Food » Africa » North Africa » Egypt »

Egypt

Food, Dining, & Drinks

WARNING: Egypt is currently unstable, please read this travel warning before going!

Dining Etiquette

Egypt's dining etiquette is similar to many of the Middle East's dining. Dress conservatively, including long pants even if it's too hot to step outside. Bring a small gift of desserts, such as chocolates or sweet pastries. Upon arrival remove your shoes and let your host show you to your seat.

Once served, you will notice there is no pork on the menu, since the people are primarily Muslim. Also, never season your foods or ask for seasonings like salt and pepper, since this is a great insult to your host. Only eat with your right hand and if your neighbor's glass is empty fill it up, but never fill your own glass.

If you have eaten enough food, leave a little of each kind of food on your plate to symbolize this. If you want more food, a great compliment, finish all of your food and graciously accept more food. After the meal you're welcome to stay, but being served a cold beverage is a subtle sign that it's time for you leave.

If you're dining in a restaurant, never address or directly look at anyone else's food. This is considered rude and a means of coveting, which is not well accepted. It may also force the bearer of the meal to offer you some of his or her foods and by custom you are obliged to accept. Also, if dining in a restaurant, the inviter is expected to pay the entire bill and guests are expected to offer to assist, but this offer will be turned down.

For restaurant tipping information, read Egypt's Expenses & Tipping section.

History & Influences

As with their history, Egypt's cuisine must begin with antiquity. A number of fruits and vegetables were easily accessible and became very popular, including dates, figs, and grapes. Bread, rice, and beer were also popular in ancient times as wheat and barley were common.

The first lasting influence was with the Arab invasion and the conversion of the people to Islam. This religion has dietary restriction, most particularly not allowing pork or alcohol to be consumed.

After the Arabs arrived, the Persians, Italians, Ottoman Turks, and others have arrived as traders or settlers and with them came new foods and spices. However, despite these groups, it was the Levantine food from the Middle East that had the longest lasting, and most influential contribution to Egypt's food today.

Despite these outside influences, Egypt continues to maintain some of their ancient roots as bread and rice continue to be popular and the minority Christian population still enjoys their beer.

Staple Foods

Bread: commonly served with meals; breads can come in multiple forms
Rice: regularly served with some dishes, but not typically served with dishes that come with bread

Regional Varieties & Specialties

Alexandria & the Mediterranean Coast: uses a great deal of fish and other seafood
Baba Ghannoush: thick sauce or paste consisting of eggplant, chickpeas, and other ingredients
Hummus: similar to baba ghannoush, but without the eggplant
Mahshi Hamam: roasted or grilled pigeon stuffed with rice or wheat
Shawarma: shredded beef, lamb or chicken served on pita bread with tahina

Drinks

In Egypt, tea is the national drink and is served at all times of the day. It is difficult to go through a day without being offered a glass of tea, which is usually sweet black tea.

The Christian population drinks beer and other alcohols, but this is a minority of the population and alcohol is not served in most restaurants or sold in stores.

This page was last updated: September, 2011