People in the Levant, for instance, call a similar dish “Mujadara” and often serve it with yogurt.
In Iraq, people prepare a version of the dish with yellow lentils as a complementary side to a meal called “Kubbat al-Hamid.”
Overview of Koshari
You’ve probably heard of the famous Egyptian food known as koshari which is one of the middle east food, but did you know that this grain bowl Egyptian dish might not be originally Egyptian? If not, then you need to join me as a local guide Egypt on this food tour where I’ll tell you all about the history of street food – Koshary.
Koshari isn’t just considered the ultimate comfort food in Egypt; it is also the quintessential Egyptian vegan dish at its core, with its protein being entirely plant-based.
I’m here as a local guide Egypt to take you on a journey where I’ll tell you why you must eat at Koshary Abou Tarek in Cairo.
And not only that, but I’ll also tell you the steps of making this rice lentils pasta dish at home and provide essential tips for enjoying this type of Egyptian street food, as follows:
- Origins and History of Koshari as an Authentic Middle East food.
- What Makes Koshari the Ultimate Comfort Street Food in Egypt?
- Types of Grain Bowl Egyptian Dishes: Vegan & Meat
- Why You Should Try Koshary Abou Tarek in Cairo?
- How To Make Rice Lentils Pasta Dish at Home to Make Koshari?
- Tips of Eating Egyptian Street Food
- FAQ about Egyptian Food “Koshary”
Ready to taste the delicious Koshary? Book your adventure now through the Simsem app.
Origins and History of Koshari as an Authentic Middle East food
While many consider it the ultimate Egyptian comfort food, the history of Koshari actually began in India.
The dish, originally called “Kitchri,” was brought to Egypt by Indian troops who were part of the British forces during World War I.
The history of Koshari in Egypt is a story of adaptation and culinary creativity.
Egyptians first grew familiar with the dish through their interactions with the soldiers.
Soon after, Italian communities living in Cairo fell in love with it and added their beloved pasta to the mix.
However, the most transformative part of the dish’s journey occurred when Egyptians added their signature touches: the spicy red sauce, the pungent Daqqa (a blend of crushed garlic, vinegar, and chili), crispy fried onions, and chickpeas.
This final stage solidified its identity as a truly Egyptian staple.
The history of Koshari as one of the middle east food is a perfect example of how a single dish can be embraced and reinvented across different cultures.
If you think that you know the history of Koshari, think again and consider knowing its origins from a local guide from Simsem app.
What Makes Koshari the Ultimate Comfort Street Food in Egypt?
Egyptians truly treasure Koshary as a national dish, and they widely regard it as the ultimate comfort street food in Egypt.
The reason for its beloved status goes far beyond just its fantastic taste; it’s because it brings together everything Egyptians look for in a single dish: a complete, satisfying, and incredibly affordable meal that anyone can enjoy.
The magic of Koshary lies in its symphony of textures and tastes when it’s eaten with such a local guide Egypt so that the travelers feel as they are in home because sharing authentic middle east food experiences gives the comfort that most travelers need sometimes.
The dish of this middle east food begins with a hearty base of rice, pasta, and vermicelli, layered with lentils and chickpeas.
But the real flavor comes from its signature toppings: the crunchy, golden-brown fried onions, the tangy, spicy tomato sauce, and the powerful Daqqa — a sharp blend of garlic, vinegar, and chili that gives the dish its famously bold and beloved flavor.
What makes Koshary so special is that it’s not just delicious; it’s also remarkably nourishing and filling.
The lentils and chickpeas provide a healthy dose of fiber and plant-based protein, making it a complete and satisfying meal that keeps you full for a long time.
With its low cost and widespread availability, Koshary has become the quintessential Comfort Food in Egypt.
Koshary has transitioned from a simple street food to a true national icon that you can experience with a local guide Egypt.
You can find it nearly everywhere, from humble food carts to famous restaurants, making it an easy and convenient meal to enjoy at any time.
From its flavorful layers to its role as an affordable, accessible meal, Koshary truly embodies the spirit of Comfort Food in Egypt.
Wherever you’re coming from, let Simsem app help you know why Koshari is the ultimate comfort food in Egypt.
Types of Grain Bowl Egyptian Dishes: Vegan & Meat
If you want to know more about Koshary, it’s essential to understand that the grain bowl Egyptian dish comes in a few different types.
One is a vegan Egyptian dish, and the other includes non-plant-based protein like meat or chicken.
To help you decide which grain bowl Egyptian dish to try, here’s a breakdown of both.
The vegan Egyptian dish
This first type of this grain bowl Egyptian dish is entirely plant-based.
It includes all the traditional ingredients: rice, pasta, lentils, crispy fried onions, chickpeas, and the signature Daqqa, chili, and red sauce.
This vegan Egyptian dish has two main varieties: one made with black lentils, which is known as traditional Egyptian Koshary, and another made with yellow lentils, which is called Alexandrian Koshary.
Meat-Enhanced Dish
This second type of this grain bowl Egyptian dish includes all the elements of the authentic vegan Egyptian dish, but with the addition of meat, like ground beef or chicken pieces.
This version is naturally more expensive than the vegan option.
It’s important to know that the original, authentic Koshary is a low-cost, plant-based dish found on almost every street in Egypt.
For this reason, if you’re planning a visit to Egypt, you must try this original vegan version of the dish.
Discover the different types of grain bowl Egyptian dishes with Simsem app from the vegan Egyptian dish to the meat-enhanced dish.
Why You Should Try Koshary Abou Tarek in Cairo?
If you want to know why you should try Koshary Abou Tarek in Cairo, here are a few reasons that will make you head there the moment you arrive.
- A Humble Beginning
Abou Tarek started with a simple Koshary cart that moved through downtown Cairo, serving employees who had little time to cook and were on a tight budget.
From the very beginning, he committed himself to quality, ensuring his Koshary stayed hot, perfectly balanced, and full of distinctive flavor.
Today, the chefs at the restaurant prepare ingredients every hour and a half to ensure the food is consistently fresh and delicious.
- Global Recognition
After just one spoonful, people agree that Koshary Abou Tarek is the absolute best.
The perfectly balanced ingredients and meticulously crafted sauce are a testament to the restaurant’s quality and character.
This dedication to excellence earned the restaurant global recognition, and in 2015 it successfully created the world’s largest Koshary dish, which the Guinness Book of World Records recorded.
All of this led to its ranking as the 64th best restaurant on a list of the top 100 worldwide, putting it in competition with globally renowned restaurants from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
- A Unique Experience
The experience at the restaurant is elevated by its unique service, with waiters who speak multiple languages and provide an entertaining, memorable show.
- Affordable to Everyone
Despite its global fame, Abou Tarek remains a destination for everyone, whether for a local guide Egypt or the traveler.
The prices are modest, starting from 35 EGP for a small bowl and going up to 100 EGP for the large “Golden Man” box.
If you don’t know why you have to try Koshary Abou Tarek in Cairo, let a local guide from Simsem app help you to know its uniqueness.
How To Make Rice Lentils Pasta Dish at Home to Make Koshari?
If you want to make a Rice Lentils Pasta Dish (Koshary) at home but aren’t sure how to start, I’m here to tell you what ingredients you’ll need and walk you through the process step-by-step.
Ingredients of the Rice Lentils Pasta Dish
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup vermicelli
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ lb (½ kg) penne or other small pasta
- Water (for boiling)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (for the sauce)
- ½ lb (½ kg) tomatoes, blended
- ½ tsp black pepper
- A pinch of cumin (for the sauce)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for the Daqqa)
- ¼ cup vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin (for the Daqqa)
- Chickpeas
- Lemon wedges
Instructions of the Rice Lentils Pasta Dish
The Koshary Mix
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a pot and sauté the diced onions until they turn golden brown.
- Remove the onions from the boiling oil and place them on a paper towel to drain.
- In the remaining oil, fry the vermicelli until it turns a golden color.
- Add the rice to the vermicelli, stir constantly, and add salt and a pinch of cumin.
- Separately, soak the lentils for 10 minutes, then boil them in a liter of water for 20 minutes, until they are almost fully cooked.
- Put the cooked lentils with the rice and vermicelli, add the appropriate amount of water, and let them simmer over low heat.
- Wait until the mixture is fully cooked and tender.
The Pasta
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the salt and a tablespoon of oil.
- Add the pasta and let it cook for about 15 minutes, then drain it and rinse with cold water.
The Sauce
- In a relatively small pot, heat a tablespoon of oil until it’s hot.
- Add the minced garlic and stir it well until it turns golden.
- Pour in the blended tomatoes along with salt, black pepper, and cumin.
- Allow the red sauce to simmer until it thickens completely.
The Daqqa (Tangy Garlic Sauce)
- In a relatively small pan, heat some oil and add the minced garlic, stirring well.
- Once the garlic turns golden, add the vinegar.
- Add the water, chili powder, salt, and cumin, and bring the mixture to a single boil before removing it from the heat.
Assembling Your Rice Lentils Pasta Dish
- Spoon an even layer of the Koshary mixture onto your serving plate.
- Add a generous portion of pasta and chickpeas, then top it all with a handful of the crispy fried onions.
- Pour the red sauce over the top of the dish.
- Serve the Daqqa and extra chili on the side, along with lemon wedges, so everyone can customize this complete Rice Lentils Pasta Dish exactly how they like it.
And just like that, you have an authentic Egyptian Koshari dish. Now you can enjoy its flavor until you come to Egypt.
Explore the steps to make a rice lentil pasta dish at home with the Simsem app and immerse yourself with this tasty dish.
Tips of Eating Egyptian Street Food
Egyptian street food is an adventure for your taste buds, but it’s smart to be prepared before you dive in.
Here are some tips to help you navigate the vibrant Egyptian street food scene safely and confidently.
- Trust Your Eyes (and the Crowds)
The golden rule of street food is to look for a busy spot.
A long line of locals isn’t just a sign of popularity; it’s a vote of confidence in a vendor’s hygiene and quality.
A constantly moving line means the food is fresh.
If a cart or stand looks clean and well-maintained, that’s another great sign.
- Start with the Classics
If you’re new to Egyptian street food, begin with the staples.
Koshary, a hearty mix of rice, lentils, and pasta, is a must-try.
Other safe and delicious bets include Foul (fava beans), Ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), and grilled corn on the cob.
These are widely available and are a fantastic introduction to the local flavors.
- Go for Cooked Food
A good rule of thumb is to stick with hot, freshly cooked food.
The cooking process kills most germs, making things like fresh-fried Ta’ameya, piping-hot Koshary, or a grilled liver sandwich (called Kebda) a safer choice.
- Don’t Drink the Tap Water
Avoid drinking tap water, even if it seems safe.
Stick to bottled water, which is available everywhere.
For juice, make sure it’s freshly squeezed and served without ice, or check that the ice is made from bottled water.
- Be Open-Minded and Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask vendors what’s in a dish or how it’s prepared.
While there might be a language barrier, a friendly gesture or pointing can get the message across.
Egyptians are incredibly hospitable and will often be happy to show off their food. You might just discover a new favorite!
If you don’t think that you have enough tips for eating Egyptian street food, let tour guides from Simsem app help you with more tips.
FAQ about Egyptian Food “Koshary”
What is Koshary in Egyptian food?
Koshary is Egypt’s national dish and one of the most famous Egyptian street foods. It’s a mix of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, fried onions, and a spicy tomato sauce. Many travelers try Koshary Egypt as their first authentic local meal.
Why is Koshary so popular in Egypt?
Koshary is affordable, filling, and full of flavor, which makes it the ultimate comfort food in Egypt. It brings together simple ingredients into a rich grain bowl that reflects Egyptian generosity and hospitality.
Is Koshary a vegan Egyptian dish in the middle east food?
Yes. Traditional Koshary is completely vegan since it contains rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas with no meat or dairy. That’s why it’s often called the most famous vegan Egyptian dish loved by both locals and tourists.
Where to eat Koshary in Cairo?
One of the best-known spots is Koshary Abou Tarek Cairo, famous for serving the classic Egyptian grain bowl for decades. However, Koshary shops can be found in almost every neighborhood across Egypt.
What does Egyptian Koshary taste like?
Koshary combines tangy tomato sauce, spicy chili, and crunchy fried onions over a base of rice, lentils, and pasta. The result is a comforting Egyptian food experience that is both savory and satisfying.
Is Koshary healthy?
Koshary is rich in plant-based protein and fiber from lentils and chickpeas, making it nutritious. However, as a rice-lentils-pasta dish, it’s high in carbs, so it’s considered comfort food Egypt enjoys best in moderation.
What is the history of Koshary?
The history of Koshary dates back to the 19th century when it was influenced by Indian rice and lentil dishes and Italian pasta. Over time, Egyptians turned it into their own signature national dish, making Koshary Egypt’s top comfort food.
How do Egyptians eat Koshary?
Most Egyptians add a squeeze of lemon, extra chili sauce, and fried onions to customize their bowl. Eating Koshary this way has become a cultural ritual for Egyptian street food lovers.
Experience the authentic taste of Egyptian food “Koshary” by booking directly with Simsem app.
