The True Origins of Koshari: Egypt’s Beloved National Dish
- Amani AbouAmmo
- Feb 11
- 2 min read
Updated: May 21
Koshari, often hailed as Egypt’s national dish, is a delightful amalgamation of flavors and textures that tells a rich story of cultural depth and culinary heritage. This vegetarian delicacy—a hearty blend of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and crispy fried onions—is not only a staple in Egyptian households but also a beloved street food. Its journey from humble beginnings to international recognition is as layered as the dish itself.
Setting the Record Straight For years, many—including us—believed the origin of koshari traced back to the Indian subcontinent, rooted in the dish "khichri." This theory, which has circulated widely on the internet, suggests that during the British occupation of Egypt, Indian soldiers introduced khichri to the Egyptian people. We ourselves repeated this version of the story in an earlier post.
However, as we delved deeper and engaged more seriously with Egypt's culinary history, we discovered the truth: koshari is an ancient Egyptian dish, far predating the British era or any external military presence.
Ancient records and Egyptian food historians affirm that variations of koshari were present in Egyptian culture long before any British or Indian influence. The modern form may have evolved over time, incorporating new ingredients and formats, but its essence is rooted firmly in Egypt’s own soil.
A Dish for the People Originally a humble, nourishing meal for workers and families, koshari was designed to be affordable, filling, and deeply satisfying. It quickly transcended social classes and became a staple across the country.
The combination of grains, legumes, and spices is typical of Egyptian food culture—designed to nourish and fuel. The pasta and spiced tomato sauce that now define koshari are later additions, but they did not create the dish—they simply dressed up what was already there.
The Global JourneyToday, koshari has earned fans far beyond Egypt’s borders. In the Middle East, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it is celebrated with regional twists. In Western countries, it has been embraced in restaurants and home kitchens alike, sometimes with non-traditional variations like added meat or roasted vegetables.
While these adaptations show how food travels and evolves, it’s important to remember the roots. Koshari is Egyptian through and through—a symbol of resourcefulness, flavor, and community.
Correcting the MisinformationWe want to acknowledge that we, like many others, initially misunderstood koshari’s origins due to widespread misinformation online. We believed what seemed like well-cited sources, but with time and continued learning, we discovered otherwise.
As a small, family-run Egyptian restaurant, it matters deeply to us that the stories we share about our food are authentic. Our journey with koshari is not only culinary but cultural and personal.
Koshari TodayKoshari remains a proud symbol of Egypt’s history, flavor, and hospitality. Whether enjoyed from a street vendor in Cairo or a cozy kitchen in Seattle, its hearty layers continue to bring comfort and joy.
For us at Seattle Koshari, it’s not just food—it’s heritage. It’s home.
Sources we used (but critically revisited):
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