Are you visiting Egypt and wondering about what the popular local dish is? In this post, we’ll talk all about Egyptian Koshary from the famous restaurant Abou Tarek in Cairo and why you should try it!
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I think you’ll agree with me when I say that trying new and yummy foods is the best part about traveling! You can see the Mediterranean influence in some of the cuisine from Egypt such as falafel, hummus, and shawarma.
However, Egypt’s national dish is something a little more unique and likely something you’ve never heard of. It’s called Koshary and although it’s a bit strange at first, after a few bites, you’ll love this dish as much as the locals!
Whether you’re a foodie traveler or just enjoy trying new cuisines, you’ll want to keep reading to learn all about Egyptian Koshary and why you should visit Abou Tarek Restaurant to try some.
What is Koshary?
Koshary also spelled Koshari or Kushari, is known as the national dish of Egypt. It’s naturally vegan for all my animal-loving friends out there. It’s a dish served warm that consists of mixed noodles (both macaroni and spaghetti), fried rice, and lentils topped with fried onions, chickpeas, and a vinegary tomato sauce.
I know what you’re thinking… that sounds like a super odd combination of ingredients. But hey, some of the most delicious foreign foods sound weird until you try them.
The combination of spices is what really gives it its flavor and why the exact taste is hard to replicate. Each person can also decide how much hot sauce and/or vinegar they want to add to it really kicking it up a notch.
Egyptian Koshary from Abou Tarek
The most popular place in Cairo (and maybe all of Egypt) for delicious and cheap Koshary is the restaurant Abou Tarek. It’s located in downtown Cairo, just a few blocks away from The Egyptian Museum.
Abou Tarek is an extremely popular, bustling restaurant open almost every day from 7 am to about midnight. I visited about four different times during my trip to Egypt and each time the place was packed!
Even with four floors available to dine at, it was still so busy and full of people. On the bright side, no matter how crowded it is, the food generally still comes out pretty quickly – under about 5 minutes. This makes it the perfect takeaway street food if you’re in a hurry.
The building is illuminated by unmistakably bright blue and red lights every night making this the perfect late-night stop for great food. Koshary is the only thing on the menu with your only option being small or large, for dine-in or takeaway, and how much hot sauce you want.
Do yourself a favor and stop by and eat some Koshary here at least once during your time in Cairo. You’ve got nothing to lose with how cheap this dish is!
Typical Cost of Koshary
Also known as ‘the poor man’s food’ in Egypt, this tasty dish only costs about $1 USD. Crazy right? Of course, the total price depends on whether you get a small or large bowl, any drinks, or desserts. However, I doubt you’ll walk out of there spending more than $5 per person regardless.
The best thing about Koshary is how universal of a dish it is. Although it’s extremely affordable, all kinds of people across Egypt eat it whether it’s school children, wealthy families, or grandmothers cooking for the family.
It’s a unique, hearty, comfort food for most Egyptians and that’s why Abou Tarek comes so highly recommended! Abou Tarek also won the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest Koshary dish in 2015. Take a look at the certificate below.
Whether you’ve had Koshary before or are completely new to the idea, have an open mind and go try it yourself. You won’t regret spending a few bucks on this unique national Egyptian Koshary dish from Abou Tarek!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Egypt’s national dish?
The National dish of Egypt is known as Koshary or Koshari. It’s a popular and cheap dish made with mixed noodles (both macaroni and spaghetti), fried rice, and lentils topped with fried onions, chickpeas, and a vinegary tomato sauce.
It sounds odd at first but once you try it, you’ll love it! It’s also naturally vegan which is always a plus.
How much does koshary cost in Egypt?
Koshary is a popular street food in Egypt and generally costs less than $1 USD for a hefty serving. This is also why it’s known as the “poor man’s plate”.
Does Koshary Abou Tarek offer takeout?
Yes, Abou Tarek offers takeaway Koshary! With how busy they are so often, most nights it’s easier to grab a bowl for takeaway to avoid the crowds.
For more Egypt information, you may also like:
- Fantastic 17-Day Itinerary For Remarkable Egypt And Jordan Trip
- 35 Fascinating And Unique Things Egypt is Known For
- How To Use Uber in Egypt: Helpful Tips & Tricks (2023)
