Popular Egyptian drinks to enjoy while you're in vacation - part 1 Egypt is not only known for its rich history and magnificent landmarks, but also for its diverse and flavorful beverages that have been enjoyed for generations. As you explore the streets and markets, you'll discover that drinks play a significant role in Egyptian culture, with each sip offering a unique taste of tradition and hospitality. From cooling refreshments to warm, comforting brews, the local drinks are an integral part of daily life, reflecting the spirit of the country and its people. In this first part, we’ll take you through a selection of Egypt's most beloved beverages, each with its own story and significance. Whether you're visiting bustling Cairo or relaxing by the Nile, these drinks will add an authentic touch to your experience. Ready to dive into the heart of Egypt’s drink culture? Let’s get started! Sahlab Sahlab is an Egyptian, thick, creamy white drink. It is the most popular beverage in all neighborhood coffee shops located in Cairo and Alexandria. It is prepared from hot milk, to which corn or potato starch, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon are added. It's a comforting, delightful winter warmer during cold, rainy weather. This healthful and somewhat sweet beverage is perfect for a winter dessert or afternoon drink. The sobia drink has been associated with Egypt since the Mamluk era. Every citizen of the nation has received a ration since the nation experienced periods of acute poverty. The ration was made out of rice, coconut, flour, ghee, sugar, and a few spices. People invented this drink with these ingredients. It quickly gained popularity across the nation. The term "sahlab" is said to have originated from the Arabic phrase "hasyou al-thaalab". It means "fox testicles" in English. But this is a common misconception. In reality, sahlab is made from the dried and ground-up tubers of orchids, despite this term. Yet, this orchid flour is now scarce, costly, and even prohibited for export. The drink initially gained popularity in Egypt and the Levantine region. Since sahlab powder is now hard to come by outside of the Middle East, cornstarch is used as a substitute. Qamar al-Din No meal in any Egyptian home during the holy month of Ramadan is complete without this drink. After a long day of fasting, the drink provides refreshment and vitality for everyone. Traditionally, people will enjoy Qamar al-Din during the Ramadan month. "Qamar” means moon, and “al-deen” means religion. A drink made using slices of Qamar al-Din, sugar, and blossom water is a drink that Egypt is famous for. It is made from the best of the best types of apricots. It is served cold. The drink is very simple to make, and it has a unique tartness that can suit every meal of the day. Two hypotheses explain the name of this juice. “Qamar Al-Din” can be translated to “Moon of Religion”, which may refer to the holy Ramadan month. But some people believe that the drink takes its name after the inventor. According to some legends, it all started in the year 1400. Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid bin Abdul-Malik ordered the distribution of apricot drinks as soon as the Ramadan crescent was confirmed. As a result, it was known as Qamar al-Din. According to other stories, the most well-known creator handled its name, which was Qamar al-Din. If you want to boost your energy but are bored of energy drinks, you can try Qamar Al-Din. After boiling the paste and sugar in water, strain the tea using a strainer. Finally, you can add the rosewater. Tamarind It is a tamarind-based beverage that can always be found in Cairo. Tamarind juice is a sour, chilled drink. During the holy month of Ramadan and the summer, it becomes popular. This beverage is sold by stalls, mobile carts, juice shops, and vibrant vendors. The vendors use sagaats (finger cymbals) to announce their arrival. This unmistakable sound makes its way through the thick noise of Cairo's bustling streets. Many ancient civilizations have used tamarind as a medicinal herb. About 4,000 years ago, the Babylonians drank it as a beverage to fortify their bodies and immune systems. As a ceremony, the ancient Egyptians would make a drink to honor the Pharaohs' spirits. Furthermore, raw tamarind was discovered in Tutankhamun's ancient Egyptian tomb. Ancient Egyptian physicians utilized tamarind as a cure. They use it to cure liver and stomach issues. The Greeks, Romans, and later Arabs utilized it to treat a variety of illnesses. Illnesses such as stomach aches, indigestion, vomiting, coughing, and other general digestive problems. Many ancient texts have described its health benefits. It is an all-natural antibiotic used to treat respiratory infections. Aseer Asab It is a natural pick-me-up to restore energy on a hot day. Sugarcane juice, also known as Egyptian-Aseer Asab, is served as a green, milky beverage. It's likely the only beverage whose original recipe you can't prepare at home. The reason is that you need a specialized machine made for that purpose. The purpose is to extract the juice from sugarcane. In the past, chewing on a sugarcane stick was a favorite hobby for young kids and teenagers. When visiting Egypt, you can find street-side stands selling sugarcane juice. The vendors run the machine in front of you and prepare the beverage. Egyptians occasionally add lemon juice to the beverage to enhance its flavor. Egypt's climate and soil provide the perfect conditions for sugarcane to grow. It makes sense that sugar cane juice is a staple of the cuisine there. Egyptians adore the beverage because it guards against renal illness, dehydration, and cancer. While Asseer Asab can be found in many Egyptian establishments, Farghaly and Family Drink are the greatest in Cairo. In Alexandria, there are many shops on the Cornish, and the best place is Aza Shop. Fruits juice If you’re a fan of fresh fruit, Egypt will feel like paradise. Thanks to the fertile lands of the Nile Delta, an abundance of fruits is grown and enjoyed throughout the country. One of the best ways to experience this bounty is by stopping at local juice shops, found in nearly every neighborhood. These shops offer a wide variety of freshly squeezed fruit juices, made from nothing but real, ripe fruits—guaranteeing a burst of natural flavor with every sip. While popular choices like mango, strawberry, and orange juices are widely available, Egyptian juice shops also offer unique options that may be new to you. Guava, lemon, and banana juices are other top favorites, each with its own refreshing twist. Some shops even allow you to get creative by combining different fruits to craft a personalized blend that suits your taste perfectly. Whether you prefer something tangy, sweet, or creamy, Egyptian juice stands provide endless opportunities to explore and indulge in fresh, delicious flavors every day. From classic favorites to exotic combinations, fruit juices in Egypt are more than just a drink—they're an essential part of the local culture and a refreshing way to beat the heat. Coffee In Egypt, traditional Qahwa (coffee) is prepared in the Turkish style and typically served sweet, making it a beloved staple for any occasion. Interestingly, the word "coffee" itself originates from Arabic, reflecting the drink's deep connection to Arab culture. Coffee is an integral part of social life in Egypt, and when ordering it, you’ll need to specify your preferred level of sweetness. For lightly sweetened coffee, ask for Ariha; for medium sweetness, Mazboot; and if you prefer it very sweet, it’s called Ziada. If you want it without any sugar, request Saada—though traditionally, Saada (plain coffee) is mostly served at funerals. Coffee has a long and fascinating history in Egypt, dating back to its use by Sufi monks during their all-night prayers. Over time, the spiritual connection to coffee faded, and by the end of the 17th century, Cairo was home to over 600 coffeehouses. These cafés became popular hubs for social gatherings, discussions, and relaxation. Legend has it that coffee was discovered by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi. According to the story, Kaldi noticed that his goats became unusually energetic after eating berries from a mysterious red plant. Curious, he tried the berries himself and felt a sudden surge of energy. He shared his discovery with local clerics, who initially rejected the strange plant. However, when they threw the berries into a fire, the rich aroma that emerged drew people's attention. Intrigued, they brewed the first cups of coffee, and the drink quickly spread from Kaldi's village to nearby communities. Our journey through Egypt's rich beverage culture is far from over. There’s still much to explore, as every drink offers a unique glimpse into the country’s cultural heritage and culinary artistry. Join us in the second part of our series, where we’ll dive even deeper into the vibrant world of Egyptian drinks. From hidden treasures to beloved classics, we’ll uncover more traditional favorites that are sure to captivate your senses and excite your palate. Stay tuned!