Week 2 & Egyptian Food!

Hi! It me 🙂 This picture below was taken at the entrance of our flat, and I had to snap a pic. We went out to dinner to take a pause from moving. This honestly felt like the most normal thing for the first time in 3 weeks!!

Contrary to popular belief, we did NOT move into our permanent flat immediately. Our place is not fully furnished, so we needed basic living things (re: bed, sheets, towels, pots/pans and groceries) to move in! It’s coming along so nicely though. I’m excited to dip into interior design a bit, adding in Egyptian/Moroccan influences throughout our little flat.

With it being Ramadan, I thought I’d share some of the foods we’ve eaten and tried! It’s always a joy to explore the diverse and delicious culinary traditions associated with Ramadan. From mouthwatering dates and refreshing beverages to hearty stews and decadent sweets, the array of dishes enjoyed during this special time is truly astounding. Each dish is infused with history, cultural significance, and a sense of community, making the act of sharing and savoring these meals all the more meaningful. Whether it’s the fragrant aromas wafting from the kitchen or the vibrant colors adorning the table, every aspect of these culinary experiences contributes to the richness and depth of Ramadan traditions. As we savor these delightful flavors, we also embrace the spirit of togetherness, gratitude, and reflection that defines this sacred time. Here’s to creating cherished memories and culinary adventures during Ramadan and beyond!

This food was gifted to us by our driver! His wife made everything!! I was so impressed, and the chicken tasted amazing. Of course, I asked her for the recipe – stay tuned 🙂 He said it was spicy, but I don’t think Egyptians like spicy food much because it wasn’t like the stuff we get down south!

The two dishes on either side of the chicken are two types of Mahshi. [pronounced MAH-shee, if you’d like to read more, click here]. Essentially, mahshi is stuffed veggies, usually with rice and spices. Each bite was super flavorful, made with onion, tomato paste, cumin, and garlic. The filling is made, and then it is stuffed in zucchini, eggplant, peppers, or a thin vine leaf is used. You might be familiar with dolmas – the Greek version is very similar to mahshi!

These items above we also a gift from my landlord! She is a literal angel. Her chef made the dessert to the right – it is a sweet potato and cream custard, and I wish I knew the name! From what I’ve seen, there’s been a lot of pumpkin and sweet potato desserts rather than chocolate. The drink to the left is called Sobia, and it’s super popular during Ramadan. Tastes like sweetened coconut milk, but a little more liquid-y!

Last but not least, this dish above is called Koshari [pronounced KOH-shary – click here for more info]. It’s a low-cost food to make, which ensures it to be a staple in this country. Made from lentils, pasta, rice and crispy onions, it comes together with a tomato sauce and a cumin sauce. Honestly, it’s just a combination of beans and pastas with a savory sauce – who wouldn’t love that!

I can’t say I’ve been regularly eating these foods, but it’s been lovely to try local staples and embrace the Egyptian lifestyle!

We capped off the week at dinner, celebrating the little wins and moving into our permanent place for the next 3-5 years! These desserts were demolished at dinner last night – a baklava flaky tart and pumpkin crème brûlée. YUM! Personally, I prefer desserts with fruit or something not so rich, so these hit the spot.