Egypt, in the opinion of many tourists, is a country full of resorts with all-inclusive services, covered by deserts, and famous for the pyramids. In fact, Egypt has a lot more attractions that few people know about and which will be interesting to visit.
Moreover, some dishes of Egyptian cuisine have kept their thousand-year traditions, but most tourists leave without knowing these culinary masterpieces. So, here is the guide from MTX Connect to lesser-known sights, combined with some of the country’s most interesting gastronomy tips.
Wadi Al-Hitan
Wadi Al-Hitan, or the Valley of the Whales, is a paleontological site in the Al Fayum Governorate of Egypt. This place holds one of the most significant discoveries in the story of evolution–actual proof that whales once walked from land into the oceans. Imagine an ancient sea floor with over 400 fossilised whale skeletons, giant tortoises, saltwater lakes, and striking desert scenery. For the real fans of Jurassic Park, the most incredible collection of fossilised whale skeletons is enough of a reason one day to visit Egypt.
Koshary (Mixture of Rice, Macaroni, and Lentils)
The Ancient Egyptian term “Koshir” meant “Food of the rites of the Gods” and was a breakfast dish. Nowadays, people usually eat it for lunch and primarily for dinner. It is Egypt’s traditional meal, also known to be at least a thousand years old.
Ingredients include macaroni, lentils, and rice, and it is often topped with chickpeas or/and fried onions. It sounds just like a carb explosion, but believe it or not, it has much more flavours, as it is made with a spiced tomato sauce and a delicious cumin sauce. If you go to Egypt and don’t try Koshari, it’s like going to India and not having a curry.
White Desert National Park
White Desert National Park is one of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. This alien-looking land of chalky rock formations resembles “giant mushrooms.” One of the most iconic formations is Crystal Mountain, a large rock made entirely of quartz and features a hole through the middle of it. During your trip to Egypt, take a chance to spend the night under the stars in a traditional desert camp surrounded by white formations and visited by friendly fennecs. That is an unforgettable experience. Only a five-hour drive from Cairo will make you feel like you are visiting another planet.
Hamam Mahshi (Stuffed Pigeons)
Stuffed pigeon is a dish you will only see in a few other places worldwide. Hamam mahshi has been served in Egypt for centuries.
The pigeons are kept in mud brick lofts that you can see along the Nile. The birds are stuffed with onions and spices and a grain (“freekeh”)-cracked green wheat with a nutty flavour. Sometimes they are loaded with rice or bulgur wheat. Though Egyptians traditionally have hamam mahshi on special occasions, it is easy to find it on many restaurants’ menus.
Siwa Oasis (Al-Masara)
Siwa, meaning “Field of Trees”, is one of the most mysterious oases of Egypt. Located at the edge of Siwa Oasis, Al Masara is an empty city with no one living in it anymore. As well as countless open houses, you will find the oldest structure in the Siwa Oasis: the remains of the Temple of the Oracle. Alexander the Great came here to ask about his fate. The ruins of the Temple are open for visitors. Over 300 clear water springs, hot springs, and salt mining pools surround the Siwa Oasis. The most popular among them is Cleopatra Spring. After a long day and driving through the barren desert of Egypt, that is a perfect place to relax for a few hours.
Molokhiya (Jute Soup)
Immunity-boosting soup made of shredded Molokhiya green leaves with ghee and garlic. Molokhiya is part of the pharaohs’ diet in ancient Egypt; nowadays, Egyptians cook it in many different ways depending on the region. Usually served as an accompaniment or sauce with rabbit, lamb, or chicken or paired with rice. Locals are saying that this traditional meal you will love or hate, but it is one of the dishes that many Egyptians grew up eating.
Valley of the Golden Mummies
The Valley of the Golden Mummies is the largest cemetery in Egypt, dating back to the Greco-Roman era. It was discovered only in 1996. About 250 mummies have been found here, most belonging to the aristocracy that lived in the Baharia oasis during the Greco-Roman period. Many of these mummies are covered with golden masks, which gave the valley its name. Today, archaeologists continue to explore the valley and, using various methods, have concluded that there may be more than 10,000 mummies buried underground. If you plan to visit the valley, combine it with the safari trip to the White Desert.
Basbousa
And for the dessert, don’t leave Egypt without trying Basbousa! The word basbousa is often used as a term of endearment to refer to loved ones. Egyptian mothers sometimes called their children basbousty (“my sweet”). This dessert is sold on every corner, and primarily bakeries have their own secret recipe. This soft cake is made with semolina batter and is usually served in a diamond or square shape with almonds and fresh cream on top. Bon appetit or Bil haná wal shifá! Mmmm…
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