| Dish | What it is | Indicative price (2026) | Where to eat it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Koshari | rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, tomato sauce, fried onions | EGP 50 to 70 a bowl | koshari restaurants, the old town |
| Ful medames | slow-cooked fava beans, oil, lemon | about EGP 15 a sandwich, EGP 33 a plate | breakfast, street stalls |
| Taameya | herb fava-bean fritters | about EGP 15 a sandwich, EGP 35 a plate | street stalls, small restaurants |
| Molokhia | jute-leaf soup, often with chicken and rice | street price not found, about USD 5 to 10 in a restaurant | Egyptian restaurants |
Eating safely
Choose busy places where food is cooked to order, and avoid salads washed in tap water. For water, see tap water and toilets in Egypt. Ful and taameya are vegetarian; molokhia often contains chicken, and koshari is vegan if served with its usual toppings only: see vegan Hurghada. These figures come from blogs and guides, not an official source: the menu is what counts.
Going further
A guided tour of the city highlights with shopping stops can be booked online: guided Hurghada tour. It does not replace a local meal but gives a first-visit overview. Always ask the price before ordering at a stall.
FAQ
Which dish should I try first? Koshari, the national dish.
Are prices higher in hotels? Yes, often markedly.
Can I try it without strong spices? Yes: koshari's hot sauce comes separately.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 30 October 2026.
