Most of us know that authentic food experiences come from hole in the wall kind of places such as the best tortilla I ever had at no name place in Toluca, Mexico made by a kind abuela or the best Indian food from a rest stop somewhere between Delhi and Agra. Eating Koshary is similar experience you can have either as a street food in Cairo and in our case a restaurant in the middle of the industrial area near Tahrir square. We went in search of dish which recommended to us by my sister-in-law who ate it in Cairo. She urged us to not miss eating it and it exceeded our expectations with combination of textures and flavors that are very unique and bold yet gives the feeling of comfort food.
Koshary is considered an Egyptian national dish and is a poor man’s food. It is made out of staples including rice, lentils, pasta and garnished with fried onions and chickpeas. It is similar to middle eastern dish mujadara. Its unique flavor comes from garlic vinegar and zesty tomato sauce. When entered Abu Tareek restaurant, we asked for a menu and we were told “Small, Medium, or Large”. In other words, this restaurant serves only 1 dish, and you chose your size. Our waiter was friendly and more than happy to demonstrate how to make the dish by adding various things as the dish comes in a bowl with lentils, rice, and past and you add sauces and garnish based on your taste.
I would highly recommend tasting it in Egypt if you get a chance.
Peaks to Palaces 