Typical Egyptian Breakfast Menus to Start Your Everyday

We all know breakfast is an important meal of the day. A wholesome breakfast can give you enough energy to start a day. Probably Egyptians had figured out the importance of breakfast as they create some power pact meals to start the day.

The Egyptian breakfast, according to some specialists, is made and served in the same way as during the times of the Pharaohs. Usage of local ingredients, accompanied by bread and legumes are common.

If you are planning on making a trip to this African country, make sure to sample these delicacies. You will not regret the decision.

1. Bread, cheese, eggs, and fruits

Egyptian Eggs

This is one of the simplest breakfasts to be served in a traditional Egyptian household. And when you are rushing, a fuul (fava bean paste) sandwich is preferred among the office goers. In Egyptian cuisine, bread has always been a necessary component. Hieroglyphics on the ancient monuments have pictures of bakers baking and selling bread to people. During those times, laborers were even paid in bread for their work.

The A’aish bread, an integral part of the local diet, looks similar to the pita bread. Made from the mix of plain and whole meal flour, usually, these pieces of bread are cooked over open flames. Locals use the pieces of the bread to scope out the dips, for melting in the mouth experience.

2. Foul Medames

Another famous Egyptian breakfast is Foul Medames, a simple dish made from stewed fava beans and ground spices like cumin, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, lemon, and salt. Traditionally, a bowl of Fuul is served with bread, eggs, pickled vegetables, and a variety of dips.

Making the Foul Medames is an intense process, and requires overnight soaking of the beans and slow cooking on an idra or pot. The street style Foul Medames is very delicious to eat and can leave a pleasant after taste in your mouth.

3. Beid Bel Basterma or Beid Bel Basturma

Undoubtedly, a heavy breakfast on the lot, the Beid Bel Basturma is a cult favorite. An Egyptian version of bacon and eggs, the dried beef cooked with lots of eggs (on a pan of clarified butter). It creates a divine aroma while cooking, and a melting in the mouth taste. A healthy serving of the dish with a cup of tea, and you are sorted for the day.

While preparing this Egyptian breakfast, the dried beef is marinated with a mix of spices like cumin, fenugreek, garlic, and paprika. A’aish Baladi bread and the traditional dips are served with the dish. Locals prefer eating this breakfast with their hands, instead of using cutlery.

4. Taameya or Ta'meya

The last name on the list of traditional Egyptian breakfast, Taameya or Ta'meya is an Egyptian falafel. It’s bigger, better, and yummier than your old falafel and can be eaten during any part of the day. The fava beans are ground pasted and mixed with spices. Next, the small portions of the fava paste are fried in oil and served with A’aish Baladi – the omnipotent bread.

Tea - the breakfast partner

One of the prime companions of Egyptian breakfast is tea. Egyptians love their tea and have them during any part of the day. They prefer their tea with lots of sugar and a dash of mint – for that extra flavor. Milk is optional.

Here is a list of some of the fascinating breakfast items that are popular in the Egyptian household. These are healthy eating options and keep you satiated for a long time.