The uniqueness about Egyptian cuisine lies in its extensiveness and utilization
of various food varieties. The influence of foreign culture and dominance can
be easily noticed in Egypt dishes. Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, Palestine and
other Mediterranean countries have great influence on cuisine of Egypt. But inspite
of this effect Egypt food shows a kind of uniqueness.
Egyptian dishes are simple but are known for flavor and for use of fresh ingredients.
Food in Egypt is mainly made by naturally ripened fruits and vegetables flavored
with fresh spices. Cuisine in the south of Egypt is closely linked to North
African but is more mouthwatering one.
Rice and bread are the main food items of Egyptian cuisine. Meat is a luxury
dish taken in small amount and cooked with vegetables and served along with
rice. Fava beans are also an important part of Egyptian diet. A popular cuisine
of Egypt includes bean and falafel with veal, lamb and pigeon.
A traditional dish of Egypt is Molokhia-a nutritious soup made from a green
leafy vegetable. By adding this leafy vegetable Egyptians made a variety of
dishes including meat (lahhma), vegetable (khudaar), and fish (seamark) soups
or shurbah as popularly known and all are delicious.
As Egypt is a Muslim country so the taste of Kebabs is worth mentioning. The
most favored and popular is the Kufta-a ground lamb flavored with spices and
onions and rolled into long narrow 'meatballs' and roasted like kebabs. But
the national non-vegetarian delicacy is dish of pigeons (hamaam) stuffed with
seasoned rice and grilled.
Umm ali is another national dish of Egypt. Mahallabiyya is the Egyptian rice
pudding food. Pastries available in Egypt are mainly French and are commonly
called as gatoux.
As Egyptian drinks are concerned alcohol is generally not served. Turkish coffee
and Beer are the most favored drinks of Egyptian.
Egypt has large number of eating outlets and restaurants scattered all over
in the country. One can easily find a McDonald, Domino's Pizza and KFC eating
outlet in Egypt. Egypt has many restaurants in all cities that serve many foreign
cuisines also. Among these II Pozzo (Italian)-Sharm El Sheikh, Sinai; Justine
(French)-Zamalek, Cairo; J W's Steakhouse (American)-Zamalek, Cairo; Kona Kai
Restaurant (Japan)-Sharm El Sheikh, South Sinai; La Chesa Swiss Restaurant-Down
Town, Cairo are some.
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