Egyptian Winter Dishes to Try on Your Next Visit
As the cooler months roll into Egypt, locals turn to hearty, comforting dishes that warm both body and soul. Egyptian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and nourishing meals—perfect for the winter season. From soups and stews to seasonal vegetables and warming drinks, here’s a roundup of must-try Egyptian winter dishes.
Vegetables stand display during the winter season.
lentil soup (SHORBET ADS)
Lentil soup is a winter classic in many Egyptian homes. Made from yellow lentils, it is delicious and packed with nutrients, making it ideal for keeping you warm and energized during colder days.
Egyptian lentil soup ingredients display the famous Ads Asfar (yellow lentils).
The soup is typically prepared with yellow lentils, onions, garlic, carrots, and cumin, giving it a unique earthy flavor. The ingredients are simmered together until soft and then blended into a smooth and creamy texture. Sometimes, a touch of lemon juice is added for brightness and fried onions for added texture. Lentil soup is often served with toasted bread or pita on the side, perfect for dipping.
Watch our co-founder, Mia make her Lentil Soup Recipe.
Fattah
Fattah is a celebratory dish often enjoyed during Eid El Adha (Feast of Sacrifice: an important Muslim holiday related to God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son. Abraham prepares to do so, but then God lets him sacrifice a ram instead), but it also makes for a great winter meal. It’s a layered dish consisting of fried pieces of bread, rice, and a garlicky vinegar sauce, all topped with tender pieces of lamb or beef.
The magic of fattah lies in its combination of textures—the crunchy bread contrasts with the fluffy rice, while the garlicky sauce adds a sharp, tangy kick. This dish is often prepared during colder months due to its richness and the way it fills you up, keeping you warm through the winter.
KISHK
First slide: Egyptian kishk made with thickened milk or yogurt and topped with fried onions Cairo, Egypt, second slide: Asian kishk variety (kashk) and third slide: Levant kishk.
Kishk is a traditional dish that spreads out from Egypt to the Levant and almost most of Asia. Its preparation method allow it a very long shelf life that made it a staple in the region’s cuisine in the Middle Ages as it allowed nutrition during times of hardship. Each region adapted it to local tastes and ingredients, making it a versatile and unique dish.
In Egypt, kishk is a winter comfort food, often associated with rural traditions. It is made by combining fermented wheat or rice with yogurt and a roux (flour and butter or ghee). The dish is typically flavored with fried onions, garlic, and sometimes chicken or broth for added richness. It has a creamy texture and is usually served warm with bread or rice.
Kishk is high in nutritional value, and rich in protein, carbohydrates, and probiotics, making it a perfect source of warmth and energy in winter.
Taro Stew (Kolkas)
Kolkas made by the chef in one of our Downtown Cairo Food Tour stops (seasonal).
Kolkas is a traditional Egyptian dish made from taro root that is ready for harvest in colder months, a starchy vegetable that’s perfect for winter stews. The taro is boiled and then simmered in a light broth made with garlic, cilantro, chard, and occasionally lemon along with beef cut into cubes. The result is a hearty, flavorful stew that’s both filling and nutritious.
Home-made Kolkas stew
Kolkas is a simple dish, but its warming qualities make it a popular choice for the colder months. The soft, slightly sweet texture of taro pairs wonderfully with the savory broth, offering a unique and comforting meal that Egyptians wait for every winter!
Watch Kolkas recipe.
BATATA
Traditional Batata cart, you will see them all over Egypt in Winter.
Egyptian sweet potato, or Batata, is an excellent way to enjoy the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes during the winter months. During the winter, batata carts can be seen and smelt on almost every main street. Roasting the sweet potatoes results in a deeper, caramelized flavor. To make it, begin by washing and piercing a few medium sweet potatoes. Roast them at 180°C (350°F) for about 45 minutes, or until tender, and then enjoy!
Home oven roasted Batata
Beef trotters SOUP (KAWAREA)
Home-made Shorbet Kawarea with de-boned trotters inside.
Shorbet Kawarea is an Egyptian winter classic but it’s not for the faint of heart. It’s made with beef trotters that cook slowly to create a rich, flavorful broth. This simple soup focuses on the beef and its savory taste, perfect for anyone looking for a straightforward but hearty meal.
Cooked trotters have a gelatinous rather chewy soft texture and create the richest broth.
To make it, rinse the trotters and place them in a large pot. Cover the meat with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and easy to pull off the bone. De-bone the trotters and cut them into small pieces, season the broth with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin for warmth. For extra depth, you can add a couple of garlic cloves.
Serve with fresh bread and a generous squeeze of lemon to soak up the rich, savory broth—simple, delicious, and full of health benefits including zinc and magnesium, which help boost the immune system to fight illness. Phosphorus helps the body build healthy bones and teeth, while selenium is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system for the colder months.
Sahlab
No Egyptian winter is complete without a cup of sahlab, a thick, creamy drink made from milk and originally ground orchid tubers. Sahlab is often enjoyed as a dessert or a warm drink during chilly evenings, providing a sweet end to the day.
Sahlab in a traditional street cafe, topped with clotted cream, strawberries, nuts, and honey.
Sahlab orchid tubers, rarely used nowadays as they’re almost pushed to extinction!
Topped with a variety of garnishes like cinnamon, nuts, shredded coconut, or raisins, sahlab is not just a drink—it’s a treat. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a popular choice at cafes and homes alike. It’s perfect for warming up after a long day and can even be enjoyed as a light breakfast or snack.
So, which of these dishes are you eager to try?
Taro Root (Kolkas )and Sweet Potato ( Batata displayed side by side in Cairo streets during winter.
Egyptian winter dishes are all about warmth, comfort, and sharing. Whether it’s a bowl of nourishing lentil soup or a hot cup of sahlab, these dishes are designed to keep you cozy during the colder months. The balance of rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and cultural significance behind each meal makes Egyptian winter cuisine both delicious and meaningful. So, if you find yourself in Egypt this winter, be sure to dive into these comforting dishes—you won’t be disappointed!
