypt tour with a nearby country, like Morocco.
Do you need injections for Egypt? ›
All travellers going to Egypt should consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and typhoid. Depending on the reason for your travel and the activities you have planned, you may need additional immunisations.
What month is cheapest for Egypt? ›
January and February are definitely the best value months in terms of Egypt last minute travel deals. Travelers who adore a cooler Israel and Egypt, who do not want to spend their entire trip lying in the sun, go there time after time during these months.
What is a typical Egyptian dinner? ›
Q-What is the Top Traditional Egyptian Food? A-Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta'meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
What is the poor man's meal in Egypt? ›
Koshary. A dish that conjures the best taste of rice, macaroni and lentil. Garnished with chickpeas, special Egyptian tomatoes along with onion and a dash of vinegar. An ideal dish for lunch or dinner, it is called the poor man's meal.
What is the national drinks of Egypt? ›
Tea is the national drink of Egypt, and beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage. While Islam is the majority faith in Egypt and observant Muslims tend to avoid alcohol, alcoholic drinks are still readily available in the country.
What did the Egyptians like to drink? ›
Over their long history, ancient Egyptians made and consumed grape wine—both red and white—but it is also possible that they made wine out of dates, figs, and pomegranates. Wine was produced from as early as the predynastic period (ca.
What is the most popular soda in Egypt? ›
Pepsi-Cola Egypt and Coca-Cola Egypt have remained the clear leaders in soft drinks in off-trade volume sales terms in 2022. This is mainly due to their strength in carbonates, though both are also present in other categories.
What did rich Egyptians drink? ›
Although there was plenty of fresh water to drink, most people – children included – seem to have preferred beer, which in fact contained very little alcohol. Wealthy Egyptians could also enjoy wine made from grapes, which were trodden, then squeezed in a cloth to extract the juice.
AfricaExpertsisthe exclusive division of Gowaythat specializes in planning and organizingEgypttours and experiences. Choose from a simple city stopover, see the country highlights on ourclassic itineraries, enjoy a beach stay, locally escorted tour, a stay of distinction, or a cruise on the Nileand more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to Egypt.