Cairo Day Tours
When you think of Middle Eastern food, images of massive shawarma spits and grilled lamb kebabs usually come to mind. For American travelers who adhere to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, this can cause a bit of panic before a trip to Cairo.
Relax! You are actually traveling to one of the most accidentally vegan-friendly countries on earth. Because meat has historically been expensive in Egypt, the core of the traditional Egyptian diet is heavily plant-based. Here is exactly what you should eat.
The Holy Trinity of Egyptian Vegan Food
These three dishes are the backbone of Egyptian street food. They are cheap, completely meat and dairy-free, and absolutely delicious.
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Koshary: The national dish of Egypt. It is a hearty, carb-heavy bowl of lentils, macaroni, rice, and chickpeas, topped with crispy fried onions and drenched in a spicy, garlicky tomato sauce.
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Taameya (Egyptian Falafel): Unlike the falafel in the Levant which is made from chickpeas, Egyptian Taameya is made from crushed fava beans and fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, dill), giving it a vibrant green center.
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Ful Medames: Slow-cooked fava beans mashed with olive oil, cumin, garlic, and lemon juice. It is the staple Egyptian breakfast.
Other Must-Try Vegetarian Dishes
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Baba Ghanoush: Smoked, roasted eggplant blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon.
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Mahshi: Eggplants, zucchini, bell peppers, or vine leaves stuffed with a spiced rice and herb mixture. Always ask for "Sayami" (fasting-style) to ensure no meat broth was used.
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Aish Baladi: The ubiquitous whole-wheat Egyptian flatbread.
How to Order (The Magic Word: "Sayami")
Because of the large Coptic Christian population in Egypt who undergo rigorous fasting periods where they consume no animal products, locals completely understand the concept of veganism. If you want to ensure your food has no meat or dairy, tell the waiter you want your food "Sayami" (fasting food). They will instantly understand.
Dine with Confidence with Kemerya Tours
When you book a trip with Kemerya Tours, you simply let us know your dietary needs in advance. We brief all our private guides, drivers, and partner cruise ships to ensure that every restaurant you visit has a safe, customized, and delicious vegetarian or vegan menu ready for you.
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