Overview of Egyptian Food “Hawawshi”
If you decide to visit Egypt and go on a culinary tour of authentic Egyptian food, Egyptian hawawshi must be at the top of your list specially when you decide to eat authentic street food.
Hawawshi is a classic Egyptian dish that first appeared on the streets of Egypt during the 20th century. It quickly spread to all Egyptian cities, earning the title of the favorite “street food” for many.
While various types of hawawshi have emerged, such as Alexandrian hawawshi and Baladi hawawshi, they all share two main components: bread and meat.
However, what particularly distinguishes Alexandrian hawawshi isn’t just the type of dough used, but also the strong and intense hawawshi spices that give it a distinct flavor compared to the Baladi type.
In this article, I will give you insights about the history of this classic Egyptian food and guide you to the best places to try it in Egypt.
If you can’t travel soon, don’t worry—I’ll also provide you with the perfect recipe to make authentic Egyptian hawawshi at home, as follow:
- History of Egyptian Food “Hawawshi”
- A Guide To Baladi Hawawshi Vs Alexandrian Hawawshi
- How To Make Homemade Hawawshi?
- Where to Eat the Best Egyptian Hawawshi?
- FAQ about this Egyptian Street Food
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History of Egyptian Food “Hawawshi”
Forty-seven years ago, no one had heard of Hawawshi, but this famous Egyptian food emerged in 1971 thanks to a butcher named Mohamed El-Hawawsh.
He was the first to invent the idea of placing minced meat inside a loaf of bread and baking it in an oven.
Mohamed El-Hawawsh used to wander the streets with a simple food cart, selling Hawawshi loaves, and this is how this Egyptian food began its journey as a quintessential part of Egyptian street food.
Even though he didn’t patent the dish under his name, Egyptians immortalized him by calling the dish “Hawawshi,” in his honor.
Since then, this popular meal has spread from Cairo to all parts of Egypt.
The village of El-Aziziya in Sharqia Governorate, in particular, has become a prime destination for anyone wanting to taste authentic Hawawshi.
Over time, different types of this Egyptian food have evolved, such as Baladi and Alexandrian Hawawshi.
While the preparation methods and ingredients are similar, prices vary from place to place, depending on the size of the loaf and the amount of meat.
If you think Egyptian food is a normal thing, think again and consider eating Hawawshi with a local guide from Simsem app.
A Guide To Baladi Hawawshi Vs Alexandrian Hawawshi
If you decide to try Hawawshi, you should know that there are two main types popular in Egypt: Baladi Hawawshi and Alexandrian Hawawshi.
Both versions consist of minced meat seasoned with spices and onions, but the key difference lies in the type of bread used.
Baladi Hawawshi follows the original method invented by Mohamed El-Hawawsh: raw meat is stuffed into a ready-made loaf of bread and then baked in the oven until cooked.
Alexandrian Hawawshi, on the other hand, is prepared differently.
Raw meat is placed inside a specially prepared dough, and both the dough and the meat are baked together in the oven.
Alexandrian Hawawshi can be considered an updated version of the Baladi Hawawshi.
Both, however, are known for their unique and appealing taste that captivates anyone who tries them.
Wherever you’re coming from, let Simsem app help you to know the difference between Baladi Hawawshi and Alexandrian Hawawshi
How To Make Homemade Hawawshi?
After all you’ve read, if you’re craving to try this Egyptian food, here is the way to make homemade Hawawshi:
Homemade Hawawshi Spices and Ingredients
To make Baladi Hawawshi, you’ll need half a kilogram of minced meat, four loaves of Baladi bread, sunflower oil, a small piece of fat (liya), a tablespoon of flour
In addition to this, bring two large onions, green bell and hot peppers, and a tablespoon of tomato paste.
To prepare this Egyptian dish with a perfect blend, the hawawshi spices must include these essential components for a rich and distinct flavor: one teaspoon each of ground coriander, mixed spices, paprika, and black pepper.
You should also add three-quarters of a teaspoon of cardamom, half a teaspoon of cumin, and a quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon, as these are the secret to the delicious taste of hawawshi.
For an authentic smoky flavor, you will also need a medium-sized charcoal briquette.
Preparation of Homemade Hawawshi
Start by finely mincing one and a half onions in a food processor. Then, strain the onion juice using a cheesecloth.
In a big bowl, combine the minced meat with the strained onions, tomato paste, and a tablespoon of flour to help the mixture hold its shape.
Season with hawawshi spices, then knead and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Next, chop the green peppers and add them to the mixture, continuing to knead until everything is fully incorporated.
For an even smoother texture, take a portion of the mixture, mince it again in the food processor, and return it to the bowl.
Cover the mixture and let the meat with other mix rest in the refrigerator for one hour.
To stuff the bread, open each loaf from one side to create a half-moon shape.
In a small bowl, mix a little oil with the reserved onion juice or with regular water.
Using a brush, moisten both the inside and outside of the bread loaves before filling them with the meat mixture.
Place the stuffed loaves on an oiled baking tray and enter it in the oven for 15 minutes, monitoring them and flipping them after 10 minutes.
For a smoky flavor, heat a charcoal briquette on the stove.
Place it in the baking tray alongside the Hawawshi, add a little ghee on top of the coal, and quickly cover the tray so the homemade Hawawshi absorbs the smoky aroma.
Finally, remove the homemade Hawawshi and serve it hot.
And don’t forget to prepare a side dish of tahini; it’s perfect for dipping and complements the unique flavor.
Explore the homemade Hawawshi spices and ingredients to make the best loaf with Simsem app and immerse yourself with this tasty dish.
Where to Eat the Best Egyptian Hawawshi?
If you decide to visit Egypt and try hawawshi, you should eat it at one of two famous places: El-Rifaei Hawawshi or El-Rabie Hawawshi.
They are among the most established shops specializing in this dish.
El-Rifaei Hawawshi
El-Rifaei Hawawshi is considered one of the oldest places to serve hawawshi in Egypt.
Its main branch is in Abdeen, but it has many other branches throughout Cairo and Giza.
El-Rifaei offers a diverse menu that includes different types of hawawshi, such as sausage hawawshi and Alexandrian-style hawawshi, which is spicier and has more intense seasonings.
Their innovation isn’t limited to red meat; they’ve also created chicken hawawshi and even vegetarian options with only cheese and vegetables.
The prices for a single hawawshi loaf there range from $1.50 to $2.40.
El-Rabie Hawawshi
You can enjoy El-Rabie Hawawshi in the Imbaba neighborhood, where you’ll get an authentic feel for local Egyptian life.
What sets El-Rabie apart from El-Rifaei is that its meat comes directly from its own butcher shop, ensuring high quality.
While its menu isn’t as varied as El-Rifaei’s, the prices for its hawawshi range from $2.10 to $2.70, and it’s well-known for the quality of its meat.
Your answer to know if El-Rifaei Hawawshi is the best place to taste this Egyptian dish is here. Download Simsem app to discover the best place.
FAQ about this Egyptian Street Food
- What is Egyptian Hawawshi?
Egyptian Hawawshi is a traditional street food made of bread stuffed with spiced minced meat and baked until crispy. It’s a must-try dish for anyone exploring Egyptian food. - What is the difference between Baladi Hawawshi and Alexandrian Hawawshi?
Baladi Hawawshi is made with traditional Egyptian baladi bread stuffed with minced meat, while Alexandrian Hawawshi uses dough (like pizza dough) filled with meat and baked as a closed pie. - Is el refaey hawawshy always spicy?
Not always. The spice level depends on the recipe. Some cooks add chili or hot peppers, but you can also find milder versions, especially in homemade hawawshi. - Can Hawawshi be vegetarian?
Yes. While the classic recipe is meat-based, some modern versions use vegetables, mushrooms, or even plant-based proteins as a filling. - Where can I try the best Egyptian Hawawshi?
El Refaey Hawawshy in Cairo is one of the most famous spots, but you can also find great hawawshi in local eateries across Alexandria and other cities. - Can I cook Hawawshi at home?
Absolutely. Homemade hawawshi is popular in Egyptian households. You just need bread, minced meat, onions, peppers, and hawawshi spices like cumin, coriander, and chili. - Is Hawawshi served as lunch or dinner?
Hawawshi can be eaten at any time, but it’s most commonly enjoyed as a quick lunch or casual dinner.
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