Egyptian Culture

Eating & Drinking

“A blend of Mediterranean, Nubian, and Ancient Egyptian cuisine—your tastebuds will be overwhelmed by this unique culinary experience.”

Ancient Egyptians mastered the art of vegetables and legumes in basic but tasty food. Many of the contemporary Egyptian food have origins dating back to 5000 years ago. Today, local cooks make their modernist touches to them, turning even the simplest ingredients like fava beans into edible art. For the complete Egyptian food experience, make sure you try everything from street food to restaurants. When in Alexandria or Dahab, go for the exquisite seafood. As for the cities around the Nile, they offer a hearty combination of Nubian, African, and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. Don’t forget to check out our Egyptian food guide for the best dishes to try in Egypt.

Egyptian beer may not be the best in the world, but the country boasts some of the oldest brewery techniques. Saqqara or Stella are good choices to try with their improved taste. After all, it is more about the cultural experience than culinary exploration.

No trip to Egypt is complete without a visit to its smoky coffeehouses. Traditionally, they are for men, but all tourists are welcome to be a part of this unique experience. You will immediately recognize one by the cheerful clinking of glasses and rolling dice. All you have to do is follow the tempting smell of freshly brewed Egyptian tea. These coffeehouses are almost essential to Egyptian culture.

Religion & Etiquette

Islam is the dominant religion in Egypt, with almost 90% of the population identifying as Muslim. The rest mainly consists of Coptic Orthodox Christians. As a traveler, you can make the most of the religious Egyptian culture by observing the fabric of everyday life. Islamic culture manifests itself through the dresses, prayer times, the majestic tunes of Azan, and many more. Also, Egyptians approach religious matters with extreme sensibility. You may find it helpful to practice respect while talking about such concepts when surrounded by locals. Other issues such as public displays of affection also require caution.

It may come with some adjustments to your travel itinerary, but Ramadan is actually one of the best times to visit Egypt. Muslim Egyptians fast from dawn till dusk during this holy month, and delightful celebrations take place all around the country. Just make sure you check the opening hours of the restaurants where you wish to dine.

You will not be frowned upon for contradicting the etiquette, especially in the big cities, except for religious matters. A few rules to keep in mind are as follows: When you are visiting a mosque or a private home, take off your shoes. It is always good to treat elders with respect. If you encounter someone in prayer, don’t walk in front of them or speak to them, as this is considered an insult.