Magic in the streets of Cairo: The Ultimate Street Food Guide
Cairo packs more surprises than you can fathom, but one of the you-can’t-miss gems from Cairo is the Street Food. Egyptian’s have been cooking and baking longer than anyone else, and they have mastered the craft. The flavors are intense, intriguing and the ingredients are fresh and healthy. Although you will find the rations of Egyptians a bit larger than average, the more, the merrier, right?
The first on our list is Koshary. Dubbed rightly as Egypt’s national dish, this one is a must-try. It stems from the Indian Classic, Khichdi. The base ingredients are rice and pasta. Popularly, lentils and chickpeas are mixed in. It is topped with warm tomato sauce and has quite a portion of fried onions. Flavorings vary from region to region, but “ Abu Tareq’s” Koshary from downtown Cairo is considered the best. Koshary is a common sight on the streets of Cairo. Mind you, it’s a complete meal. Many first-timers will be full after a few spoonfuls! And to top it all off, it’s light on the pocket!
Next up is Hawashi. Famous across the country, it is called by different names in different regions like Baladi in Alexandria. The name honors the Cairiense Butcher Ahmad Al-Hawash, who introduced us to this irresistible dish. Its Pita bread stuffed with a juicy mixture of minced meat, spices, and of course, Onions. To the westerners, it’s best explained as on overstuffed pizza! Dipped in the ever-famous Tahini(Sesame Sauce), you’ll remember each bite of Hawashi forever.
Competing closely for the second place is Fiteer. Essentially, the fiteer is like a stuffed pancake, although a bit larger. It has layers of flavorings ranging from hazelnut cocoa spreads to thick coconut syrup. In some places, you will even find savory versions of it. The delight has been famous in the land ranging back to the middle kingdoms. It’s an honorary sweet, reserved for special occasions and guests. It’s one of the sweetest foods you’ll ever try, and it’s widely available throughout the country. However, the Tawfiqqiya Souq is a haven for Feteer.
Taameya or Egyptian Falafel is different from all other kinds of Falafel you may have tried. A hot debate is whether Egyptians invented the falafel or just perfected it? Whatever the case is, the fava beans, coriander and cumin elevate Ta’ameya above any other fritters on the market. It would be almost rude for a tourist to walk the streets of Cairo and not experience the magical Ta’ameya. Although available widely throughout the year, the snack sells like hot cakes in Ramadan.
Enough with the platters, now I must suggest to you the best drinks from the alleys of Cairo. Karkadi or hibiscus tea takes the flag here. It was introduced in the region of Aswan for thousands of years. Guess what? It was the favorite of the Kings of Ancient Egypt. The strong essenced, crimson-colored beverage is perfect for refreshing after a tiring day touring the Khan El-Khalili. To top it all off, a well-presented cup of Karkadi makes for the best Snaps.
Shai (Tea): Tea is big in Egypt. It’s integral to modern-day Egyptian culture. You will find it in every household, every corner street, every restraint, and every stall. It’s a rejuvenating concoction of milk, water, and cured Camellia grounds. Camellia is filtered out, and then various kinds of sweeteners are added. Trying out Shai is a must if you genuinely wish to embed yourself in the land’s rich culture. It carries a national sentiment, and no day is complete without a cup of Shai.
Take your time strolling Cairo. Enjoy its nitty-gritty. Snap pictures and talk to the chefs making these wonders. You will find out amazing things about them. Things that can not possibly be written here.
Cairo Ahoy!
