Take a Culinary Journey through Egypt
Egypt is a land with many ancient landmarks, a beautiful landscape, and delectable food. Everything about this place was shaped by the various cultures and races of people who lived and ruled here over the centuries.
So, if you’re a foodie, then why not apply for an Egypt tour visa to experience this rich cuisine in person? Now, you can apply for either a single or multiple-entry Egypt tour visa as per your wish. All you have to do to apply for this visa is to visit application form, fill in all the details, and pay the required fee. You will receive the visa a few days after that.
Let us now explore Egyptian cuisine further.
Introduction to Egyptian Cuisine
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the heart of Egypt’s landscape and explore the very best of what this ancient land has to offer.
These culinary experiences go beyond tasting delicious dishes, as you’re encouraged to take a deep dive into the cultural and historical significance of each recipe. You will also meet passionate chefs and visit bustling markets to uncover the stories behind iconic Egyptian food.
So, as we mentioned previously, Egyptian food is influenced by a variety of cultures, such as the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions like Greece, Syria, and Lebanon. This is why flavorful spices and herbs like cumin, mint, etc are popular in Egyptian cuisine.
Some popular dishes are Hamam Mahshi, Bamia, Basbousa, etc. Many different cultures have influenced the cuisine throughout history.
Origins of Egyptian Cuisine
The ancient Egyptian diet consisted primarily of bread, beer, and vegetables. However, after they were conquered in the 7th century by the Arabs, Arabian cooking techniques influenced this rich but simple cuisine.
Later on, the Ottoman Empire’s rule introduced a Turkish touch to the cuisine.
Common Ingredients Used in Egyptian Cuisine
Some common ingredients in Egyptian food that are very crucial are baharat, bastirma, fava beans, etc.
Baharat is an ingredient that enhances the flavour of fish, chicken, beef, vegetables, etc. You can mix this ingredient with salt, lemon juice or olive oil to make a marinade.
Bastirma is an expensive cured dried meat in Egypt. It is a delicacy that you need to try at least once in your life.
You can use fava beans in soups, stews, salads, sauces, etc. They have a blend of sweet and bitter taste. The bean protein is used in dairy alternatives, functional drinks, vegan ice creams, etc.
Iconic Egyptian Dishes You Must Try
You must try some famous Egyptian food when visiting the country with an Egypt tour visa. We have discussed some popular dishes below that you can try and explore.
Traditional Dishes
You can try the national dish, koshary. This dish is made from a mixture of chickpeas and lentils, which are mixed with a macaroni and rice base. Later the cooks also include vinegar and tomato sauce.
You can add fried onions to garnish it. This simple traditional food is a vegan heaven for vegetarians.
Now, one of the most famous Egyptian dishes is the Fatteh, a delicious concoction of rice, beef, lamb, fried bread, garlic, and tomato sauce.
Fatteh is a traditional food to celebrate any occasion. It is served with yoghurt and nuts. Fatteh has been a welcoming symbol of generosity for centuries in Egypt and many other Middle Eastern countries.
Another dish you must try when you’re in Egypt is the Ful Medames. It is a bean stew dish prepared with fava beans and flavoured with cumin, olive oil, etc. Traditionally, restaurants and kiosks in the street serve this dish with tahini, bread, and salads.
This dish is a protein-rich stew originating in ancient Egypt. Now, the type of Ful Medames you will be served will depend on the region you’re in. For example, some versions include tomatoes, tahini, boiled eggs, or pickles.
Furthermore, it is also a staple dish that is served in festive gatherings. It is a cherished dish that brings people together and celebrates the pleasures of food.
Street Food Dishes
There are some popular street foods also that are widely popular. One of them is Ta’ameya, which is made from fava beans and parsley. This dish looks like a flat disc and people eat it like a sandwich and combine it with a salad.
Another street food favourite is Shawarma. It basically refers to highly grilled lamb or chicken meat that is diced and mixed with vegetables like chopped onions, tomatoes, and parsley. After that, it is wrapped in pita bread or flatbread and handed to you.
Egyptian Desserts to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
There are some deserts in Egypt that can satisfy your sweet tooth properly. You can sample them when you visit the country with your Egypt tour visa.
Basbousa refers to a dessert baked from ingredients like dairy milk, eggs, flour, and semolina. semolina flour eggs and dairy. After that, the dish is soaked in sugar syrup. Traditionally, this dish is associated with Ramadan, the month of fasting that precedes Eid.
However, as its ingredients are easily available, a lot of Egytptian people prefer making this dish throughout the year. Furthermore, this sweetmeat is also quite pocket-friendly.
People eat this dessert with clotted cream, nuts, or just like that.
Another dish that people love is Kunafa. This dessert is prepared by soaking a dough of phyllo or semolina in a sweet syrup. After that, it is layered with fillings that consist of nuts, cheese, cream, mangoes, etc.
Modern versions include custard, a red velvet cake on top, etc.
It comes in a different popular fashion to the Egyptians every Ramadan.
Egyptian Beverages: Refreshing and Unique Drinks
Egyptian drinks have refreshing flavors that combine local and exotic ingredients. An Egypt tour visa will help you taste those beverages easily.
Karkade is a beverage that is made using dried hibiscus flowers. Commonly, the North African and the Middle Eastern people consume this drink. It is red in colour and has a tart-like flavour.
You can enjoy this beverage in various forms, depending upon the region you’re in. It has health benefits like neutralizing the free radicals in the body, which in turn reduces the possibility of serious diseases.
Sugarcane juice is a naturally available juice that Egyptians also love. This beverage consists of vital minerals like potassium, magnesium, etc.
The simple sugars in sugarcane juice are absorbed easily by the body and used to replenish sugar levels. You can find it everywhere in Egypt, from roadside stalls to juice shops.
Get, Set, Fly!
Hence, Egypt offers an unforgettable experience for adventurous travellers who aren’t afraid to embrace their inner foodie. You can sample all these dishes when you visit the country with your Egypt tour visa.
Do try dishes like Ful Medames and Koshary while also exploring street food like Shawarma and Tamiya. Be mindful that spices like cumin, garlic, etc are used liberally in Egyptian food. Do not hesitate to ask for recommendations from local people.
Pack the appropriate clothes by researching the local culture beforehand. Carry all the necessary documents for a trouble-free experience.
Securing a visa is important before planning an international trip. The Egypt e-visa initiative introduced by the Egyptian government simplified the process of getting a valid visa to enter Egypt. Check your eligibility for Online Egypt Visa and apply for Egypt e-Visa 5 (five) days in advance of your flight. Citizens of many countries including Czech citizens, Brazilian citizens, Croatian citizens, Georgian citizens and Greek citizens can apply online for Egypt e-Visa.