The koshari of Egyptis one of the most popular dishes, especially among the poorest strata, but also among the wealthiest pockets, since it can be served as a fast-food dish on the street or as a refined dish in a fancy restaurant. In this post we tell you what exactly is the koshariwhat’s in it and where you can eat it.
What is koshari and what is in it
The kosharialso often known as koshary or kushari, is a staple dish of Egyptian cuisine and, increasingly, of vegan cuisine in general, since the original recipe is meatless and contains very energetic ingredients, especially two legumes: chickpeas and lentils. This would be a list of what should not be missing:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato
- Pasta (noodles)
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Spice mix (baharat)
- Rice
- Sweet paprika
- Salt
- Oil
As far as the presentation on the plate is concerned, it is served on the plate with all the ingredients mixed together and with rice pudding and a variety of sauces to add as an extra. Among those sauces may be a spicy spicy tomato sauce, which is actually the strongest ingredient it can carry, hence among tourists (especially those with more sensitive stomachs) it is also quite an accepted dish.
In addition, it is possible to add some meat (usually lamb, slices or shawarma). There is also a lot of freedom in the choice of spices, since baharat is really a mixture in which each cook hides his or her own secret: cloves, cumin, black pepper, oregano, etc. Although it may look like a summer salad, it is actually served hot.
Where to eat a good koshari in Egypt
If what you want is to eat a good koshari in Egypt during your trip to this country, the possibilities you have in your hand are many. If you want to eat it like an Egyptian would eat it, you can order it on the street, served in the classic fast food stalls. On the other hand, you will also have no trouble finding a more sophisticated restaurant that includes the koshari in its menu of dishes.
It should also be said that it is also usually eaten at iftar, that is, to break the fast during Ramadan, since it is really caloric and energetic. Some of the best rated in Cairo are El Tahrir or Sayed Hanafy, while in Luxor others such as El Zaeem receive good reviews.
However, these are just a few recommendations for those who are traveling alone and wish to explore on their own. On the other hand, if you want to receive a more personalized recommendation, you can ask our advice if you have organized your trip with us: the staff of our tours will be able to advise you according to your tastes and budget. And, in fact, the koshari can be an interesting option to choose in our lunch packages, which in some cities include lunch in a local restaurant.
