Bird Watching in Egypt

Egypt is a birder's paradise! While world renown for its antiquities, the country's natural heritage is as rich as her cultural heritage.

Egypt located at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa, is blessed with a wide range of habitats each with its own unique bird life. The country is located on major migration routes. Millions of birds pass through every autumn and spring. Many species over winter, Egyptian wetlands are internationally important wintering sites for water birds

No trip to Egypt is imaginable without seeing its world famous antiquities. Fortunately, birding can be combined with sightseeing as most of Egypt's cultural heritage sites are excellent locations for seeing birds. In Egypt you can bird in the past. The Ancient Egyptians were superb natural historians and vividly documented the flora and fauna of their time on the walls of tombs and temples. Over 76 different species of birds, can be identified from the wall paintings, relief and other artifacts

For eco tourists there is the world famous coral reefs, spectacular desert wilderness and diverse wildlife from tiny geckos to sleek gazelles. Also, the country's proximity to Europe, warm climate, extensive tourism infrastructure, affordable prices and friendly people make it an ideal holiday destination!

The Belly Dancing in Egypt 

The oriental Dance in Egypt 

If you love Egyptian belly dance Style, Cairo is the right place to visit, not only to receive training directly from some of the great dancers and shop for lovely traditional costumes and accessories, but also to get a feel for the culture of the place where this dance genre originates from, once you have travelled to the Land of Egypt at least once, you will get a deeper understanding for the music and the concept of this dance that goes beyond pure physical training. In Egypt, dancers can get training in different types of dance from raqs sharqi (classical oriental), to raqs baladi (traditional Egyptian improvised style), folkloric such as saidi and the modern social dance style called shaabi.

Dance training

In Cairo you can receive dance training from many reputable Egyptian dancers, as well as from non Egyptian dancers who have, however, lived and performed there professionally for a while. I would say that Cairo is the best place for this and other Egyptian destinations do not offer the same choice and level of teaching. In Cairo you can arrange training from teachers such as Randa Kamel, Dandesha, Hassaan (specialised in folklore), Mohamed Kazafy (great teacher, who started his dancing career in the Reda troupe) and many more. In terms of non Egyptian teachers but who know the culture and the dance extremely well

Attractions off the Beaten Track

In Cairo there are many famous tourist attractions, which I do not mention everywhere as they are extremely popular; you can easily find information on the pyramids or on the Citadel. However, if you are a dancer or are enthusiastic about Egyptian music, there are a couple of attractions off the beaten track that could interest you.

One is the Um Kalthoum Museum. As many belly dancers know, Um Kalthoum was a legendary Egyptian singer still very loved in Egypt and to whom the government has dedicated a museum, visited by many school trips but not so well known by foreign tourists. In the museum you can see photographs, videos of Um Kalthoum and some of her personal possessions.

The second off the beaten track attraction for Egyptian music lovers is  the new Cairo Opera House. This was inaugurated in 1988, it has two opera halls and an open air theatre and it is where ballet and opera are performed. It is possible to go on a guided tour of the premises.

If you go to Cairo for the first time and you are not familiar with the city an the culture, some of these attractions can be hard to find. Hence, it would be better to go with a specialized group that can introduce you to some hidden jewels

Shopping

In terms of shopping for belly dance items, Cairo is a paradise and it has something for every taste and purse. In Khan el-Khalili you can find many shops selling costumes in every price range, which go from the cheapest but lower quality to better quality mid-range (equivalent of about an average of GBP 200 per costume). One of such upper-mid range quality is Yasser, which has a big choice of costumes and designs. Another shop famous amongst belly dancers is Al Wikalah, 3 floors of belly dance paraphernalia, where you can find anything you desire located at 73, Gawhar Al-Qayid St, Khan el-Khalili. In Khan el-Khalili, a good place to buy CDs and DVDs is a small shop near the El Fishawy, the oldest café in Cairo. I do not remember the name of the shop, but if you go near El Fishawy you should find it easily.

If you have money to spend, you can also buy designer costumes. The price range for these is the equivalent, at the time of writing, of about GBP 300 to 500 and you need to go to the designers’ shops, which are not in the market but are located around the city

Some of the most well known costume designers in Cairo are Hanan, Raqia Hassan.

Seeing dance performances

The places which are most visited to see raqs sharqi performances are boats along the river Nile. On the boat tourists can have dinner while watching a dance performance to live music and singing. The performance usually includes a solo dance performance and a tannoura number (a performance inspired by Sufi dancing, usually done by a man who spins around with a colourful skirt). There are various classes of boats, from the cheapest to the deluxe ones, such as the Nile Maxim where Randa Kamel usually performs. These performances are for tourists mainly, but if you go the first times with someone who knows where to take you, you can watch very good dancers, such as Luna of Cairo, Lorna Gow or Randa Kamel.

Another place I went to, which is mainly for locals, is the Felfela Vilage in Giza. On Friday’s people go and eat there and there is a big stage in the middle where musicians play and customers can stand up and dance socially, in between performances. Performances are usually group folkloric dances, rather than raqs sharqi solos and the main attraction is Hassan (a multitalented singer, dancer, actor and choreographer) with his troupe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I don't know anything about Egypt, how can I travel around the country, should I rent/buy a camel?

Egyptians think it’s funny of such a way of thinking. Camels are no longer means of transportation. Cairo, Egypt's capital is a large metropolitan city just as New York, London and Tokyo. Moreover, it is suffering from traffic congestion. So if you still have this idea about Egypt, update your information. Go to General Guide section for more information about transportation.

2. What's the best travel package I can take?

Well, that depends on your priorities. If you would like to visit Egypt because you dreamt of seeing the pyramids and tour in old Pharaonic temples, so a Cairo-Upper Egypt package would suit you.

 If you would like to come for recreation purposes so a Red-Sea program will suit you. If you want to have both, simply choose a mixed program.

 Whatever the choice you make be sure you'll have fun; Egypt is one of the richest countries in history, heritage and natural beauty.

3. Should I be granted a visa before traveling to Egypt?

Yes, in most of the cases, your are advised to do so. But actually, some visitors can obtain visa from ports of entry. But obtaining your visa at home will save you a lot of trouble. (Check General guide \ Visa) You can contact the nearest Egyptian counselor for more details (Check Addresses \ Embassies).

4. I know nothing about the people there in Egypt. Are they friendly? Are they nice?

Egyptians are incredibly friendly and hospitable to strangers. But that turns to be overfriendliness in many cases. Try to adapt as much as you can and explore those wonderful people.

5. Is Egypt a safe country?

In terms of crime, there is no place safer in the world than Egypt. In Egypt, there is no need to avoid talking to foreigners. Moreover, I think you should forget about not talking to strangers, this old saying that mama taught you. Egyptians will help you as much as they can. But like any other country, you have to take necessary precautions against petty thieves.

6. But I heard about the conflict of the Middle East and the current unrest in the Palestinian territories, is there any impact on Egypt?

There is absolutely no danger as because of the tragic events in the Palestinian territories. Even in the nearest resorts to the Israeli borders, tourists are enjoying their stay. The armed confrontations are very much confined in the occupied territories.

 Enjoy your tour in Egypt and go wherever you want. There is no reason to fear anything. However, normal precautions are advised and a tourist is advised not to speak in politics.

7. I am a woman and heard that Egypt is a conservative country, is it OK to travel though?

Egypt is a very safe country for women, as there is no chance you will be raped or anything like that. It is probably one of the safest countries in the world for a woman to travel in. But rare cases of harassment exist. The best way to avoid this is to dress modestly as Egyptians or to wear wedding rings, as Egyptians tend to show more respect for married women.

8. Is it safe to drink tap water in Egypt?

Water has nothing wrong with it, but they put high amounts of chlorine to render the water antiseptic. Some have weak digestive systems that can't be adapted to that so easily, consequently those can use mineral water.

9. Can I take my children with me?

Absolutely yes. There is no danger on children in Egypt. What should make you worry though is the high temperature and whether your children can stand it or not.

 Touring in Egypt is fatiguing, as you have to see many sites in a short time. Make sure your children can stand it. Also, mosquitoes are very annoying, use a good mosquito repellent.

10. Are medications available in Egypt?

Yes, drugstores are everywhere in Egypt and they offer many types of medications that can be bought without prescription. They are also cheap.

 You might consider taking a small first-aid kit, and any personal medications should be packed, as that would save you time trying to find equivalent Egyptian drugs.

11. Is Egypt an expensive country?

Not at all! To most Westerners, Egypt is incredibly cheap. Of course there are some exceptions like cars and electronic equipments but other aspects of life are cheaper than in many countries, particularly the advanced ones.

12. What is suitable for shopping in Egypt?

Egypt is a very good place to buy small artifacts and local perfumes. Gold and Silver are best deals, and they are made by professional handcraftsmanship. Please see the Shopping section in General Guide for more information.

13. Can I consume alcohol?

Yes, Alcohol is served in several places. Just be sure not to get drunk. There are few bars and liquor stores at downtown and almost all hotels serve alcohol. At your arrival in Egypt, you are allowed to buy up to three bottles of alcohol from duty free shops within one day.

14. Can I take my pet?

You are not recommended to do so. Egyptians don't care much for pets. This is because the country is crowded enough with humans.

Top 10 tips for Visiting Egypt

Egypt is an incredible historical destination with amazing things to see and do, including the ancient Egyptian pyramids. The following tips will help you make the most out of your Egyptian vacation.

1. Consider your dress

Egypt is a largely Muslim country and with this in mind, men and women should consider what they wear. You certainly do not have to be over the top, lets face it, it’s a hot climate. But you should avoid shorts and short sleeved shirts. Women may also want to consider taking a head scarf too, not for general use, but just in case they visit particularly important temples etc.

2. Pens

Offer a child an Egyptian pound or a pen and they will take the pen every time. Pens for children are like gold-dust. So if you want to give the kids a treat, pack a box of cheap pens and give them out whenever you get the chance. Do note though, that you need to do this not too openly as if you don’t you may have a very good natured riot on your hands as kids will appear out of nowhere when you start handing them out.

3. Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is often at a premium at historical sites and so it’s a really good idea to take a roll out of your hotel and take it in your back whenever you are out for the day. It should also be noted here that toilets at many historical sites are not of a “western standard” so arranging toilet visits in hotels, restaurant stops etc is not a bad idea.

4. Water

Like with any other hot climates, you should look to take plenty of water with you on your days out and make sure it’s sealed of course.

5. Avoid Ice / Salads etc

This related partly to number 4. People generally know not to drink non bottled water (to avoid possible upset stomachs), but often they over look that ice is frozen water and that salads have often been washed in water. Keep these things in mind when ordering food and drinks.

6. Take small notes

If you are going to tip, it’s a good idea and it avoids embarrassment to change up some bigger notes for a number of 1 LE (Egyptian Pound) notes

7. Be Strong

This applies to people begging. Egypt is a relatively financially poor country and with that comes the fact that people (children and adults) will beg. This is obviously a very personal issue, but obviously it’s possible to personally sort out all of Egypts financial problems. So feel free to help out where you can and when you feel comfortable, but realise, it’s just not possible to give to everyone who asks.

8. When in Rome

This again partly relates to tip 1. You are ultimately holidaying in a more reserved country and therefore you need to just think about things like public shows of affection. Obviously, we want you to have a good time, just be respectful to a different culture and you’ll be just fine.

9. Haggle

As a tourist, when you buy almost anything, anywhere, the price will be marked up. You therefore HAVE to bargain your socks off. We generally suggest offering a maximum of 1/3 to 1/2 of the asking price and work up. If you can do it, you are even better to not offer a price at all, but just keep saying no and let them lower the price. The best tip is to just keep saying no until the person selling stops and lets you walk. At that point, you just won’t get a better price and then you have the option to go back and say – OK, I’ll take it at that price !

10. Baksheesh

If you do not know what this is, by the end of your holidays you will ! Baksheesh is a tip in Egypt for just about anything. From carrying your bags at the airport to offering to have a picture with you or showing around a tomb. So just be aware. If you chose to pay (it’s completely optional) pay with the smallest bills / nots possible (1 LE will be just fine).

Tipping

It’s a nice way to do appreciate the people due of the economic situation of the country nowadays with an ever-expanding population and depletion of resources, this means that a lot of people may be unemployed (a rate which is much higher than in more developed countries). Even those who are employed in the service or hospitality industry (ie. restaurants, hotels, bars, etc.) are most likely underpaid as their wages do not really reflect the value of the work they do. It is even more difficult for them to make a living with the problem of non-stop inflation, which means prices for everything even basic commodities like food and water keep rising steeply, while their wages remain the same and if they do rise, will not even rise to a fraction of the increase that prices have risen to. This means that 90 % of people who work in the service

Hospitality industry tries to make their main source of income from living off of tips. In fact, for these people tips form a large majority of their income because without tips, their monthly wages/salaries would simply not be enough for them to survive in a place where prices rise steadily and salaries remain the same.

Having read that, please bear in mind that these people quite often live hard lives, often responsible for feeding large families and may very well live in poverty simply because their income from work is not sufficient for them to live easy lives. Many of them are forced in these jobs because otherwise they would not find another job at all, in a country with such high unemployment rates and overpopulation. Thus, don't be surprised or offended if almost everyone at your hotel asks for a tip, even if all they did was a small thing. You don't have to pay huge tips as often smallest bills are appreciated. However, you don't have to tip if you feel that you haven't received any service or help at all or if you feel that the service was bad. Nobody will ever take offense or be disrespectful if you did not tip them.

Some general guidelines:

Bathroom attendants: LE 5

Cruises: 5-7 US$/day, to be divided by all staff on board

Guide: 6-8 US$/day

Hotel bellman: LE 20 for all bags

Hotel doorman: LE 20 for services rendered (flagging down taxis etc)

Restaurants: In fancier restaurants, a service charge (10-12%) is added to bills, but a 5-10% tip on top of that is common. In fast-food places, tipping is unnecessary.

Taxi drivers: 10% on metered fares, but not necessary if you agreed the fare in advance

Site custodians: LE 10-20 if they do something useful, none otherwise

Tour drivers: 2-3 US$/day

If you ask a stranger for directions, tips are not necessary and may even be considered offensive. Officials in uniform, such as police officers, should not be tipped. Remember that bribery is technically illegal, although if forced to provide one you can rest assured that nothing will happen to you. Last but not least, be aware that as a foreign tourist, you are seen by many as easy money and you should not let yourself be pressured into tipping for unnecessary or unrequested "services" like self-appointed tour guides latching on to you.

Restaurants in Egypt

 Egypt is full of many famous restaurants throughout major cities like Cairo and Alexandria Aswan and even in smaller towns. There are a splendid amount of choices in big cities and more limited choices in smaller towns, but you will always be pleasantly surprised at the selection and quality you can find. Most famous restaurants here offer international cuisine along with traditional Egyptian food which is definitely worth giving a try when in this amazing country. Also, in addition to the regular culinary fares, many popular hotel chains in Egypt make arrangements for famous chefs to fly here for week log extravaganzas and food festivals which can offer a heavenly experience for food lovers.

In the past few years the prices on Egyptian menus have seen a steep rise in some famous Egyptian restaurants making the pricing similar in some cases to high class restaurants in places like London and New York. However, there are many simple restaurants where prices are still affordable and the food is delicious. Meanwhile, cheaper restaurants in Egypt do not serve alcohol but expensive imported wines can be enjoyed at more expensive establishments.

Our Selection of the top Egypt Restaurants

Felfela Alaa El Din , Cairo

Citadel View Restaurant, Cairo

Koshari Abu Tarek, Cairo

El Tabhy, Cairo

Abou as-Sid, Cairo

Andrea's Chicken and Fish Restaurant, Giza The Pyramids

Fish Market, Giza The Pyramids

Moghul Rooms, Giza The Pyramids

Abu Ashraf, Alexandria

Kadura, Alexandria

Mohammed Ahmed, Alexandria

Samakmak, Alexandria

Trianon, Alexandria

Café del Mar, Hurghada

El Jokar, Red Sea coast

Orient 1001, Red Sea coast

1886, Winter Palace Hotel, Luxor and Karnak

Bombay Restaurant, Luxor and Karnak

Koshary El-Zaeem, Luxor and Karnak

Tutankhamun, Luxor and Karnak

1902 Restaurant, Aswan

Aswan Moon, Aswan

Koshary Ali Baba, Aswan

The restaurants mentioned above serve both traditional Egyptian food as well as famous international cuisine. The food is fresh and well made. Price can vary a lot. Some restaurants offer a meal which can break the bank and others offer prices that are well within most budgets. Many restaurants also have vegetarian options.

Most hotels also offer a spectacular view where people can savor food as well as the beautiful sights at the same time.

Best of Cairo local restaurants

Many tourists flock to Cairo to experience a city steeped in history, but as it turns out, they can’t overlook the city’s burgeoning culinary landscape.

Thousands of dining establishments have a home within the city limits, ranging from traditional Egyptian to Italian, French, Indian and Lebanese, fetching cuisines that span the globe. With a plethora of choices, where does a first-time foodie begin?

Here’s a glimpse at some of the best restaurants in Cairo.

Koshary Abou Tarek           26 El-Shaikh Marouf, Marouf, Qasr an Nile

For the freshest koshary on your Egypt tour, head to Abou Tarek in downtown. Feeding hungry locals and tourists since 1950, Abou Tarek has been featured on CNN and is now famous the world over for their preparation of the iconic dish. One of Egypt’s traditional recipes since the 19th century, koshary (or kushari) is a combo of rice, macaroni and lentils, capped with chunky albeit spicy tomato sauce then garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions. Top with garlic vinegar or chili sauce for added heat. This restaurant is also light on the wallet, so it’s a must-try when in Cairo!

Maison Thomas           157 26 of July St, Zamalek

Bedecked in brass and mirrors, this popular Zamalek spot has been tossing Cairo’s tastiest thin-crust pizzas since 1912. The pies aren’t Italian or American, but rather, they have that special Egyptian twist, infused with texture and flavor, making each pizza like none you’ve tasted before. The Margherita is a fan favorite, and the funghi, pastrami, and four-cheese pizzas don’t disappoint either. Start off with the Baltic salad – smoked salmon, baked potatoes, boiled eggs, sliced onions, capers, oil and vinegar – and finish your Maison Thomas outing with a sumptuous éclair or chocolate mousse. Yum.

Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant and Café      5 El Baddistan Lane, Khan el-Khalili

It’s no easy task to find a calm corner in Khan El Khalili – supposedly the oldest souk in the Middle East – but brave the crowds and you’ll decompress (and eat well) at this charming Egyptian restaurant dedicated to and named after the great Pulitzer Prize-winning writer. Sit down for a filling several-course meal, or if shopping at the market is your priority, a quick sandwich or snack will do. Expect hummus, lentil soup, hawawshi, and stuffed pigeon, as well as rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and raisin, then sprinkled with nuts. The service is some of the friendliest you’ll find in Cairo, and there’s live music to boot

Indira Indian               12 makrem Ebid Ext,masaken al Mohandesin

Don’t be fooled by the mall location, there’s a reason that Indira is consistently rated the best Indian restaurant in Cairo. Chef Vikram’s culinary creations have garnered praise from near and far. In fact, Indira won Cairo 360’s Editor’s Choice award for two years in a row. Patrons are wild about the butter chicken, lamb curry and shrimp biryani; meanwhile, the tempting (and filling) melt-in-your-mouth cheese nan is superb. Aside from excellence in the kitchen, Indira is recognized for its stellar service. Considering the fantastic food and warm hospitality at Indira, it’s easy to understand how this restaurant is a terrific value and favorite among both locals and tourists.

Zooba                26th of July Corridor,Al Gabalayah Zamalek

For an amped up (and healthful) interpretation of ready-to-eat Egyptian foodstuffs – head to Zooba. Anticipate high-quality ingredients sans preservatives and additives in their epicurean version of street food. You’ll have six different locations to choose from: Zamalek, Maadi, New Cairo, Nasr City, Korba, and one at the American University of Cairo. Select a main dish and then add meat or greens as you so desire. Gluten-free and vegan options are available too. Taamia, shakshouka, mousak, beetroot salad, and spinach baladi are just a few recipes rounding out the diverse menu – a menu aiming to provide fresh, local food and reveal the creative spirit of the Egyptian people at the same time.

Alcoholic drinks

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim nation and alcoholic drinks are forbidden (haram) for strictly observant Muslims. That said, Egyptians tend to adopt a relaxed and pragmatic view towards alcohol for non-Muslims and foreigners. It is tolerated by the vast majority of Egyptians and consumed by a sizable number of them (including less strict Muslims - you may even be asked to "procure" drink for someone!) Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks are readily available throughout the country (especially in larger towns and cities, as well as tourist centers). Please note, however, that public drunkenness (especially the loud and obnoxious variety) is definitely not appreciated - without caution, you may end up drying out in a police cell. Try to be a good ambassador: if you must get "tipsy", confine it to the hotel or very nearby! (It's actually quite rare to see drunken tourists, even in the most intense tourist areas...)

Stella (not Artois) is a common beer in Egypt. Other local brands are available, most a with higher alcohol variant that have claimed levels of 7% or even 9%..

Restrictions on Alcohol

Egyptian laws towards alcohol are officially quite liberal compared to most Islamic countries, except for the month of Ramadan when alcohol is strictly forbidden. During Ramadan only holders of foreign passports are allowed to buy alcohol, by Egyptian law. However, the enforcement of this law is by no means consistent. In tourist areas like Luxor, alcohol is sold even during Ramadan, and those who look like foreigners will not be asked to show passports or other documentation.

During Ramadan alcohol is often sold only in Western-style hotels and pubs/restaurants catering especially to foreigners. A few days of the year, as the day of the full moon the month

Before Ramadan, alcohol is completely banned. Also some hotels and bars catering to foreigners will stop serving alcohol during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan - phone ahead to make sure alcohol is still being served in order to avoid disappointment.

Egyptian Cuisine and recipes

Egyptian cuisine isn't only delicious and flavorful; it's also nutritional as well. Egyptian cuisine goes back more than 5,000 years to the time of pharaohs and it's only gotten even better since then. It’s said that the builders of pyramids survived on coarse bread, onions, garlic, and beer. These ingredients supplemented with eggplant, favas, okra, pasta, lentils, rice and these still seem to be the most basic necessities of Egyptian food even today. Meat is not seen in abundance, due to the scarcity of grazeable land here. Food in Egypt makes heavy use of vegetables and legumes as well due to the rich land area of Nile River and delta and large quantity and high quality of crops.

Some Popular Dishes In Egypt

Ful medames is the national dish of Egypt and consists of slowly cooked fava beans. It is eaten for breakfast and a popular saying has it that this dish can sustain any worker all day long. Molokhia is another popular dish which is a tall leafy plant grown along the banks of river Nile, with a high amount of folic acid and proteins and very rich in calcium, beta-carotene and vitamin C. This is considered to be an aphrodisiac among people in Egypt.

Egyptian bread is referred to as eish and is central to many cuisines cooked in Egypt; eish cooked with fava beans has remained a staple food in Egyptian palette for ages and ages. Tamiya is another favorite food, which is fava bean falafels dished up with bread and salad or a juicy skewer of marinated meat cooked over hot charcoal.

Egyptian Coffee

The tradition of coffee in Egypt goes back centuries when all males would visit places serving coffee and shisha from nargile pipes. Fresh fruit is another hearty and light alternative served with black tea or strong coffee or a traditional red tea which is known as karkade and is made with dry hibiscus flowers. Popular Egyptian sweets include Basbousa, semolina and coconut based cake and Umm Ali, a creamy baked custard and these are often eaten with a steaming cup of Egyptian coffee.

Bread Forms The Backbone Of Egyptian Cuisine

The simple bread which is consumed at almost all meals in Egypt is a staple food here. The bread locally is referred as Eish Masri and indicates the centrality of bread in Egyptian cuisine. Bread is known to supply protein and carbohydrate to the Egyptian diet and is used to scoop up sauces, food, dips and to wrap falafel,s kababs and also to make sandwiches.

Another bread variety used in the countryside is Aish Merahrah, which contains maize flour and fenugreek seeds and is baked in flat and wide loaves. The maize flour, is made into soft dough is fermented overnight. The next day it is then shaped into round loaves and allowed to rise for another 30 minutes. Adding fenugreek seeds adds to the storage life, protein content, and digestibility.

Top 10 Egyptian Recipes

Here is a list of top ten Egyptian recipes. Please note that the list is not exhaustive and these foods are easily accessible to locals and tourists.

Ful’wa Tameya

Ful Medamas and Ta’Meya are two fast foods of Egypt. The former dish is made with fava beans cooked over low flame overnight in a traditional pot called Qeda, while Ta’meya is made from crushed fava beans that are later on mixed with pasta and fried, this dish is great for vegetarians.

Kushari

This is made from black lentils, rice, round pasta rings, spaghetti, whole hummus, thick tomato sauce and caramelized onions. All ingredients are tossed in a big bowl with some vinaigrette and hot sauce. Even though it's so simple this recipe is just delicious.

Sugoq Wa Kibdah Iskandarani

This is for spicy meat lovers where sausages are cooked on low flame with spicy tomato sauce and the liver is cooked in its own juices and served with Torshi. To balance the heat, it’s recommended to eat halawa bel qeshta, which is sweet sesame paste with double cream right after finishing this spicy food.

Kabab Wa Kofta

Typically made from lamb or veal, these are succulently grilled meat cubes with seekh kababs and served with bread, a mix of dips and green salad. This is grilled over charcoal and must be savored by every meat lover coming to Egypt.

Hawawshi

This dish consists of spiced ground beef cooked in a baladi bread loaf, which is baked in a regular oven or a rotisserie oven.

Fattah

This is similar to biryani and is made with meat, bread and rice layered together with tomato sauce and vinegar. Veal is usually used, although beef or lamb are also possible. The bread used with fattah is baladi bread.

Shawarma

The dish came to Egypt due to the Ottoman rule, which influenced people and their tatest. The best shawarma is traditionally available at sandwich parlors which are often owned by the Syrians in Egypt.

Sayadeya

This is a seafood dish made with white fish variety like bluefish, bass or mullet and is cooked with rice, tomato or onion sauce and then baked in earthenware. This dish is particularly served at Suez, Alexandria and Port Said

Baladi Bread

This forms the staple of Egyptian meals. In 1970 an end to the subsidization of bread by the Egyptian government led to many riots across the country. The bread is made from bran and whole wheat and is baked in a traditional wood burning oven. When freshly baked baladi bread can give any food a whole new dimension.

Besarah

Besarah is a food known since ancient Egypt. It is a vegetarian dish made with spices and herbs. After cooking it is green in color and appears to be a dip like creamy paste that is best consumed with baladi bread.

Egyptian cuisine has a lot of vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes and there are many desserts and drinks served to complete the menu. Above are the top popular Egyptian recipes, but the list does not end here and many more recipes are out there for the connoisseur of Egyptian cuisine.

Flights in Egypt

Egypt air is the national airline in Egypt start 1932 as the first Airline in Africa and middle east and since then Egypt Airways delight to improve them service day after day

We have made an estimate of the flights in Egypt as the following