North Africa · Street food
Koshari (Egyptian Rice, Lentil, and Macaroni Medley)
Egypt's iconic street bowl of spiced lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas drenched in cumin-garlic sauce and crowned with crispy fried onions.
The story
Originating in the late 19th century during British colonial rule, Koshari melded Indian khichdi, Italian macaroni, and Egyptian grains into an egalitarian working-class staple. Sold from multi-tiered cart towers across Cairo, it remains Egypt's undisputed national dish.
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