Koshary: Egypt’s Ancient Culinary Treasure and the Global Success of Koshary Abou Tarek
Koshary, Egypt’s most iconic street food, is more than just a hearty dish—it’s a legacy rooted in the depths of ancient Egyptian civilization. One of the most recognized ambassadors of this dish worldwide is Koshary Abou Tarek, a culinary institution that has become synonymous with Egyptian heritage and hospitality.
The origins of Koshary trace back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, where people commonly consumed cooked lentils, chickpeas, wheat, onions, and garlic. Over time, rice and tomato sauce were added, evolving into the modern version of Koshary known and loved today.
The legacy of the Abou Tarek family spans over 95 years. It began in the historic streets of Khedival Cairo, where the first servings of Koshary were sold from a glass box carried atop the head. By the 1940s, this evolved into the now-iconic Koshary cart, which has stood in the heart of downtown Cairo for over 85 years and remains stationed next to the current Abou Tarek restaurant.
Abou Tarek has earned global recognition, ranking among the top 1% of tourist establishments worldwide, according to TripAdvisor. It was also listed among the top 100 restaurants globally by the TasteAtlas encyclopedia.
In 2015, Abou Tarek made headlines by serving the largest Koshary dish ever prepared, setting a record in the Guinness World Records. The restaurant continues to attract prominent figures, including ministers and international celebrities, all eager to experience this authentic Egyptian taste.
In a proud cultural move, Egypt officially submitted an application to UNESCO in 2025 to register Koshary as an intangible heritage of Egyptian origin—a testament to its deep-rooted presence in national identity and global culinary history.
