KOSHARY EXPRESS is a great place to know if you have to organize an impromptu lunch or dinner for unexpected guests and this is often the case during Ramadan. Koshary Express has an excellent take away service and the food is not only good but also very reasonably priced. The prices range from SR 2 up to SR 30.

The menu features essentially Egyptian traditional food hence the name, Koshary Express. In Egypt, “Koshari” and other specialties such as “Ful Medamis” are found both on the streets and in restaurants. The difference in price, however, does not always guaranty a better taste. When one drives through Cairo’s popular areas, one often sees crowds surrounding a particular street vendor and that clearly says that the food is tasty.

Egyptian food is certainly not as sophisticated as Moroccan cuisine, Turkish or Syrian and Lebanese cuisine. Egypt, a cradle of civilization is known for its ancient history and to be honest, people often expect too much of its cooking.

Egyptian food has been influenced by the French, Italians, Turks and Greeks and some dishes like “Moussaka” and ”Sharkasseya” to name but a few do reflect this cosmopolitan heritage. Egyptians are in fact very proud of their traditional dishes. These simple and hearty dishes are really appealing. It is the special combinations of ingredients and their delicate flavorings which makes them wonderful.

I have often met expatriate Egyptians living abroad who despite the availability of the food yearn for the simple bean dishes of their homeland. “Ful” is a staple food that many consider as one of the national foods of Egypt. Most people do not make their own “Ful” (simmered fava beans) but buy it from ful vendors standing in front of huge “idras” of “ful” simmering day and night, ready to provide a satisfying breakfast in the morning, a midday meal, or just a snack at any time. The “idra” is a special pot which tapers in a narrow neck. The shape is deliberate in that the small amount of water used in the cooking is not lost. As steam condenses on the upper sloping sides, it drops back into the pot. “Ful” is often eaten with lemon juice and olive oil, it is served with bread and crisp salads. For a heartier “ful” you might like to order “Ful with eggs”. The eggs can be hard boiled or fried.

Koshari is made with brown lentils, macaroni and rice. This unusual combination of pulse, pasta and rice might seem at first like an overdose of carbohydrates. However, I can assure you that this unlikely mix, is a very tasty dish especially when it is accompanied with a tomato sauce and crispy onions. The large quantity of dark caramelized onions makes this rice cum pasta and lentil dish wonderful.

Falafel called “Taamia ” in Cairo are also considered by many as a national dish of Egypt. These flavorsome broad bean rissoles have a characteristic green color unlike the Lebanese falafel which are brown inside. The green color is due to the ground coriander. Falafel can be eaten in a sandwich or accompanied by hummus, baba ghanouj or a tahina sauce.

Molokhia is another dish well loved by the Egyptian people. Incidentally, “molokhia” is also a source of jute. The younger shoots are harvested and the oval leaves are stripped from the long stalks and used to make a soup. This herb has viscous properties and for this reason many foreigners dislike the sight and the taste. Some people use dried molokhia but it is nowhere as tasty as the fresh kind.

For a dessert you can choose between Muhallabiyyah, rice pudding or Om Ali. The latter is probably the best known Egyptian dessert. Certainly not for those on a diet, it is a real comfort food. Om Ali is served warm and is popular during the winter but it can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Food is all about pleasure and enjoyment and Koshary Express introduces its customers to some of Egypt’s most delicious and wholesome specialties.

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