Pigeons are seen as pests by the western world, but the locals love them and serve them in restaurants all over Egypt. They are often eaten with your hands, which will allow you to get all the juicy meat between the bones. Pigeon meat can also be enjoyed as a sandwich, known as Hawawshi. These are typically taken for lunch and dinner. Here are some other unique foods from Egypt.
Mahshi
Stuffed grape leaves are a traditional Egyptian dish. These tasty stuffed rolls are served as appetizers and are typically served at room temperature with a yogurt-based sauce and pita bread. Before rolling the grape leaves, remove the center stem. You can use fresh grape leaves or buy jarred ones from your local grocery store. You can also buy stuffed grape leaves online.
Alexandrian Kebdah
This one is a popular street food in Egypt. Although many people associate Egyptian street food with Ramadan, it’s actually not that different from the cooking in other countries. Kebda is an important ingredient in many traditional Egyptian dishes, especially in Alexandria. In Alexandria, you can order kebda eskandarani, a liver sandwich made from chopped calf’s liver. The liver is cooked in spices, served in a bread roll, and topped with tahini or hummus. Kebda is a popular snack in Alexandria, and you can order it from street vendors or from fast food shops.
Koshary
You might have heard about Koshary, an Egyptian dish consisting of rice, lentils, macaroni, and chickpeas. If so, you’ve probably wanted to make your own version at home. The dish is made with layers of rice and lentils, macaroni noodles, and chickpeas and is topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. In the video below, we’ll talk about what goes into koshary, how to prepare it, and how to prepare it.
Baba Ghanoush
Baba Ghanoush is a dip made out of eggplant and tahini with lemon and olive oil. To make this delicious appetizer, start by cooking the eggplant and draining off the water. Place the eggplant in a large bowl and add the tahini paste, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix thoroughly with a fork. You can add the additional ingredients, such as smoked paprika and red pepper flakes, if desired.
Gibna Domiati
Gibna Domiati, or white cheese, is a traditional Egyptian delicacy. It is usually made from buffalo milk, although it can also be made from cow’s milk. It is one of the most common cheeses found throughout the country. It is typically aged one to three years before being sliced into cubes and served on its own or with other dishes.
