Traditional Egyptian Cuisines

Egypt is located in Africa’s northeastern region surrounded by the Red Sea and The Mediterranean Sea. These seas made fish a very popular food for the people in Egypt. Although Egypt didn’t get much rainfall during the years causing crop growth to be very demanding yet very complex. Many of the ancient foods in Egypt that are still consumed today are dates, beans, bread, rice, cucumbers and figs. A few of the main fruits grown in Egypt each year are oranges, plums, peaches, grapes, dates and melon. Some of their national entrees are Kebab’s, which are pieces of grilled lamb and aish baladi, which is a type of pita bread. The ingredients of the traditional falafel, a pita bread sandwich, are shown below with onion, cucumbers, peppers, and meat.

Pigeons are a delicacy in Egypt and are served grilled and stuffed with rice. One of their vegetables that are served with evening meals during the summers is called molokhiyya, which is green and leafy. This picture below shows one of their dishes made with eggplant, cucumber and limes:

Before dinner, usually non-alcoholic beverages are served when guests are invited, because it gives them the opportunity to communicate and socialize with one another. Their traditional desserts are pastries, baklava, and cakes with crème filling such as basbousa, served with tea. These pastry and pudding desserts are normally saturated in honey syrup. Mahallabiyya is the name for Egyptian rice pudding which is typically served with pistachios. Just like in the United States, both coffee and teas are commonly consumed on a daily basis.

*For more information about Egyptian foods, you may go to any of these websites for recipes and to learn more about their traditional cuisines:

Food in Egypt - Egyptian Food, Egyptian Cuisine - traditional, popular, dishes, recipe, diet, history, common, meals, staple, rice, main, people, favorite, make, customs, fruits, country, bread, vegetables, bread." Food in Every Country. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Dec. 2011. <http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/Egypt.html#b>

"Traditional food and clothing."EGYPT. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Dec. 2011. <http://raghdabayoumy.tripod.com/Traditional%20Food%20and%20Clothing.htm>

"Egypt, Traditional Food Plate Made From Eggplants, Limes And Cucumbers Stock Photo Image."SuperStock - The Best in Stock Photography, Vintage Photos and Fine Art Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Dec. 2011. <http://www.superstock.com/stock-photos-images/1598R-10311>