Best Breakfast in Egypt: Top Places & Traditional Dishes

Breakfast in Egypt might differ from what you’re used to at home, but it offers a delightful array of dishes you must try while visiting. Egyptian breakfasts are a colorful and diverse experience that showcases the country’s rich culinary heritage. They typically include an assortment of wholesome and satisfying dishes, often made with fresh, local ingredients. Here are some of the essential components and popular dishes you'll find in a typical Egyptian breakfast.

A joyful morning: Delving into the essence of Egyptian breakfast

The essence of Egyptian breakfast is a vibrant tapestry of flavors and traditions that reflects the country's rich culinary heritage. This morning ritual includes dishes like Ful Medames, a hearty fava bean stew, and Ta’ameya, Egypt’s unique take on falafel made from fava beans. These dishes are often accompanied by warm, fluffy pita bread, a tahini drizzle, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Breakfast in Egypt is not just a meal; it’s a communal experience, where families gather to share food and stories, creating lasting memories over a table filled with delicious offerings. This blend of taste, tradition, and togetherness embodies the true spirit of an Egyptian morning.

Let’s explore the typical breakfast in Egypt

Let's take a look at the usual breakfast in Egypt: Begin your day like a resident with a tasty variety of classic Egyptian breakfast foods that provide an ideal mix of tastes and cultural diversity.

Shakshouka: Eggs in spicy tomato sauce

Shakshouka is a beloved breakfast dish featuring poached eggs nestled in a zesty, spiced tomato sauce. Despite its unique name, this dish is straightforward to prepare. It typically begins with sautéing onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices until they create a rich, flavorful sauce. The eggs are then cracked into the mixture and poached until perfectly set. For an extra kick, merguez sausage can be added. While shakshouka is believed to have originated in Tunisia, it has become a staple enjoyed throughout North Africa and the Middle East, making it one of the best breakfasts in Egypt.

Shakshouka is a popular breakfast option for Egyptians 

Foul Medames: The classic Egyptian staple

Ful Medames, Egypt's cherished national dish, has roots that stretch back to pre-Ottoman and pre-Islamic eras. Central to a classic Egyptian breakfast, it has been savored for centuries. This hearty dish is crafted from slow-cooked fava beans, which are mashed with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and cumin, and then topped with fresh herbs, boiled eggs, or tahini. Served alongside warm pita bread or Aish Baladi (Egyptian flatbread), Ful Medames provides a wholesome and filling start to the day, remaining a treasured part of Egyptian cuisine.

Evidence of this dish has even been found in the tombs of Egyptian kings from the 12th Dynasty, highlighting its long-standing popularity in ancient Egypt.

Foul Medames: The Classic Egyptian Staple

Bissara: Traditionally served for breakfast

Bissara is a comforting Egyptian and Moroccan dish made with puréed beans—either split peas or dried fava beans. It can be prepared in the form of a soup or porridge, while the thicker versions are commonly used as a dip. A typical breakfast in Egypt features puréed beans seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, and the dish is often served with paprika and cumin on the side, while crusty bread is almost mandatory.

Bissara is traditionally served for breakfast, and it is especially popular during winter.

Bissara is a comforting Egyptian and Moroccan dish 

Egyptian omelette (Eggah)

Eggah is a hearty Egyptian take on an omelet, but it’s not just about the eggs. In fact, eggs often serve as a binding agent for a rich filling that can include chicken, lamb, or a variety of vegetables like eggplants, leeks, spinach, and potatoes.

This flavorful dish is seasoned with spices such as turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, and cinnamon, along with fresh herbs. Typically shaped like a pancake, Eggah is served sliced into wedges or rectangles and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Egyptian omelet is a basic breakfast for travelers 

Egyptian Cheese: Fresh and flavorful

No Egyptian breakfast is complete without Gebna Beida, a type of white cheese similar to feta but with a unique local twist. Often drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with black cumin seeds, it’s served alongside fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, adding a refreshing and savory balance to the meal. Egyptians also enjoy mish, a fermented cheese with a bold flavor, for those looking to try something more adventurous.

Egyptian pie with cheese and honey 

Ta’ameya: Egypt’s crunchy delight

If you're a fan of falafel, you’ll love Ta’ameya, Egypt’s take on the classic dish, made with fava beans instead of chickpeas. This gives the fritters a lighter, airy texture and a vibrant green color thanks to fresh herbs like coriander and parsley. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Ta’ameya is often stuffed into pita bread, drizzled with tahini, and served with fresh salads, making it a crunchy, savory treat that’s a breakfast favorite throughout Egypt and one of the best breakfast places in Cairo.

The fritters are seasoned with spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper, enhancing their flavor. Ta’ameya is typically enjoyed with Egyptian bread, filled with tahini sauce, lettuce, and sometimes fresh tomatoes for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Ta’ameya is Egypt's crispy treat 

Tea and Coffee: The Perfect Pairing

Beverages are just as important as the food in Egyptian breakfast culture. Egyptian black tea, often brewed with fresh mint leaves, is a staple at the breakfast table, providing a refreshing and aromatic start to the morning. For a cool, refreshing option, locals often enjoy freshly squeezed juices like orange, hibiscus, or sugarcane, which are perfect companions to the rich, savory dishes.

Beverages are just as important as the food in Egyptian breakfast culture

To truly appreciate Egypt’s rich culinary heritage, exploring ancient Egyptian food offers a fascinating glimpse into the flavors and traditions that have influenced modern Egyptian breakfasts.

Breakfast delights you can't - Miss in Downtown Cairo

For a breakfast spot in Cairo that offers stunning views, Night & Day at the Semiramis InterContinental is highly recommended for breakfast in downtown Cairo.

Night & Day

• Location: Semiramis InterContinental, Corniche El Nile, Cairo
• Rating: 4.8
• Description: This restaurant not only serves a delicious breakfast but also provides breathtaking views of the Nile River. The ambiance is elegant, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely morning meal.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 6 AM to 11 AM

Another excellent option is Zitouni, located at the Four Seasons Hotel, which also offers beautiful Nile views while serving traditional Egyptian cuisine.

Zitouni

• Location: 1089 Nile Corniche, Qasr El Nil, Cairo
• Rating: 4.6
• Description: Known for its polished dining experience, Zitouni combines stunning views with authentic Egyptian dishes, making it a popular choice for breakfast.
• Opening Hours: Daily from 6 AM to 11:30 AM

Both locations provide not just great food but also an unforgettable dining experience with picturesque views of the Nile, making them ideal for breakfast in Cairo.

A table at an outdoor restaurant offering a stunning view of the majestic Pyramids of Giza

For those looking to enjoy a delicious breakfast and explore more authentic flavors, visiting the best Egyptian restaurants in Cairo is a great way to experience the country's rich culinary traditions. If you’re heading to the coast, you can also check out a restaurant in Dahab for a unique dining experience by the Red Sea.

In Egypt, breakfast is more than just about the food; it’s a cherished time for family and friends to gather, share, and enjoy. If you ever find yourself in Egypt, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the flavors and culture of an Egyptian breakfast. From the savory richness of foul medames to the crispy delight of ta’ameya and the freshness of local cheeses, every dish offers a taste of tradition and authenticity. 

It's an experience that goes beyond the food itself, offering a true taste of Egypt’s warm and inviting spirit. To make this delightful experience a reality, be sure to apply for an e-visa to Egypt before your trip, ensuring you can fully enjoy all the culinary treasures that Egypt has to offer.