El Gouna Egypt Travel Guide
Egyptian cuisine is deeply rooted in the country's rich agricultural history, along the Nile River. It draws influences from Ottoman, Levantine, and North African traditions. Staples often include bread, legumes, rice, and fresh vegetables.
Common ingredients include fava beans, lentils, rice, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables. Lamb, beef, and chicken are popular meats. Given El Gouna's coastal location, fresh fish and seafood feature prominently. Dishes use aromatic spices but are generally less spicy than some other West Asian cuisines.
El Gouna, a modern resort, offers a blend of traditional Egyptian dishes and assorted international cuisine. Authentic local eateries are less common within the immediate resort, but abundant in nearby Hurghada.
Often a lighter meal, typically featuring `ful medames` (stewed fava beans), `ta'ameya` (Egyptian falafel), cheese, and fresh bread. Hotels have wide-ranging international breakfast buffets.
Lunch can be substantial, often enjoyed later in the afternoon (2-4 PM). Dinner is the main social meal, usually enjoyed late in the evening from 8 PM onwards, with plenty of restaurants are in operation late.
Ful Medames (stewed fava beans) is Egypt's national dish, served for breakfast. Egyptian Ta'ameya (falafel) uses fava beans, crispy outside and fluffy inside. Find these in local diners or hotel breakfast buffets.
Look for Ta'ameya sandwiches from street vendors.
Koshary is a hearty vegetarian dish served with rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas, tomato-based sauce, and fried onions. Mahshi includes vegetables stuffed with a flavorful rice and herb mixture.
Koshary is often available from dedicated Koshary carts.
Hawawshi is an Egyptian meat pie with seasoned minced meat baked inside bread. Shawarma is sliced meat (chicken or beef) cooked on a vertical spit, served in flatbread.
Both are popular street food options.
During Ramadan, special sweets and drinks are prepared for Iftar (breaking the fast) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal).
Konafa (shredded pastry with cheese or nuts) and Qatayef (pancakes filled with nuts or cream) are popular during this holy month.
Luxury resorts and Abu Tig Marina host fine-dining restaurants. These often specialize in international cuisine, upscale seafood, or gourmet interpretations of Mediterranean dishes.
Abundant in Downtown and Abu Tig Marina. They offer diverse cuisines including Italian, Asian, Indian, and general international fare.
Within El Gouna, Downtown offers some more affordable local Egyptian food. For a wider selection of authentic and cheaper street food, consider a short trip to Hurghada.
A wide array of international restaurants are available, including Italian pizzerias, Indian curry houses, Asian fusion, French bistros, and German eateries.
Find a taste of your residence or a global culinary adventure.
Yacht dining from Abu Tig Marina, lagoon-side dining with waterfront views, and beach clubs offering casual dining directly on the sand.
Distinctive dining experiences.
Numerous natural options in Egyptian cuisine. Restaurants accommodate requests.
Most meat is Halal. Kosher food not widely available; pre-arrangement needed.
Awareness growing, especially in resorts. Carry a Translation card.
Contact hotels or eateries in advance. Translation apps are helpful.
Limited within El Gouna, a private development. For direct community engagement, consider day trips to area hamlets or Hurghada.
Explore outside the resort for connections.
Dedicated Arabic language schools are rare in El Gouna. Online resources or private tutors can be found for longer stays.
Practice basic phrases with locals.
Koshary provides a hearty and flavorful Egyptian vegetarian dish, a national staple found in specialized Koshary restaurants or some local Egyptian eateries.
El Gouna’s food scene is a fulfilling part of the travel experience, with different ways to every taste and budget, from fine dining to tastes from around the world.
Charter a private yacht from Abu Tig Marina for a dining experience on the Red Sea, often with fresh seafood grilled on board.
Many restaurants are located directly on the lagoons, offering beautiful waterfront views and a serene dining ambiance.
Several beach clubs offer casual dining directly on the sand, with ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Carry a Translation card explaining dietary restrictions in Arabic for clearer communication.
Useful in local establishments.
Consider IHG Hotels (Ihg.com) if you seek familiar international brands.
Consistency and loyalty programs.
El Gouna offers a wide range of dining establishments, from upscale options to more casual international eateries.
Experience authentic Egyptian dishes, especially staples like Ful Medames, Koshary, and fresh Red Sea seafood.
Restaurants generally accommodate special dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options with good communication.
The Venice of the red sea'the city's cuisine makes a fulfilling part of your travel experience, with choices for every taste and budget.
