Eat Like an Egyptian in Egypt

One of the best ways to get to know Egypt is through its food, and today you’ll do exactly that – eating like an Egyptian with someone who knows Cairo’s street food scene inside out.

You’ll head out on a relaxed food walk with a Cairo resident, stopping at four different spots along the way, so come hungry. First up is koshary, Egypt’s much-loved national dish. It’s a hearty mix of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas and crispy fried onions, finished with tomato sauce and chilli. It may sound unlikely, but it works – and it’s famously filling.

You’ll also try Egyptian falafel, made with fava beans rather than chickpeas and usually eaten for breakfast. They’re flatter than their Middle Eastern cousins, which means more crunch in every bite. Alongside this, you’ll sample a small selection of traditional meze-style dishes and stop for a fresh juice or coffee at a local café to reset the palate.

As well as tasting some brilliant food in places you’d probably never wander into alone, this is a great chance to spend time with a local, chat about daily life in Cairo, and get a more honest feel for the city beyond the sights.