Al-Uqsur, commonly known as Luxor, is a city in Upper Egypt located on the east bank of the Nile River. The city is famous for its ancient Egyptian ruins and temples, which draw a large number of tourists from all around the world. With a population of approximately 506,000 inhabitants, the city is bustling with life and has a vibrant culture.
One of the main features of Luxor is its cuisine, which is influenced by its location and history. The city's cuisine is a combination of traditional Egyptian dishes, along with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. The food in Luxor is known for being flavorful, hearty, and wholesome.
Breakfast is an important meal in Luxor, and it is usually served between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. One of the most popular breakfast dishes in Luxor is Foul, which is made from fava beans, garlic, lemon juice, and various spices. It is often served with bread and eggs. Another popular breakfast dish is Taameya, which is similar to falafel, made from mashed fava beans, herbs, and spices, formed into patties, and fried until crispy. It is served with bread and pickled vegetables.
Lunch is the main meal of the day and is often eaten between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. One of the most popular dishes for lunch is Koshari, a vegetarian dish made from rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with a spicy tomato sauce, caramelized onions, and garlic vinegar. It is often served with a side of pickled vegetables.
Molokhia is another popular dish in Luxor, which is made from the leaves of the molokhia plant, which are finely chopped and cooked with garlic, coriander, and chicken or beef broth. It is often served with rice or bread.
One of the most popular street foods in Luxor is Shawarma, which is made from marinated and thinly sliced meat (usually chicken or beef), wrapped in a pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce. Another popular street food is Kofta, which is made from ground beef or lamb, mixed with herbs and spices, formed into balls or patties, and grilled over an open flame.
For dinner, Egyptians usually eat light and simple dishes. One of the most popular dishes for dinner in Luxor is Fatta, which is made from pieces of bread, rice, and meat, served with a tomato-based sauce and yogurt. Another popular dinner dish is Sayadiya, which is made from fried fish, served with rice and a spicy tomato sauce.
Egyptian cuisine also offers a variety of desserts, including Baklava, which is made from layers of phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts and honey syrup. Basbousa, a sweet cake made from semolina, sugar, and yogurt, flavored with rose water or orange blossom water, is another popular dessert in Luxor.
In terms of drinks, tea is a staple in Egyptian culture and is often served hot or iced, with sugar and mint. Another popular drink in Luxor is Hibiscus tea, which is made from dried hibiscus flowers, sugar, and water. Juice bars are also a common sight in the city, offering a variety of fresh juices made from fruits such as mango, guava, and oranges.