Marsa Alam Red Sea Coast, Egypt Travel Guide
Egyptian food highlights fresh ingredients, often featuring vegetarian options, alongside hearty meat dishes.
Marsa Alam's coastal position naturally foregrounds seafood in its culinary offerings.
Flatbread (Aish Baladi), rice, beans (foul medames), and lentils are common.
Tomatoes, onions, garlic, eggplant, okra, potatoes are widely used. Chicken, beef, lamb, and Red Sea fish varieties are common.
Cumin, coriander, chili, mint, parsley, dill are frequently used. Olive oil, lemon, and tahini flavor dishes.
Stewed fava beans, served for breakfast with olive oil, cumin, and lemon. Widely available at local eateries.
A national staple for breakfast.
A popular vegetarian dish: rice, macaroni, lentils, chickpeas, topped with tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crispy fried onions.
A hearty and inexpensive meal.
Made from fava beans, spiced and deep-fried, often served in Aish Baladi with salad and tahini.
Excellent street food.
Karkadeh (Hibiscus Tea - hot or cold), Shai (Black Tea - often sweet), Qahwa (Egyptian Coffee - strong, spiced with cardamom), Fresh Juices (mango, guava, orange, strawberry). Alcohol is available in resorts and licensed restaurants and bars.
Basbousa (semolina cake in syrup), Konafa (shredded pastry with creamy filling), Roz bi Laban (rice pudding), Feteer Meshaltet (layered pastry with honey or cheese).
Mainly within luxury resorts in Port Ghalib or Abu Dabbab. These offer international cuisine with a refined ambiance.
Found in larger resorts (buffets and à la carte). Port Ghalib Marina has several mid-range international and seafood restaurants.
Marsa Alam town has small local eateries serving foul, ta'ameya, and koshary at very affordable prices.
International cuisine is abundant within resorts, covering a wide range of buffet styles including Italian, Asian, Middle Eastern, and European. Port Ghalib Marina also features international cafes and restaurants.
Diversity in flavors.
Alcohol is available in resorts and licensed restaurants and bars. Local Egyptian beer brands like Stella and Sakara are common.
Available in designated areas.
No large food halls. Local markets in Marsa Alam town sell fresh produce, but prepared food options are limited.
During Ramadan, special sweets and drinks are common after sunset (Iftar). Eid holidays involve festive meals.
Stella and Sakara are common local Egyptian beer brands.
Tipping is customary and expected in Egypt for various services.
Contact your resort or dive center in advance to discuss your specific dietary requirements before your trip.
Plan ahead for seamless dining.
Carry a translation dictionary or use a translation app to effectively explain your needs to local staff, especially outside resorts.
Clear communication matters.
Look for establishments with clear menus and attentive staff who can answer questions about ingredients.
For very strict diets or severe allergies, consider bringing your own non-perishable snacks or essential food items.
Beyond dining, Marsa Alam offers unique culinary experiences that connect you with the local culture and environment.
Many tour operators offer desert safaris that include a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars. Local music and tea are often part of this.
Resorts and specialized restaurants offer fresh seafood barbecues by the beach, for the catch of the day in a relaxed setting.
Not widely available as organized tours in Marsa Alam. Some resorts might offer basic cooking demonstrations as part of entertainment.
Not a typical tourist activity in Marsa Alam, given the largely desert environment and limited agricultural production.
Bedouin communities involved in tourism provide traditional meals and insights, adding to your cultural journey.
Focus on Red Sea seafood and Egyptian staples like foul and koshary, reflecting local availability.
National and religious holidays across Egypt bring specific festive meals and sweets.
Resorts often present shows with belly dancing, traditional Egyptian music, and folk dances, an entertainment option.
Marsa Alam caters to various dining preferences, from international resort buffets to authentic local eateries.
Clear communication about dietary needs is important, especially outside of large resorts.
Seek out Bedouin dinners or local markets for a more immersive food experience.
Enjoy fresh juices, traditional teas, and local beer, available in appropriate settings.
Ta'ameya sandwiches (quick and satisfying), Hawawshi (Egyptian meat pie, baked inside aish baladi), and Sugar Cane Juice (Asab - a refreshing, sweet beverage).
Always drink bottled water to prevent stomach upset. Choose reputable establishments for street food to ensure hygienic practices.
Fresh seafood is a highlight, with various Red Sea fish available.
Resorts offer international variety, while local town eateries provide authentic Egyptian flavors.
Pre-planning and clear communication are important for specific dietary needs.
Embrace the flavors of fresh seafood and traditional Egyptian dishes.
