5 Mouthwatering Egyptian Desserts You Must Try

They have the power to change the most gloomy day into a bright one with just a single bite. Yes, you guessed correctly we’re talking about desserts. Egypt, home to some of the most delicious food in the world, boasts seemingly endless dessert options.

Many desserts here are a mixture of diverse cultures coming together, while some are purely Egyptian. In any case, Egyptians are famed for putting their touch on anything that falls under their hands. Read on to know more about some delicacies that will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth.

* Basbousa

A toothsome dessert that has crossed boundaries, basbousa is of Ottoman origin. Found in different countries, it is favoured by people from around the globe. The delicacy’s name changes from country to country; it’s called basbousa in Egypt, ravani (or revani) in Greece and Turkey, and nammoura in Lebanon . You can also find some varieties in Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco and Kuwait. Despite the diverse ingredients that various places may use, semolina is the crucial base ingredient for all, which is why it is also known as semolina cake. The Egyptian version is usually thin, soaked in sweet syrup, soft from the inside, and topped with almonds and fresh cream.

* Harissa

A very similar dessert to basbousa is harissa, which is thicker and slightly different in texture and taste. In other countries, harissa is known as a red chilli paste used in cooking, whereas in Syria, even basbousa is known as harissa. In Egypt, the dessert is solely sold in Alexandria, the second largest city, and is usually accompanied by another dessert called bassima, also only found in Alexandria. Many Cairo residents love it so much that they make it a point to pick some up during their trip to the city and take it back home for their families.

* Kunafa

Kunafa is a popular dessert around the Arab world and can be found in Egypt, the Levant, Palestine and Turkey. Each country uses different stuffings. In Egypt, cream is usually used, whereas the Levant is famous for the cheese-stuffed kunafa, Kunafa Nabulsi, which Egyptians have recently taken to as well. As this is a famous Ramadan dessert, the past few years have seen the pastry’s stuffings and toppings developed to such an extent that shops compete with one another for the best kunafa during this month. Today, you can find mango kunafa, chocolate kunafa and even cheesecake kunafa, and each of these options are definitely out of this world!

* Baked sweet potato

If you have been out and about in Cairo, then you’ve definitely seen the Egyptian sweet potato carts. This healthy delicacy is one of cheapest desserts in Egypt and costs just around 5 Egyptian pounds. Locals usually line up by the cart, and the sweet potato is baked in front of them in a wood-fired oven. The sweet potato is cut into two halves and handed over to enthusiastic foodies in a piece of paper or newspaper. These days, there are even modernised carts that sell the sweet potato with ice cream, caramel sauce, chocolate and nuts as toppings.

* Zalabya

Zalabya, another dessert found in different regions, has various names depending on location. In Egypt, it is called zalabya (or loukmet el-qadi, which means ‘the judge’s food’). In Turkey, it is called loukma, meaning mouthful, and in Greece it is called loukoumades. The small, fried balls of dough are soaked in syrup or honey, sprinkled with white sugar powder, or dipped in brown or white chocolate. This dessert is cooked in front of you and is served hot with your choice of topping.