Halal food in Egypt refers to food prepared according to Islamic dietary laws—and as a Muslim-majority country, halal is the absolute norm in Egypt. With approximately 90% of the population being Muslim, halal food is ubiquitous and travelers never need to worry about finding halal options. Explore halal food options and halal certification standards.

Egypt offers rich culinary traditions that are inherently halal, from street food favorites to elaborate traditional dishes.

How Accessible Is Halal Food in Egypt?

Halal food is universally accessible in Egypt:

  • All restaurants: Serve halal food
  • All street food: Halal by default
  • All supermarkets: Stock halal meat
  • All fast food chains: Halal-certified
  • Hotels: Default to halal (some tourist hotels may have pork in separate sections)

There is no need to verify halal status—it’s assumed throughout Egypt.

Traditional Egyptian cuisine is rich and flavorful:

Street food favorites:

  • Koshari: National dish of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and tomato sauce
  • Ful medames: Stewed fava beans with olive oil and spices
  • Ta’meya: Egyptian falafel made with fava beans
  • Hawawshi: Meat-stuffed pita bread
  • Feteer meshaltet: Layered Egyptian pastry

Main dishes:

  • Molokhia: Jute leaf stew served with rice
  • Kebab and kofta: Grilled meats
  • Shawarma: Sliced meat in pita
  • Mahshi: Stuffed vegetables
  • Fattah: Rice with bread and meat in garlic vinegar sauce

Desserts:

  • Basbousa: Semolina cake
  • Konafa: Shredded pastry with cheese or cream
  • Om Ali: Egyptian bread pudding

Is Egypt a Muslim Country?

Yes, Egypt is a Muslim-majority country:

  • 90% Muslim population: Predominantly Sunni
  • Islam: Major influence on culture and daily life
  • Al-Azhar: One of Islam’s oldest and most prestigious institutions
  • 5 daily prayers: Heard from mosques nationwide
  • Coptic Christian minority: Approximately 10%

Best Areas for Food

Cairo

  • Downtown Cairo: Street food paradise
  • Khan el-Khalili: Historic bazaar with traditional food
  • Zamalek: Upscale dining
  • Heliopolis: Diverse restaurants
  • Maadi: International options

Alexandria

  • Corniche: Seafood restaurants
  • Downtown: Traditional Egyptian eateries
  • Stanley area: Modern dining

Tourist Areas

  • Luxor and Aswan: Hotel and local restaurants
  • Sharm El Sheikh: Resort dining
  • Hurghada: International and Egyptian options

Halal Fine Dining in Egypt

Cairo offers upscale halal dining:

  • Sequoia: Nile-side dining
  • Tamarai: Modern Egyptian cuisine
  • Zitouni: Four Seasons Egyptian restaurant
  • Kebabgy: Upscale grilled meats
  • Zooba: Modern Egyptian street food concept

All are halal by default.

Is Egypt Safe for Muslim Travelers?

Egypt is welcoming for Muslim travelers:

  • Islamic heritage: Pyramids, Al-Azhar Mosque, historic mosques
  • Prayer facilities: Mosques on every corner
  • Halal guaranteed: No verification needed
  • Respectful culture: Islamic values in daily life
  • Tourist infrastructure: Well-developed for visitors

Safety notes:

  • Tourist areas are well-policed
  • Normal travel precautions apply
  • Avoid political gatherings

Pork and Alcohol in Egypt

Pork:

  • Extremely rare in Egypt
  • Only found in some tourist hotels
  • Never in local restaurants
  • Not sold in regular stores

Alcohol:

  • Available at hotels and licensed restaurants
  • Not sold in most areas
  • Many restaurants are alcohol-free
  • Local brand: Stella beer

Practical Tips

  1. Assume halal: Everything is halal in Egypt
  2. Try koshari: Must-eat national dish
  3. Street food is safe: Cooked fresh, very affordable
  4. Khan el-Khalili: Best for traditional food experience
  5. Ramadan: Special atmosphere and iftar options
  6. Seafood: Excellent in Alexandria and coastal areas
  7. Breakfast: Try ful and ta’meya
  8. Tipping: Expected at restaurants (10-15%)