It might be one of the most fascinating countries, famous for its Nile and ancient civilization, but these meals and popular drinks would be fit for any Pharoah (and they probably enjoyed a few of them, too). Some might sound strange, but these are the most beloved dishes from the country who’s history precedes much of the rest of the world… including in their cuisine!

Grilled Kebda Is Prepared In Several Different Ways

Every country has its own twist on what a tasty grilled meat dish looks like and in Egypt, this means grilling either beef or chicken liver. In other parts of the world, liver is prepared in a way that usually includes turning it into a paste or mousse.

In Egypt, liver is grilled until tender, prepared with a mix of common Middle Eastern spices, and sometimes served with hummus or tahini. This traditional meat can also be served as a starter, the main dish, or even as the base for a sandwich, and can be seen in markets as popular street food.

Koshary Is Not For Those Cutting Carbs

This carbohydrate-loaded dish is definitely not for the faint of heart. Carbs aren’t always the enemy, especially where Egyptian cuisine is concerned. Koshary doesn’t only consist of one type of pasta – in this dish, you’ll find rice and macaroni. Once the pasta base is prepared, the dish is then flavored with spices, and beans are added rather than meat, making Koshary a vegetarian-friendly option as well. It’s often topped with tomatoes and grilled onions for a bit of fresh flavor.

Gebna Is Creamy And Similar To Feta But Served With Something Sweet

It’s not too often that one will take a stroll through the grocery store and see “cheese from Egypt” in the dairy section. Most of the world’s cheese comes from North America and Europe, and we don’t usually associate the Middle East with any type of dairy foods. Gebna is the contradiction to that, however, as its origins began in Egpyt. The cheese, similar to feta in its creamy texture and slightly salty flavor, is actually a favorite summer snack for those who live there. It’s often served alongside watermelon to contrast the bright sweetness of the fruit and can accompany other starter dishes.

Konofa Is A Traditional Syrup-Soaked Dessert

Greece is known for what’s likely the most popular syrup-soaked dish, Baklava, but Egpyt also has its own twist on this gooey, sugary-sweet delicacy. Visually, this dessert is intriguing simply because of its appearance – the dough used is shaped into noodle-like strands before being soaked in a delicious sugar syrup. While its appearance is quite unusual, it’s by far a favorite, which is saying plenty, considering how many pastries and desserts Egypt is known for.

Along with these dishes, a traditional drink of either fruit juice or tea is likely to follow or accompany them. Egypt is known for its Shai (tea), as it’s the national drink of the country, and it comes in two forms: Green or dark. Fruit juices are popular thanks to exotic plant life such as hibiscus, tamarind, and orchard fruits. Since the climate can be sweltering during the summer months, a large emphasis is placed on hydration, which means there’s never an end to the combinations and types of drinks you can find in restaurants and markets.