What Food To Try in Sharm el-Sheikh and Food Prices

Foul Medames - Fava Bean Dish - A hearty mix of slow-cooked fava beans topped with olive oil and spices, usually served with pita bread. Breakfast staple in local homes, often enjoyed with a side of hard-boiled eggs and fresh vegetables.

Koshari - Egyptian Street Food - A filling layer of rice, lentils, and pasta topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy onions. Found at street stalls, it's the ultimate comfort food, especially popular during lunchtime at local markets.

Sayadeya - Fish Platter - Tender fish marinated with spices, then sautéed and served over spiced rice with caramelized onions. Locals typically savor it for dinner, especially near the coast, where the freshest catch can be enjoyed.

Mahshi - Stuffed Vegetables - Bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplants filled with a flavorful mix of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. Often cooked in a tomato sauce, this home-cooked dish reflects family gatherings and can be found in traditional eateries.

Koshari with Chicken - Chicken Koshari - Taking the classic koshari up a notch by adding tender chicken pieces. Order it after mid-day, and locals might quirkily ask for extra crispy onions on top for that perfect crunch.

Molokhia - Jute Leaf Stew - A viscous stew made from the jute leaf, served with rice or bread, often accompanied by chicken or rabbit. Availability peaks in winter months, and I’ve seen families serve it as the centerpiece of a cozy dinner.

Shawarma - Spiced Meat Wrap - Marinated meat, typically chicken or beef, cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in a wrap with garlic sauce and pickles. This favorite street food can get mistakenly ordered as a light snack but is a filling meal, perfect for lunch or as a midnight street food indulgence.

Fattah - Egyptian Rice Dish - A rich blend of rice, bread, and meat with tangy tomato sauce, often garnished with almonds. Locals usually serve it during special occasions or holidays, making it a rare yet memorable dish to seek out when in town.

Qamar al-Din - قمر الدين (apricot juice) - A refreshing drink made from apricot paste, mixed with water and sometimes sweetened. It’s especially popular in the warmer months at iftar during Ramadan, often served chilled with ice. By the way, locals often mistake it for regular juice; it’s a thicker, sweeter delight!

Ahwa - قهوة (Egyptian black coffee) - Intense coffee brewed using finely ground beans, then simmered on the stove until foamy. Typically enjoyed after meals or during afternoon social gatherings; it's common to sip it slowly while chatting with friends in cafés. A common mix-up is to order it too sweet, as many prefer it strong and black.

Hibiscus Tea - كركديه (refreshing herbal tea) - A vibrant, tangy drink prepared with dried hibiscus flowers steeped in hot water, often sweetened for flavor. It's great to quench thirst during the day, especially in summer, as locals love to serve it chilled over ice. It’s a unique alternative to sodas!

Basbousa - بسبوسة (semolina cake) - A moist cake made from semolina, soaked in a sugary syrup and sometimes garnished with almonds. Typically enjoyed during special occasions like Eid, it is often served at room temperature, and its texture creates a delightful contrast with the syrupy sweetness.

Sharbat - شربت (cold syrup drink) - A sweet, fruity beverage made from various syrups mixed with water, often flavored with rose or watermelon. Popular during festivals or hot afternoons, it's served over ice for a refreshing treat. A lot of folks love to try different flavors, especially during weddings!