Welcome to the bustling streets of Cairo, where the vibrant tapestry of flavors and aromas beckons every palate. From savory delights like koshari and hawawshi to sweet indulgences such as basbousa and qatayef, Cairo’s street food scene is a captivating fusion of tradition and innovation. Join us on a culinary adventure through the heart of Egypt’s capital, where each bite tells a story of ancient culinary traditions and modern gastronomic creativity. Prepare to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Cairo’s diverse street food culture.
27 Best Street Foods to Eat in Cairo
1. Koshari
A beloved Egyptian dish consisting of a hearty mix of rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions, topped with spicy tomato sauce and vinegar.
2. Ful Medames
A traditional Egyptian breakfast staple made from slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, often served with bread or vegetables.
3. Ta’amiya (Egyptian Falafel)
Deep-fried patties made from ground fava beans or chickpeas, mixed with herbs and spices, served in a pita bread or as a sandwich with tahini sauce and vegetables.
4. Hawawshi
A savory Egyptian meat pie made with minced meat (usually beef or lamb), onions, peppers, and spices, baked or grilled inside a dough.
5. Shawarma
Grilled slices of marinated meat (often chicken or lamb) wrapped in flatbread with tahini sauce, pickles, and vegetables.
6. Fiteer
Egyptian layered pastry similar to pizza dough, served sweet or savory with various toppings like cheese, honey, nuts, or minced meat.
7. Kebda
Grilled or fried skewers of marinated liver served with bread and often accompanied by tahini sauce and pickles.
8. Sogo’
Egyptian sausages made from minced meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with spices and herbs, grilled or fried and served with bread or as a sandwich.
9. Mahshi
Vegetables like vine leaves, zucchini, and eggplant stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, minced meat, herbs, and spices, then cooked and served hot or cold.
10. Basbousa
A traditional Egyptian dessert made from semolina, coconut, sugar, yogurt, and sometimes flavored with rose water or orange blossom water, soaked in sugar syrup.
11. Qatayef
Sweet stuffed pancakes traditionally eaten during Ramadan, filled with a mixture of nuts, sugar, and sometimes cheese or cream, then folded and fried or baked.
12. Baladi Bread
Traditional Egyptian flatbread made from whole wheat flour, baked in wood-fired ovens, and often served with falafel, ful medames, or as an accompaniment to meals.
13. Kunafa
A popular Middle Eastern dessert made from shredded phyllo dough, filled with sweet cheese, nuts, or cream, baked until golden and crispy, then soaked in sugar syrup.
14. Feseekh
A traditional Egyptian dish of fermented and salted mullet fish, typically served during Sham El Nessim, an ancient Egyptian spring festival.
15. Bamya
Okra stew cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, often served with rice or bread.
16. Meshaltet
A traditional Egyptian breakfast dish made from a blend of flour, water, and ghee, served with honey or jam.
17. Baklava
A rich and sweet pastry made from layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup.
18. Halawa
A dense and sweet confection made from sesame paste, sugar, and sometimes flavored with nuts or cocoa, often served as a dessert or snack.
19. Qunbula
Egyptian-style stuffed pigeon, typically roasted or grilled and served with rice or bread.
20. Molokhia
A traditional Egyptian soup or stew made from finely chopped molokhia leaves (jute leaves), cooked with garlic, coriander, and sometimes meat, served with rice or bread.
21. Meshabek
Grilled quail marinated in spices and herbs, often served as a popular street food snack.
22. Hawashi
Spiced minced meat stuffed into bread dough and baked or grilled, served as a savory snack or meal.
23. Sambousak
Small savory pastries filled with spiced meat, cheese, or vegetables, similar to turnovers or empanadas.
24. Qatayef Asafiri
Miniature pancakes filled with sweetened cream or nuts, folded into a half-moon shape, and fried until golden.
25. Zalabia
Deep-fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup, similar to doughnuts, often enjoyed as a sweet treat.
26. Bishara
A traditional Egyptian bean dish made from fava beans cooked with garlic, cumin, lemon juice, and olive oil
, served with bread.
27. Goulash
Egyptian-style stew made with meat (usually beef or lamb), vegetables, tomatoes, and spices, served with rice or bread.
These delicious street foods capture the essence of Egyptian cuisine and offer a flavorful glimpse into the culinary heritage of Cairo. Whether you’re strolling through bustling markets or exploring hidden alleyways, Cairo’s street food scene promises a delightful array of savory and sweet delights for every palate.
