Egypt Culture

Egyptian Markets

In Egypt, the word commonly used for markets is "souk". The oldest market found in Egypt is the Khan El Khalili, which can be found in Cairo and dates back to 1382.

Image Source: Expat Explore

Egyptian Ethnicity

Egypt has a population of around 67 million people, most of them living near the Nile river for richer soil. 99% of the Egyptian population comes from an Eastern Hamitic background; meaning that most of the population is native to areas near Egypt and Egyptian culture.

Image Source: Britannica

Street Food in Egypt

  • Koshari: Vegetarian dish with rice, macaroni, lentils, chick peas, sauce, and spices.

  • Shawarma: Marinated, slow cooked meat.

  • Hawawshi: Meat pie.

  • Ta'ameya: Fried crushed fava beans (pictured on the left).

Image Source: The ZeroBoss

Women in Egypt

Women in Egypt are expected to act and dress modestly which includes wearing clothing that covers a majority of the body. There is a large gender gap in Egypt, and it ranks low on gender equity ranking 136 out of 145 countries world wide.

Image Source: USAID

3 meals a day

Breakfast

Breakfast is thought of as a light meal before sunrise. Common meals include flatbread, eggs, and fuul (simmered fava beans).

(Tips on Dining in Egypt.)

Image Source: Sunrise Senior Living

Lunch

Lunch is the main meal of the day, eaten around 2 or 3pm. Families sit down after work and share this meal together. Meat is commonly served at this meal.

(Tips on Dining in Egypt.)

Dinner

Dinner is usually eaten around 9 or 10pm. Staples for this meal include soups, salads, bread, vegetables, meats, fish, and often end in a dessert.

(Lonely Planet)

Image Source: JJsHouse.com

“Exploring The Street Markets of Cairo, Egypt.” Expat Explore, 11 June 2020, expatexplore.com/blog/exploring-the-street-flea-markets-of-cairo-egypt/.

“Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment: Egypt.” U.S. Agency for International Development, 23 Feb. 2021, www.usaid.gov/egypt/gender-equality-and-womens-empowerment.

Lonely Planet. "Eating in Egypt". 2021. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/egypt/in-location/eating/a/nar/16eb6f4b-d335-4778-889e-23ce4647576d/355224

Rai. “Food in Egypt: A Detailed Look into Modern and Ancient Egyptian Food + the Best Dishes to Try.” A Rai of Light, 2020, www.araioflight.com/egypt-food-drink-dessert-ancient/#:~:text=What%20are%20the%20most%20popular,pigeon%2C%20chicken%2C%20and%20rabbit.

“Tips on Dining in Egypt.” Frommer's, www.frommers.com/destinations/egypt/tips-on-dining.

Wagner, Rob. “Abu Dhabi Business Etiquette.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 15 Mar. 2018, traveltips.usatoday.com/abu-dhabi-business-etiquette-36068.html.