Egyptian Summer Dishes: What to Eat in Egypt When the Heat Hits

It can get hot, very hot in Egypt! So what do locals eat when temperatures soar and even the thought of a hot oven makes you sweat? The Bellies team rounded up a list of Egyptian summer favorites. Some are served cold, others are super hydrating, and all just hit the spot when you’re looking for something light and satisfying.

Here’s what to look out for if you’re eating your way through Egypt in the summertime.

Koshary – Egypt’s National Dish All Year Long

You probably guessed this one. Koshary is Egypt’s ultimate comfort food and street food staple. It’s made with pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, and crispy onions, all topped with a vinegary tomato sauce. Surprisingly (and unlike a ragù bolognese), Koshary tastes just as good at room temperature, which makes it a perfect meal in the summer heat. Add a cold soda on the side, and you're set. You do, however, want to make sure you eat Koshary indoors during the summertime, opt for an air-conditioned restaurant, not an open-air joint for this dish.

You can learn how to make your own Koshary at home with our e-cookbook , get 30% off with code KosharyTime.

Bissara – A Light, Vegan Egyptian Breakfast, Lunch, or dip

This humble dish doesn’t get nearly enough love. Made from blended fava beans cooked down with herbs, garlic, and greens, then topped with crispy fried onions, Bissara is usually served cold or at room temperature with bread. Light, earthy, and comforting — it’s a typical Egyptian lunch during the warmer months. The flavors of the fresh greens, which can include mint and cilantro, elevate the flavor and density of the fava beans, making it a bright mezze you don’t want to miss.

Bissara isn’t very common to find in restaurants, most locals make it at home. However, we absolutely love the Bissara served at Five Bells (Zamalek) and Zeeyara (Giza & Old Cairo). Order a round of mezzes at either restaurant, and tie them all together with local balady bread; you can even ask for your bread to be crisped up.

Bissara with fried onion and garnish

SALATET Ringa – Smoked Herring Salad with a Zing

Smoked herring might not scream "refreshing," but Egyptians know how to make it summer-ready by turning it into a well-balanced salad. The fish is chopped with green onions, lemon juice, and tehina or vinegar, alongside other vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, essentially making it gentler in flavor. While still more appealing to those who enjoy bold flavors, ringa is worth a try when consumed as a vibrant salad. Add some bread on the side and you’re definitely eating a dish that you won’t find elsewhere.

Betingan Mekhalel – Pickled Eggplant

Egyptians are blessed with a variety of eggplants, to us, they’re the gift that keeps on giving. From restaurant tables to homes, pickled eggplants are a staple that’s often over-looked by tourists. A tangy eggplant dish you’ll usually find on any Egyptian mezze table. Slices of petite fried eggplants are soaked in a spicy, garlicky, tomato and vinegar sauce, alongside any/all meals, they are served cold or at room temperature with bread. The vinegar gives it that refreshing kick perfect for hot weather. This dish isn’t talked about enough, because it’s a companion we take for granted, until of course we take that first succulent bite.

Watermelon & White Cheese – Egypt’s Favorite Summer Combo

Simple but genius: cold cubes of sweet watermelon served with salty Egyptian gebna beida, a feta-style fresh cheese and a staple no true Egyptian home can go without. While typically eaten with sen bread as a light/late dinner or snack, it pairs perfectly with our brilliant red melons. This is a go-to Egyptian combo that’s not only refreshing, but also easy to put together in under a minute. So when bateekh (watermelon) season hits, get yourself some white cheese because this one will win you over after a long day of sightseeing.

Mango – The Star of Egyptian Summer Fruits

Between July and September, Egypt lives for mangoes. You’ll find mango juice shops on every corner, vendors selling crates of fresh mangoes, and restaurants offering mango ice cream or desserts. With tons of varieties to choose from, some of our teams’s favorites are Oweis, Taymour and Fons (short for Alphonso). Mangoes are so beloved in Egypt, and with such a short season, some farms sell out even before harvesting begins. We also have our own mango festival that takes place every August in Egypt’s mango capital, Ismailia.

Watch the Bellies En-route team tackle mangoes

Teen Shooky – Chilled Cactus Fruit on the Go

Come summer and you’ll find an abundance of prickly pear street carts lining the streets all over Egypt. Known as teen shooky in Egypt, this colorful fruit is a quintessential summer experience on every street corner. To get a taste of it yourself, stop at a cart, and the seller will happily and swiftly peel one (or many) just for you. As you enjoy this (slightly) sweet, hydrating, and fiber-packed fruit, keep in mind that that it’s full of the tiny seeds you don’t want to chew, instead simply let them slip through as you eat, they’re totally safe to consume.

Karkade – Iced Hibiscus Tea to Cool Down

One of the most iconic Egyptian drinks, karkade is made from dried hibiscus petals brewed and chilled, then sweetened to taste. It’s naturally cooling, packed with antioxidants, and great for staying hydrated in the heat. If your trip takes you to Aswan, we recommend buying dried hibiscus from there (peanuts too!). Don’t despair if you’re only visiting Cairo though, you can still find dried hibiscus petals in spice shops all around the city. You can even buy hibiscus tea bags and consume them hot or cold when you’re back home.

Fakhfakheena – Egypt’s Ultimate Summer Fruit Salad/Drink

This isn’t your average fruit salad. Fakhfakheena (pronounced fakh-fakh-eenah) is a layered assortment of ingredients that are as fun as its name. You’ll commonly find a mix of seasonal fruits, fresh juice, scoops of ice cream or cream and sometimes a sprinkle of nuts in your massive glass. It’s cold, colorful, and indulgent, just like you want a summer dessert to be. Locals love it, and if you have a sweet tooth, then so will you!

The Bellies team recommend you try it at El Sharbatly in Downtown, Cairo.

Looking for more authentic dishes and culinary experiences in Cairo?

As you brave the summer heat (hats off to you), join one of our evening tours or learn to cook in our (air-conditioned) kitchen space and discover how locals eat, even when it's 40°C out! From local favorites and hands-on workshops to female-owned gift shops and market tours, we’ll take you off-the-beaten-path in Cairo. Book your spots now, we can’t wait to eat with you!