From fresh seafood by the Red Sea to hearty Egyptian stews, Hurghada is a culinary playground waiting to be explored. Whether you’re sitting at a beachside café or wandering through a local market, the aromas of garlic, spices, and sizzling seafood will pull you in. This isn’t just a tourist destination – it’s a place where food is made with care, shared with love, and always served with a story. Here are 10 local dishes you absolutely need to try while soaking up the sun in this charming resort town.
1. Sayadeya (Fisherman’s Rice)
A beloved coastal specialty, Sayadeya is made with white fish (usually sea bass or mullet), rice, and a spiced tomato-based sauce. The fish is often grilled or fried before being layered with rice and slow-baked to perfection. It’s warm, filling, and rich in flavor – the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers.
2. Fattah
Fattah is a celebratory dish served during holidays or special gatherings, but you can often find it in traditional restaurants. It’s a flavorful mix of crispy bread, rice, and meat (often beef or lamb), topped with a garlicky tomato sauce and a vinegar kick. It’s bold, satisfying, and deeply Egyptian.
3. Grilled Calamari
Being right on the Red Sea has its perks – and grilled calamari is one of them. In Hurghada, it’s typically marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs before being grilled over open flames. It’s tender, smoky, and served with a splash of lemon for a perfect bite.
4. Mahshi (Stuffed Vegetables)
Zucchini, eggplants, or bell peppers are hollowed out and filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. Baked in a light tomato sauce, mahshi is a dish that’s equal parts healthy and hearty, with a home-cooked feel you won’t forget.
5. Koshari
Koshari is a wild but wonderful mix: lentils, rice, macaroni, chickpeas, and crispy onions, all smothered in spiced tomato sauce and a sharp vinegar-garlic drizzle. It may sound strange, but one bite and you’ll understand why it’s Egypt’s most famous street food. Cheap, filling, and oddly addictive.
6. Mulukhiyah
This is a love-it-or-hate-it dish, but it’s undeniably iconic. Mulukhiyah is a leafy green stew made from jute leaves, often cooked with garlic and coriander. Served with rice and meat (usually chicken or rabbit), its slightly slimy texture hides an earthy, savory flavor that keeps locals coming back for more.
7. Grilled Sea Bream
Sea bream, or “denis” as it’s known locally, is one of the freshest fish you can try in Hurghada. Grilled with herbs, olive oil, and garlic, it’s often served whole with rice or salad. The flaky texture and delicate flavor make it a go-to for those who love clean, natural seafood.
8. Shawarma
Okay, it’s not only Egyptian – but you’ll find some fantastic versions in Hurghada. Thin slices of marinated beef or chicken, slow-roasted and shaved off the spit, then wrapped in warm flatbread with tahini or garlic sauce. It’s the perfect snack after a day at the beach.
9. Taameya (Egyptian Falafel)
Unlike the chickpea version found elsewhere, Egyptian taameya is made from fava beans and has a lighter, crispier texture. It’s typically green inside from fresh herbs, and you’ll find it stuffed into pita with salad and a drizzle of tahini. Great for breakfast or a midday bite.
10. Om Ali (Egyptian Bread Pudding)
For dessert, don’t skip Om Ali. It’s a warm, milky bread pudding made with puff pastry, raisins, coconut, and nuts – all baked until golden and bubbling. Served hot, it’s sweet without being heavy and the perfect way to end a delicious Egyptian meal.
Hurghada might be best known for its sun, sand, and sea – but its food tells just as rich a story. From street food to seafood, the city’s dishes are full of warmth, spice, and history. Whether you’re diving into a bowl of koshari or savoring grilled fish by the shore, each meal in Hurghada is a journey in itself. So grab your fork and explore the flavors – you won’t regret it.
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