This was the highlight of our trip to Egypt! My sister and I traveled to Cairo (then El Gouna on the Red Sea). I wanted a culinary experience; an opportunity to learn some Egyptian specialties (not simple tourist food). Somaya, her sister Cookie, and her wonderful mother welcomed us into their warm home as if we were old friends. We booked the class through Traveling Spoon. Somaya communicated really well even calling an Uber for us to be sure we found her home. After arriving and receiving a refreshing glass of Hybiscus tea and a tour of their home, we went off to the local market to shop for a few ingredients. Somaya and her mother guided us through the preparation of a truly delicious Mahshy (stuffed vegetables). This was a hands on class (as requested), so we prepared the raw eggplant, zucchini, and green pepper, then stuffed them with the aromatic rice mixture. While that cooked on the stove, we prepared a luscious soup dish called Tasha made from a green similar to spinach. We sat at their table and shared this beautiful meal along with a savory rice pudding called Kesha. The meal was served with fresh made baladi bread and finished with sweet rice pudding. The meal was abundant; the instruction was very clear and hands-on (recipes were distributed), and the camaraderie was so warm. We learned new dishes and made new friends. I cannot recommend this class highly enough - you will have an unforgettable experience; we sure did.

Meal

Cooking Experience

Market Tour

Embark on a unique food and craft workshop experience in the scenic Cairo countryside. You will be picked up from your hotel in Cairo and driven for an hour from the city center to Dahshur, an area known for its one million palm trees and fertile agricultural land. Hosted by Somaya, her mother, and young sister, you’ll be welcomed at a large farm with a refreshing seasonal drink made from freshly squeezed fruits. Taste traditional Egyptian dishes like feteer meshaltet (a flaky Egyptian layered pastry), falafel (a deep fried fritter chickpeas, herbs, and spices), cheese, black honey, accompanied by fresh mint tea. After your meal, explore the farm where you'll learn about date harvesting (seasonal), enjoy a farm tour, and meet friendly animals like ducks and cows. <br><br> Later experience authentic Egyptian culture as local farmers greet you with drums and folkloric songs while demonstrating traditional cooking techniques. Learn the art of flipping the Egyptian baladi bread and throwing it in the traditional oven. While that cooks learn to make energy balls from mashed fresh dates and fresh coconut powder. You will also use the fresh dates to make oras bel agwa (a famous date filled cookie). While the cookie bakes, learn to craft your own palm leaf bracelet and other bedouin craft products, that you can take home! <br><br>Wrap up your day with a hearty, organic farm-to-table meal featuring mahshy (stuffed grape leaves), molokheya (gelatinous soup made from the leaves of the jute plant), roasted chicken, and potatoes in tomato sauce. End with a relaxing cup of mint tea before being dropped back to your Cairo hotel, taking with you unforgettable memories of Egyptian culinary traditions and authentic cultural experiences. <br><br>This Cairo experience is perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, and those looking to immerse themselves in Egypt’s agricultural and culinary heritage.

Food Tour