Egyptian cuisine: An Insight

Egyptian cuisine is more Middle Eastern or Arab than African. For a cheap snack, try fuul, or fava beans that are eaten with a choice of toppings—salt, lemon, oil, meat, onions, eggs, etc. The local variety of felafel is called ta’amiyya, and is definitely worth checking out. It is rumoured that the best hummus in Egypt is to be found in Port Said - for a hummus lover, the trip to Port Said will simply be hummus heaven!! A local speciality that is filling and nutritious is called kushari—a combination of lentils, fried onions, tomato sauce and noodles. Kofta, a type of meat/vegetable dumpling common all over the Middle East is definitely worth trying. Meat is generally lamb, goat or camel. Beef is rare and pork is banned, as in all Islamic countries. The western traveler also can rest assured that western food is always available in big cities and even in the smaller tourist centers. Pizza is as popular here as elsewhere, and there are several sign-posted Pizza joints. Beverages include shay (tea), ahwa (coffee), a sweet hibiscus tea called karkaday and sahleb-a local delicacy made from nuts, rice flour and grapes. Absolutely divine!