Introduction: An Overview of Egyptian Breakfast Cuisine
Egyptian cuisine is a blend of traditional and modern flavors from the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. Egyptian breakfast is no exception, as it offers a variety of dishes that showcase the country’s culinary diversity. Breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day in Egypt, and it usually consists of a combination of savory and sweet dishes, accompanied by hot beverages like tea and coffee.
Ful Medames: An Ancient Egyptian Breakfast Staple
Ful Medames is a hearty breakfast dish made of fava beans cooked with herbs and spices. It is considered one of the oldest dishes in Egyptian cuisine, dating back to ancient times. The dish is usually served in a bowl, topped with olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped herbs like parsley and cilantro. It is typically eaten with baladi bread, which is a type of Egyptian flatbread.
Shakshuka: A Classic Breakfast Dish from Egypt and Beyond
Shakshuka is a popular breakfast dish in Egypt and many other countries in the Middle East and North Africa. It is a savory dish made of eggs poached in a tomato-based sauce with onions, peppers, and spices like cumin and paprika. It is usually served with baladi bread or pita bread for dipping in the sauce.
Baladi Bread: The Traditional Bread of Egypt
Baladi bread is a type of Egyptian flatbread that is an essential part of the country’s cuisine. It is made of wheat flour, water, and sometimes yeast, and it is baked in a clay oven. The bread has a chewy texture and a slightly sour taste, and it is usually served with savory dishes like ful medames or shakshuka.
Hawawshi: A Savory Egyptian Breakfast Pastry
Hawawshi is a popular breakfast pastry in Egypt made of baladi bread stuffed with spiced ground meat like beef or lamb, onions, and herbs like parsley and cilantro. The pastry is then baked in a hot oven until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is usually served with tahini sauce or hot sauce.
Ta’meya: The Egyptian Version of Falafel
Ta’meya is a popular Egyptian street food that is often eaten for breakfast. It is a type of falafel made of fava beans, onions, and herbs like parsley and cilantro. The mixture is formed into small patties and then fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Ta’meya is usually served with tahini sauce and pickled vegetables.
Feteer Meshaltet: A Flaky Egyptian Pastry
Feteer Meshaltet is a flaky pastry that is a popular breakfast dish in Egypt. It is made of layers of thin dough that are brushed with clarified butter or ghee and then folded into a square shape. The pastry is then baked in a hot oven until it is crispy and golden brown. It is usually served with honey or jam.
Egyptian Tea and Coffee: The Perfect Complement to Any Breakfast
Tea and coffee are an essential part of Egyptian breakfast cuisine. Egyptian tea is a black tea infused with fragrant herbs like mint or sage, and it is usually served with sugar and sometimes fresh lemon juice. Coffee in Egypt is typically served strong and sweet, with a hint of cardamom or cinnamon. The hot beverages are the perfect complement to any breakfast dish, whether sweet or savory.
