Giza is considered to be one of the most popular cities of Egypt since it accommodates the famous “The Giza Pyramids” along with the Great Sphinx and the Royal Museum, attracting tourists from all over the world.
Apart from its rich history, the city of Giza offers an ancient cuisine predominated by the utilization of meat. While okra is the main vegetable in Egypt, the city also has a variety of lentils, rice, and pasta. To enjoy the legacy of a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods, Giza is a must-visit!
14 Most Popular Foods to Eat in Giza
1. Ful Medammes
Ful Medammes is a notable staple for India and basically consists of fava beans cooked with essential vegetable oil. It is a stew with vegetables, lemon juice, onions and spicy ingredients with pungent flavors. It is believed that these beans have also satisfied the Pharaohs.
2. Falafel
Falafel is a quite common dish in Giza. It is commonly a deep-fried ball that maybe doughnut-shaped. This is originally prepared from ground chickpeas. At times, fava beans are used for the same. It includes spices, herbs and onions. The dish has a crispy texture and is finger-licking good.
3. Koshari
Koshari is also named Kushari. It is a well-known Egyptian dish that originated in the 19th century. The dish is an excellent combination of rice rich, macaroni and lentils. What makes this special is the utilization of spicy tomato sauce with vinegar. This dish is often topped with crispy fried onions and chickpeas.
4. Mahshi
Mahshi is a dish that is prepared with a variety of squash or zucchini. The dish is difficult to prepare since it contains a variety of zucchini which is then stuffed with rice or meat. Ground beef or fresh herbs can also be utilized for the stuffing. This delicacy can be prepared with unique styles and combinations.
5. Shawarma
Shawarma being the most loved middle Eastern dish, basically includes meat that has been cut into thin slices. The meat is roasted on a vertical spit which enhances the smoky flavor of the dish. Instead of meat, lamb or mutton can be used. This dish is consumed as a snack in the city of Giza.
6. Macaroni Béchamel
Since Giza accommodates a plethora of pasta, this dish is prepared with pasta. It is an appetizing combination of macaroni with pasta. In this, two layers of macaroni are mixed with meat. The macaroni is then nicely smothered in soothing bechamel sauce. Some vegetables may also be used to intensify the flavor of the dish.
7. Fattah
Fattah basically means crumbs or crushed. It is a classic dish that consists of toasted, fresh or at times, stale flatbread which is garnished with a variety of ingredients. The dish is generally consumed as a breakfast or in the evening. The dish may be served with grilled lamb along with nuts and sizzling butter.
8. Molokhia
Molokhia are the leaves which are generally known as Jew’s Mallow. It is a mucilaginous broth that is thick and slightly bitter. It is prepared as a soup or stew. It is cooked with chicken or at times, chicken stock is used to magnify the flavor of the dish. Generally, rice is accompanied with this broth.
9. Umm Ali
Umm Ali is a quintessential Egyptian dessert. It is typically a puff pastry which is a fine blend of milk and cream. The pastry is baked and often garnished with raisins, coconut flakes and pistachios. The dish enjoys a cinnamon flavor due to sprinkling done over it.
10. Roz Bel Laban
Roz Bel Laban is commonly defined as a rice pudding that is authentically prepared with supreme rose water. It is a fine combination of sugar, milk, nutmeg and soothing rosewater. Once it is cooked, the dessert is embellished with raisins and cinnamon powder. Sometimes, orange blossom water is utilized in this dessert.
11. Feseekh
Feesekh is a traditional and vintage Egyptian fish dish. The fish is first dried in the sun which is then preserved in salt. It is cooked during celebrations in the city. It accommodates a salty flavor and is served with a thin slice of lemon.
12. Konafa
Konafa is a conventional middle eastern dessert. An acute noodle-like pastry is prepared with layers of cheese and clotted cream. The pastry is soaked in sugar-based syrup. It is garnished with nuts and sweet syrup.
13. Sahlab
Sahlab is a celebrated milk pudding in Giza. An absolutely delectable pudding, it is consumed during winters for generating warmth in the body. It is considered to be a soothing pudding prepared with milk and corn starch. The milk is stirred continuously after which the Sahlab is garnished with dried apricots. The pudding can also be topped pistachios, walnuts or fine cinnamon powder.
14. Fetir Meshaltet
Fetir Mashaltet is a fluffy layered pastry of Giza. It includes thin layers of dough and ghee. It is an irresistible decadent dessert with a filling of beef, chocolate, cheese or raisins. Shredded coconut and sugar play a major role in the preparation. The dish has been able to hook the taste buds of the locals as well as travelers.
Read also – 20 Most Popular Foods to Eat in Patna