Top 8 must-try desserts in Egypt for food lovers

Egypt has long been the melting pot of trade between Africa, Europe, and Asia, as well as the hub of civilizations.

When it comes to desserts in Egypt, the chefs here are masters. You've never eaten Middle Eastern desserts, gateaux, cakes, mille feuille, and even ice cream like the one you ate in Egypt.

Even though many of these desserts are common among Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, Egyptians nonetheless have their touch.

But with such a wide variety, where can you begin to sample?

What To Eat In Egypt? Best Desserts In Egypt

Desserts and sweets are made in Egypt to commemorate holidays and religious occasions or just because they taste good. These are six of the best desserts in Egypt.

Omm Ali

Omm Ali is a staple of dessert in Egypt.  It can be found on the table at any Egyptian family meal as well as at both casual and upscale dining restaurants in Egypt.

Made from bread or flaked dough in a tagine (ceramic bowl), Om Ali is a baked pudding that is topped with milk, sugar, nuts, and cream before being cooked on a grill to give it its distinctive golden color.

You can serve this dessert cold or heated. Translated as "Ali's mother," the dish's name alludes to a narrative from the 13th century that Sultan Ezz El Din Aybak's wife made the dessert as a token of celebration and distributed it to the populace. 

Omm Ali is a staple of dessert in Egypt

Qatayef

Qatayef is an Arabian dessert and one of the best Ramadan desserts Cairo. This sweet pancake is usually stuffed with cheese or nuts like hazelnuts, pistachios, almonds, or walnuts. You can also have qatayef plain, with clotted cream on top, or with sugar syrup drizzled over it.

Nothing is thought to be better than spending a few evenings together and indulging in qatayef, which is either made in food booths on the streets or given over to friends as a sweet present, following the Ramadan fast. Even though the meal has Fatimid roots, it is now baked in many households throughout the Levant and Egypt. 

Qatayef is an Arabian dessert and one of the best Ramadan desserts Cairo

Kunafa

Kunafa is another iconic food associated with the holy month of Ramadan. All year long, you may still get it in dessert stores, either on its own or combined with other oriental sweets. 

A nut mixture with sugar, milk, vanilla pudding, or mangoes can be used to fill the traditional Egyptian version of kunafa. Mild-cheese fillings like Ricotta, custard, or single-layered Konafa with nutella or even half a red velvet cake on top are examples of imported or updated versions. 

That's right, every Ramada, visitors will find the best kunafa in Cairo or all of Egypt in a new and fashionable way!

Kunafa is another iconic food associated with the holy month of Ramadan

Read more about the famous food of Egypt

Mahalabia

The French blancmange and the creamy Arabian dessert mehalabiya are very similar. A blend of milk and sugar is used to make it, and rice flour or cornstarch is used to simmer and thicken it. Typically, orange blossom or rose water is added for flavor.

It is served cold after being poured into smaller molds while still hot and let to solidify. Throughout the Arabian Peninsula, Middle East, and North Africa, this straightforward and filling dessert is enjoyed in slightly varied ways.  Regional variations often include toppings like pistachios, almonds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, or raisins, showcasing the diverse flavors of desserts in Egypt and neighboring areas.

Zalabia

The Egyptian donut, or Zalabia, is a descendant of the Greek Loukoumades. It is a sweet, crispy, and fluffy delicacy formed from a delicate batter that is spooned into frying oil.

Zalabia can be topped with powdered sugar or covered with sugar syrup. Melted chocolate or caramel drizzled on top are examples of contemporary takes on this classic dish. 

The Egyptian donut, or Zalabia, is a descendant of the Greek Loukoumades

Aish el Saraya

Breadcrumbs dipped in syrup and caramel, garnished with pistachios, and topped with cream makeup Aish el Saraya. It is a rich, creamy dish that makes you think of tiramisu.

The literal meaning of Aish el Saraya is "bread of the palace." It probably originated with the Ottomans and is quite popular throughout the Levant.

It is as creamy as cheesecake when served cold. Aish el Saraya is a must-try for travelers seeking the best cheesecake in Egypt.

Aish el Saraya is a rich, creamy dish that makes you think of tiramisu

Explore more about the ancient Egypt food and drink

Sweet Feteer

Sweet feteers with caster cream, pineapple, chocolate, and almonds are the most popular. Observing the feteer-making process is captivating, as the cook works quickly to make the dough with amazing strength and accuracy. The dish is a must-have in any Egyptian town; the multilayer pastry and flaky texture are Egyptian specialties.  The most common feteer is made with ingredients including milk, honey, and white powdered sugar as a garnish.

Zulbia

Last on our list of the best desserts in Egypt is zulbia. Although it is thought to have originated in Persia, zulbia, also known as jalebi, is a dessert that has spread throughout the Middle East, India, and Asia in many forms. In its most basic form, this sweet treat is made by mixing flour, yogurt, ghee, baking soda, or yeast to make a batter that is then poured into the sizzling oil in circular patterns.

The final result is a crispy delight covered in a thick syrup that can be flavored with cardamom, honey, saffron, rosewater, or orange blossom water. Zulbia is typically garnished with chopped pistachios or saffron threads and is eaten on special occasions.

Last on our list of the best desserts in Egypt is zulbia

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Tips for enjoying desserts in Egypt

• Try them fresh: Many Egyptian desserts taste best when they’re freshly made. Travelers can look for street vendors or bakeries that prepare these treats on the spot.
• Pair with tea or coffee: To balance the flavors of Egyptian desserts, which are frequently rather sweet, they go well with unsweetened tea or coffee.
• Examine regional variations: Although these desserts are well-liked throughout Egypt, there may be regional variations. Never be afraid to ask residents for suggestions on where to locate the best versions.

Conclusion

You might lose your calm if you are on any form of sugar-free diet after reading this article. The word "sugar" alone leaves a taste in your tongue. Imagine indulging in some of the best desserts in Egypt; every penny you spend will be well worth it. The desserts in Egypt that are well-known come from a variety of cultures and backgrounds, but some are so well-liked that Egyptians have adopted them and they are now referred to as Egyptian delicacies.

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