Vegetarian Travelers to Egypt
Vegetarian Travelers to Egypt
Guide for Vegetarian Travelers to Egypt
Egypt offers a variety of delicious vegetarian options, making it a friendly destination for those following a plant-based diet. Here’s a guide to help vegetarian travelers enjoy the local cuisine:
Vegetarian Dining in Egypt
- Appetizers as Meals:
- Opt for a selection of appetizers like stuffed vine leaves, hummus, yogurts, cheeses, and fresh bread for a satisfying meal. Check if vine leaves are meat-free before ordering.
- Coptic Fasting Foods:
- During Coptic fasting periods, many restaurants offer “fasting meals” which exclude meat and dairy, aligning well with vegetarian diets.
- Popular Vegetarian Dishes:
- Foul and Falafel: Staple Egyptian dishes, available at almost every corner.
- Kushary: A mix of macaroni, spaghetti, rice, lentils, chickpeas, black lentils, tomato sauce, and topped with fried onions.
- Ta’amia: Similar to falafel, made with fava beans or chickpeas.
Vegetarian-Friendly Fast Food Chains
- Zooba:
- Locations: Heliopolis, New Cairo, Maadi, Zamalek, Nasr City.
- Offers a variety of vegan options.
- Website: Zooba Eats
- Felfela:
- Location: Alexandria.
- Known for its traditional Egyptian vegetarian dishes.
- Website: Felfela
- Cake Café:
- Location: Zamalek.
- Offers vegetarian-friendly cakes and snacks.
- Lychee:
- Location: Zamalek.
- Focuses on healthy, fruit-based dishes.
- Website: Lychee Fruit Bar
- Kazaz:
- Location: Downtown Cairo.
- A popular spot for traditional Egyptian vegetarian dishes.
- Peking Lodge (Chinese):
- Location: Zamalek.
- Offers vegetarian Chinese cuisine.
- Beano’s Café:
- Locations: Nasr City, Maadi, Zamalek.
- A café with a variety of vegetarian options
- Mori Sushi (Japanese):
- Locations: Maadi, Zamalek.
- Offers vegetarian sushi options.
- Website: Mori Sushi
Tips for Vegetarian Travelers
- Ask About Ingredients:
- Always inquire about the ingredients, as some dishes may contain small amounts of meat.
- Explore Local Markets:
- Local markets often have a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Stay Hydrated:
- The Egyptian climate can be hot and dry, so keep hydrated, especially when exploring.
- Carry Snacks:
- Have some vegetarian snacks on hand during long tours or trips to remote areas.
By exploring these vegetarian-friendly options, you can enjoy a diverse range of delicious and authentic Egyptian dishes while adhering to your dietary preferences.
