Egyptian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and underappreciated. Koshary (the national dish) is a carb lover's dream: lentils, rice, pasta, and macaroni topped with spiced tomato sauce and crispy onions — a full meal for $0.50-1 from koshary shops. Ful medames (slow-cooked fava beans) with bread is the quintessential Egyptian breakfast.
Grilled meats (kofta, kebab) from street stalls are excellent. Feteer meshaltet (layered pastry with sweet or savory fillings) is a distinctive Egyptian street food. Fresh-squeezed sugar cane juice, tamarind drinks, and karkade (hibiscus iced tea) are wonderful. Restaurants near tourist sites overcharge — venture a few streets away for local prices.