Egyptian foods have many origins.
Ethnic Egyptian cuisine is a confluence of several culinary streams. There is the ancient food of the Pharaohs--a big deal in Egypt--and the Arabian influence, the African influence and the Mediterranean influence. There are are also some dishes that are just simply Egyptian whose origins are lost in the in the veils of time.
Ancient Foods
Ancient foods--the foods of the Pharaohs--is a definite part of the Egyptian culinary scene. There are "traditional foods" cafes in every city. These foods are the foods that were available in ancient Egypt: beans, peas, figs, beets, barley and wheat plus breads and beer made from barley and wheat. This category also includes native fish cooked with onions and coriander and the ubiquitous Egyptian bread "aish" (pronounced "ice"). Strangely enough, some of the hippest young Egyptians are regulars at the traditional foods cafes because they like healthy natural foods.
Arabic Foods
Egypt is an Arabic country and Arabic dishes are very popular. Foods like pita bread, hummus, baba ghanoush, tahini and tabbouleh are easy to find. The lamb and goat dishes that are so common in most Arabic countries are usually missing in Egypt, which is largely a vegetarian--or seafood only--country.
African Foods
Foods from all over Africa are eaten in Egypt. This includes both foods from the northern coast like pastilla and couscous as well as the dishes of sub-Saharan Africa like ugali and peanut soup.
Mediterranean Foods
The northern coast of Egypt is on the Mediterranean and all the seafood from the Mediterranean is enjoyed in Egypt, especially in the Ancient city of Alexandria. One of the most common dishes served in Egypt is a perfectly grilled fish on a bed of rice that is cooked with tomatoes, onions and spices. The Nile River is another source of fresh fish for the Egyptian diet.
Simply Egyptian
Many of the foods served in Egypt are distinctly Egyptian, like the unique mint teas that are served with every meal. The traditional breakfast dish is ful mudammas--mashed fava beans served with olive oil, parsley, garlic, onions, lemon juice and garnished with wedges of sliced boiled eggs. A typical lunch consists of a spicy green salad called salata balady which has finely chopped arugula, radishes, cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, carrots, onion (red, green and yellow) and jalapenos. The dressing is an unforgettable mixture of olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, cumin, salt and pepper. A typical dinner includes the national dish called koushari which consists of rice, lentils, garbanzo beans and fried onions. It is topped with a zesty tomato-garlic-vinegar sauce.
Tags: barley wheat, cooked with, dishes that, Ethnic Egyptian, foods cafes
