What Food To Try in Hurghada and Food Prices

Ful Medames - Fava Bean Stew - A hearty mix of slow-cooked fava beans, garlic, and spices, often topped with olive oil and cumin. Breakfast is a popular time for locals to enjoy this dish with warm bread.

Koshari - Egyptian Pasta Dish - This layered bowl features rice, lentils, macaroni, and topped with a zesty tomato sauce and fried onions for added crunch. A common street food eaten at any time, you'll often find it made fresh at local stalls during lunch.

Molokhia - Jute Leaf Stew - This savory stew is made with finely chopped jute leaves simmered with garlic, coriander, and chicken or rabbit. It's a staple for dinners, traditionally served over rice, and best enjoyed with family and friends.

Sayadiya - Fish Rice - Flavored rice cooked with spices and flaky white fish, often garnished with caramelized onions. Locals frequently serve it during Friday lunches, celebrating the end of the workweek with delicious gatherings.

Bamia - Okra and Tomato Stew - A rich stew made with tender okra, garlic, and spiced tomato sauce, often slow-cooked with lamb. This dish is commonly enjoyed during Ramadan and is a favorite for breaking the fast.

Shawarma - Spiced Meat Wrap - Juicy, marinated meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, usually served in a warm wrap with garlic sauce, vegetables, and pickles. Perfect for a quick meal, though many order it without realizing it’s best enjoyed at lunchtime.

Beeh - Seasonal Fish Dish - Freshly caught, grilled fish seasoned simply with salt and spices, commonly shared among families on summer evenings. Locals love to enjoy this dish while sitting by the beach, taking advantage of the sea breeze.

Mahshi - Stuffed Vegetables - Zucchini or bell peppers filled with a spiced rice and meat mixture, then simmered in a savory tomato sauce. Often served during family gatherings, this dish carries a sense of nostalgia and is a labor of love.

Karkadeh - كركديه (hibiscus tea) - A vibrant deep-red tea brewed from dried hibiscus flowers, often served chilled with a touch of sugar. Locals enjoy it throughout the day, especially during the hot summer months when it's refreshing after a long day at the beach.

Fresh Mango Juice - عصير مانجو (sweet fruit drink) - Freshly squeezed mango blended with little to no added sugar, dotted with the pulp for an extra rich texture. Popular at beachside cafés or local juice stands, it’s a go-to drink for locals to cool off in the sweltering summer; a must-try when mangos are in season!

Stout Beer - بيرة قوية (local brew) - A dark, rich beer made from roasted malt, often enjoyed cold on a relaxing evening after a day in the sun. While not all cafés serve alcohol, you'll find it in licensed venues where it's a favorite pairing with shisha (water pipe) sessions; just be sure to check their drink menu.

Baklava - بقلاوة (sweet pastry) - Layers of flaky pastry filled with nuts and sweetened with honey, cut into small diamond-shaped pieces. Commonly served during family gatherings and celebrations, locals might enjoy it with a cup of strong coffee afterward; it's a mistake to miss asking for it warm.

Ice Cream - آيس كريم (frozen treat) - Local ice cream has a uniquely stretchy texture, flavored with exotic ingredients like mango, guava, or even rose water. Best savored on a stroll along the promenade after dinner, as the evenings cool down; just be warned, locals devour it quickly, so you'll want to share not one, but two!

By the way, don’t be surprised if you find many places using the Arabic names for these delights—it's part of the charm!