Egypt's most popular snack.

It's not only delicious, but also very filling and incredibly cheap, starting at just 60 cents a serving.

Koshary is a "starch mixed with starch" dish that sounds unappetizing but tastes surprisingly good. It consists of two main ingredients: various types of starch and a sauce.

The starches used to make koshary include all kinds of grains such as rice, wheat flour, beans, etc., while the sauce is mainly tomato sauce. Rice, beans, noodles, etc., are placed together in a bowl or plate, then the sauce is poured over them and mixed well.

Because it's made entirely of starch and plant-based sauce, koshary shouldn't be very tasty, but surprisingly, thanks to the cook's skill, it's incredibly delicious. Since ancient times, it has been a favorite of Egyptians during fasting periods, and in 2025 it was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, and is now one of the most popular street foods.

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From street vendors to upscale restaurants, koshary is served everywhere in Egypt. Photo: Smithsonianmag.com

The "street" history of koshary likely dates back to the 20th century. Street vendors used pushcarts, carrying three large pots of cooked noodles, chickpeas, and a mixture of rice, lentils, and vermicelli, steaming hot as they went around selling. Whenever a customer arrived, they would quickly scoop a spoonful from each pot into a bowl, tapping the side of each pot to prevent sticking before moving on to the next. The "clink" sound became the signature sound of koshary.

After mixing the starch, they drizzle with tomato and vinegar sauce, and sprinkle with crispy fried onions to complete the koshary dish.

A serving of koshary is very inexpensive, ranging from just 60 cents to $1.80, depending on whether it's sold on the street or in a high-end restaurant. Over time and through adaptations to modern trends, koshary has become increasingly diverse and flavorful, while still maintaining its "starch mixed with starch" nature and, most importantly, its incredibly low price.

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