What Food To Try in Luxor and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Luxor for 2024.
National currency: Egyptian Pound, symbol — (international currency code EGP).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Luxor cafes and restaurants
$2.6
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.55
$7.7
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $7.66
$5.1
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.83
What to Try in Luxor
Must-try Dishes
Ful Medames - Fava Beans (hearty breakfast) - A warm dish of slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Locals enjoy it with pita bread for breakfast, often accompanied by a side of fresh vegetables.Koshary - Koshari (traditional street food) - A colorful mix of lentils, rice, macaroni, and tomato sauce, topped with crispy onions and a hint of garlic. You’ll find it sold in small shops and carts; it’s often enjoyed as a filling lunch or dinner.
Molokhia - Jute Leaf Stew (local specialty) - A thick, green stew made from finely chopped jute leaves, typically served with chicken or rabbit. Traditionally eaten with rice or bread, locals savor it during weekends with family.
Fattah - Fattah (celebratory meat dish) - Layers of rice, crispy bread, and slow-cooked meat topped with a rich garlic and vinegar sauce. Commonly served for special occasions, sharing is a big part of enjoying this dish, making it a communal experience.
Mahshi - Stuffed Vegetables (surprising combination) - Zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers stuffed with a mix of rice, herbs, and spices, often simmered in tomato sauce. It's a home-cooked favorite and shows how flexible local cuisine can be.
Sayadeya - Fish Rice (seasonal variation) - A fragrant dish of seasoned rice cooked in fish broth, topped with fried fish. Often enjoyed during fish availability from the Nile, it’s a delightful dinner option for locals celebrating the season's catch.
Desserts & Drinks
Karkade - كركديه (hibiscus tea) - A vibrant red tea made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers, often served chilled or hot with a hint of sweetness. Locals love it during Ramadan to break their fast, and it’s especially refreshing on a hot Luxor day. Qamar al-Din - قمر الدين (apricot juice) - A sweet, thick juice made from dried apricots, often mixed with water or served cold. It’s a popular choice during the hot summer months, especially at iftar time, and is a delightful way to cool down after a day under the sun.
Local Beer - الجعة المحلية (Egyptian brew) - Made from barley, this light lager is refreshing after a day of exploring the temples. Found in bars and restaurants catering to tourists, it's best to enjoy this cold brew during the evenings when locals unwind after work.
Baklava - باكلاوة (layered pastry) - Flaky layers of pastry filled with nuts and drenched in honey syrup, giving it a satisfying crunch. It's often served during celebrations like Eid, making it a festive treat to savor with friends and family.
Mahallabia - مهلبية (milk pudding) - A smooth, creamy dessert flavored with rose or orange blossom water, typically served chilled and topped with nuts or coconut. This is a beloved summer sweet, enjoyed at family gatherings or after a hearty meal, creating a delightful end to any occasion.
By the way, don’t be surprised if you see Karkade served at all times – it’s not just a sunset drink!
Food and Groceries in Luxor
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Oranges | $0.38 |
| Potatoes | $0.26 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.26 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $6.39 |
| Cigarettes | $3.19 |
| Rice | $0.64 |
| Local Cheese | $1.15 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Wandering through Luxor, you often notice how mealtime can feel like a social event. The streets buzz with laughter and chatter as locals gather at food stalls, particularly around the Happy Street area, sharing dishes while they swap stories. Mealtimes here are distinctly communal, and it’s refreshing to see this tradition in action, especially during lunch hours between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. This isn't just about feeding the belly; it’s a time for connecting with neighbors.
In Luxor, lunch typically runs from noon to around 3 PM, while dinner starts rather late, usually around 8 PM. It’s common to see families heading to restaurants during these hours, filling up on various Egyptian delights. Price-wise, you can find street food like falafel or koshari for just around 25 EGP, while a more substantial meal at a mid-range restaurant might set you back about 150 EGP.
The dining landscape is dotted with vibrant markets, especially the Luxor Market, known for its local flavors. When dining out, cash is king here, and while cards are accepted in some places, it's better to carry a bit of cash (keep around 200-300 EGP handy for a casual outing). It’s good practice to check if a service charge is included on your bill—sometimes, it is, and sometimes it isn’t, so keep your eyes peeled! And don't forget about tipping; leaving about 10% is a common way to express your appreciation for the service.
A fascinating local habit is the practice of sharing meals, often with several dishes in the center of the table to encourage a family-style experience. This contrasts with the traditional dining habits of tourists, who may often order single meals. It’s a minor oversight, but a common one, as dining here is much more about sharing and less about solo indulgence.
As for busy periods, weekends, particularly Friday nights, can get quite lively, so plan accordingly if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. If you prefer quieter dining experiences, consider visiting during weekdays, especially early in the evening around 6 PM.
Moreover, when it comes to newer trends, a shift towards fresh, locally sourced ingredients has been quietly emerging among younger chefs, signaling an evolving local food culture.
In summary, Luxor’s dining scene is vibrant and communal, reflecting the warmth of its people and their traditions. Embrace the local habits, explore the markets, and you’ll get a taste of the true essence of Luxor.
In Luxor, lunch typically runs from noon to around 3 PM, while dinner starts rather late, usually around 8 PM. It’s common to see families heading to restaurants during these hours, filling up on various Egyptian delights. Price-wise, you can find street food like falafel or koshari for just around 25 EGP, while a more substantial meal at a mid-range restaurant might set you back about 150 EGP.
The dining landscape is dotted with vibrant markets, especially the Luxor Market, known for its local flavors. When dining out, cash is king here, and while cards are accepted in some places, it's better to carry a bit of cash (keep around 200-300 EGP handy for a casual outing). It’s good practice to check if a service charge is included on your bill—sometimes, it is, and sometimes it isn’t, so keep your eyes peeled! And don't forget about tipping; leaving about 10% is a common way to express your appreciation for the service.
A fascinating local habit is the practice of sharing meals, often with several dishes in the center of the table to encourage a family-style experience. This contrasts with the traditional dining habits of tourists, who may often order single meals. It’s a minor oversight, but a common one, as dining here is much more about sharing and less about solo indulgence.
As for busy periods, weekends, particularly Friday nights, can get quite lively, so plan accordingly if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. If you prefer quieter dining experiences, consider visiting during weekdays, especially early in the evening around 6 PM.
Moreover, when it comes to newer trends, a shift towards fresh, locally sourced ingredients has been quietly emerging among younger chefs, signaling an evolving local food culture.
In summary, Luxor’s dining scene is vibrant and communal, reflecting the warmth of its people and their traditions. Embrace the local habits, explore the markets, and you’ll get a taste of the true essence of Luxor.