The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

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As Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims all over the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast. It is a time of joy, celebration, and of course, delicious food. In Egypt, several traditional dishes are enjoyed during Eid al-Fitr, and since we couldn’t celebrate Sham El Neseem properly this year, we are definitely adding some Easter favourites to the list! So here are six of the most famous dishes we cannot wait to stuff our faces and tummies with this year.

1. Fattah

This popular Egyptian dish is made with layers of bread, rice, and meat, all topped with garlic and vinegar sauce. It is a hearty and filling dish that is often served during special occasions like Eid.

2. Kahk

A sweet pastry typically served during Eid al-Fitr, kahk is a small, round cookie that is either plain or filled. There is a lot of debate around the fillings of kahk, but if we had to choose, Aagameya would take the win. Kahk is often dusted with powdered sugar and can be enjoyed with tea and late-night Eid festivities. 

3. Ful Medames

It’s a traditional Egyptian breakfast dish made with fava beans, onions, and spices. Ful medames is often served with bread and is a staple dish during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr breakfasts.

4. Feseekh and Renga

The famous traditional Egyptian dishes typically enjoyed during the Easter holiday don’t need introductions. However, since Easter fell in the middle of Ramadan this year, we cannot wait for Eid to finally celebrate Easter as we should. Feseekh is a type of salted and fermented mullet fish, while renga is a type of salted fish — it’s basically a smelly party that you do not want to miss!

5. Mahshi

We can’t get enough of this popular Egyptian dish made with stuffed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers. The vegetables are filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices, then simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce; who can resist that at any time of the year?

6. Seafood

We Egyptians love to indulge in seafood during Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Seafood dishes such as grilled fish, calamari, and shrimp are popular during the festivities, as we usually abstain from them during Ramadan. We can’t wait to enjoy these dishes with family and friends, where we share the delicious seafood marvels and celebrate the end of Ramadan. 

Eid al-Fitr is a time of celebration and delicious food in Egypt. From the hearty and filling fattah to the sweet and indulgent kahk, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this festive season. So, gather your family and friends and dig into these traditional dishes that are sure to make your Eid al-Fitr celebrations even more memorable.