Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Ismailia, Al Ismā‘īlīyah, Egypt
1. Koshary from El Tahrir Street
A popular Egyptian mixed dish made with rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and tomato sauce topped with garlic vinegar and crispy onions. Experience the local atmosphere at a street-side café.
- Authentic Flavor: Traditional recipe handed down through generations.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the vibrant and lively street-side dining culture.
- Affordability: Koshary is a budget-friendly meal option.
2. Feteer Baladi from Feteer El Mesk El Hadaba
A traditional Egyptian pastry made with layers of thin dough and filled with various ingredients like cheese or nuts. Try this delicious treat at the famous bakery in Ismailia.
- Local Specialty: Feteer Baladi is a dish unique to the region.
- Wide Variety: Choose from different fillings and flavors.
- Freshness: Baked daily using traditional methods.
3. Molokhia from Al-Azhar Mosque Area
A traditional Egyptian dish made with molokhia leaves (jute mallow) and served with rice or potatoes. Savor the unique flavor at a restaurant near the historic Al-Azhar Mosque.
- Historic Surroundings: Dine in an area rich with history and culture.
- Health Benefits: Molokhia is rich in iron, calcium, and other essential minerals.
- Spicy Twist: Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference.
4. Taamiya from El-Sherif Road
A fried chickpea pancake served with tomato sauce, chopped onions, and pickled vegetables. Visit a street vendor along El-Sherif Road for this tasty snack.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the bustling street-side dining culture.
- Portability: Easy to eat on-the-go or while exploring the city.
- Affordable: A budget-friendly snack option.
5. Kebda Shawarma from Street Vendors
Minced liver cooked on a vertical spit and served in a pita bread with salad, pickles, and hot sauce. Experience the flavor at street vendors scattered throughout Ismailia.
- Authentic Flavor: Traditional recipe handed down through generations.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the vibrant and lively street-side dining culture.
- Spicy Flavor: Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference.
6. Ruzz from Al-Ismailia Club Area
A traditional Egyptian rice dish cooked with meat, lentils, and vegetables. Try this comforting meal at a restaurant near the Al-Ismailia Club.
- Comfort Food: Ruzz is a hearty and filling dish.
- Traditional Taste: Incorporates a variety of flavors and textures.
- Healthy Option: Rice-based, making it a good choice for those watching their carb intake.
7. Mahshi from Street Vendors
Vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini stuffed with rice and spices. Find these delicious street snacks along El-Sherif Road.
- Portability: Easy to eat on-the-go or while exploring the city.
- Vegetarian Option: A great choice for vegetarians and vegans.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the bustling street-side dining culture.
8. Ful Medames from Local Cafes
Mashed fava beans served with oil, lemon juice, and spices. Savor this popular breakfast dish at a local café.
- Traditional Breakfast: A staple dish enjoyed by locals for generations.
- Healthy Option: High in protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.
- Adaptable: Customize with toppings like onions, garlic, and hot sauce.
9. Basbousa from Sweets Shops
A sweet semolina cake soaked in syrup and flavored with rosewater or orange blossom water. Satisfy your sweet tooth at a local sweets shop.
- Local Sweet Specialty: Basbousa is a dish unique to the region.
- Flavor Variations: Choose from rosewater, orange blossom water, or other flavors.
- Affordable Treat: A budget-friendly dessert option.
10. Kunafa from Street Vendors
A sweet cheese pastry made with shredded noodles and soaked in syrup. Find this delectable treat at street vendors throughout Ismailia.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the bustling street-side dining culture.
- Flavor Variations: Choose from cheese or nut fillings and other flavors.
- Warm and Gooey: Enjoy the warm, gooey texture of this delicious dessert.
11. Mahshi Warak Enab from Local Restaurants
Vine leaves stuffed with rice, minced meat, pine nuts, and spices. Savor this traditional dish at a local restaurant.
- Traditional Taste: Incorporates a variety of flavors and textures.
- Healthy Option: Rice-based, making it a good choice for those watching their carb intake.
- Vegetarian Option: A great choice for vegetarians and vegans (ask for the vegetarian version).
12. Tamia from Street Vendors
A traditional Egyptian dish made with mashed fava beans mixed with garlic and cooked with spices. Try this flavorful dish at a street vendor.
- Authentic Flavor: Traditional recipe handed down through generations.
- Street Food Experience: Enjoy the vibrant and lively street-side dining culture.
- Spicy Flavor: Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference.
13. Bamia from Local Restaurants
Okra cooked with tomato sauce and served with rice. Try this dish at a local restaurant for a taste of Egyptian cuisine.
- Traditional Taste: Incorporates the unique flavor of okra.
- Healthy Option: Okra is high in fiber and vitamin C, making it a nutritious choice.
- Versatile Dish: Bamia can be enjoyed as a main dish or side.
14. Awazeef from Local Bakeries
Traditional Egyptian cookies made with semolina and flavored with rosewater. Find these delicious treats at local bakeries.
- Local Specialty: Awazeef is a dish unique to the region.
- Flavor Variations: Choose from rosewater, orange blossom water, or other flavors.
- Affordable Treat: A budget-friendly dessert option.
15. Lahma Bi Ajin from Local Restaurants
A thin pizza-like dish made with minced meat, tomato sauce, onions, and spices. Savor this popular dish at a local restaurant.
- Traditional Taste: Incorporates the unique flavors of Egyptian cuisine.
- Versatile Dish: Can be enjoyed as a main dish or shared among friends.
- Spicy Flavor: Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference.