What to Eat in Egypt: Iconic Dishes & Local Prices (E£)
Koshary (Abou Tarek Lentil-Pasta-Crispy Onion Bowl) (Koshary)
Authentic Egyptian specialty from Cairo, Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Grand Egyptian Museum: Koshary (Abou Tarek Lentil-Pasta-Crispy Onion Bowl), best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Cairo, Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Grand Egyptian Museum (Cairo International Airport (CAI))
Ta'ameya (Egyptian Fava Falafel) (Ta'ameya)
Authentic Egyptian specialty from Cairo, Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Grand Egyptian Museum: Ta'ameya (Egyptian Fava Falafel), best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Cairo, Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Grand Egyptian Museum (Cairo International Airport (CAI))
Ful Medames (Ful Medames)
Authentic Egyptian specialty from Cairo, Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Grand Egyptian Museum: Ful Medames, best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Cairo, Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Grand Egyptian Museum (Cairo International Airport (CAI))
Hamam Mahshi (Hamam Mahshi)
Authentic Egyptian specialty from Cairo, Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Grand Egyptian Museum: Hamam Mahshi, best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Cairo, Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Grand Egyptian Museum (Cairo International Airport (CAI))
Tagine Bamia bil Lahma (Baked Okra (Tagine Bamia bil Lahma (Baked Okra)
Authentic Egyptian specialty from Luxor (Ancient Thebes), Karnak, Valley of the Kings & Dendera: Tagine Bamia bil Lahma (Baked Okra, best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Luxor (Ancient Thebes), Karnak, Valley of the Kings & Dendera (Luxor International Airport (LXR))
Lamb Claypot) (Lamb Claypot))
Authentic Egyptian specialty from Luxor (Ancient Thebes), Karnak, Valley of the Kings & Dendera: Lamb Claypot), best enjoyed fresh at traditional neighborhood markets and family-run dining rooms.
Where to try: Luxor (Ancient Thebes), Karnak, Valley of the Kings & Dendera (Luxor International Airport (LXR))
How to Eat Well in Egypt Without Tourist Markups
Walk at least two streets away from major monuments like Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM — Giza Plateau) — The world's largest archaeological museum featuring the Grand Staircase of 60+ royal statues, the Hanging Obelisk, and 12 main galleries overlooking the Pyramids (E£1,200 / ~$25 foreign adult admission; 100% card-only payment). or Pyramids of Giza (Khufu, Khafre & Menkaure) & The Great Sphinx — Enter at 07:00 sharp via the Mena House / Sphinx Gate before tour coaches arrive (Plateau Area Ticket E£700; Interior of Great Pyramid of Khufu E£1,500 extra; Visa/Mastercard only). before sitting down. Look for menus posted with clear prices in E£ (EGP) and busy local lunch counters.
Tipping & Dining Etiquette in Egypt
Baksheesh (small tipping in E£20–E£100 notes) is an essential part of Egyptian daily income: carry a thick stack of E£20, E£50, and E£100 notes for tomb guardians, restroom attendants (E£10–20), luggage porters (E£50), drivers (E£200–300/day), and Egyptologist guides (E£400–600/day).