What Koshari is
Rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas under spiced tomato sauce.
Koshari is listed as a dish in the Egypt guide, where the index tags it mild, vegetarian, rice-based and noodles. Treat those labels as a menu translation rather than the full picture. Portion size, garnish and cooking method change from one counter to the next, and so does the price.
Where to find Koshari
Our index links Koshari to Cairo / nationwide. That does not mean it is unavailable elsewhere, but it is the place to start if you want the version locals recognise.
The Egypt guide also covers 4 dishes and 2 bakery items; open the country page for the full menu and the other places in the index.
What it costs
Koshari sits in the budget band, which we define as usually under US$8. Across the 6 food entries we track for Egypt, 5 are budget, 1 are mid-range and 0 are premium.
| Band | Typical range | Items | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | usually under US$8 | 5 | Koshari, Ful medames, Ta'ameya |
| Mid-range | roughly US$8–20 | 1 | Molokhia |
| Premium | usually US$20 and up | 0 | — |
Within this list, Koshari is one of 4 dish entries and 5 budget items; 4 items share the mild tag.
Dietary notes
- Vegetarian tag: the indexed dish contains no meat or fish, but confirm stock, sauces and cooking fats with the kitchen.
How to order it
- Slurping is normal in noodle cultures. Ask for a spoon or fork if chopsticks are not your thing.
- Rice is the base of the plate. Ask whether it is included or charged separately, and whether refills are free.
- The indexed version is mild. Heat levels still vary by kitchen, so ask for chilli or sauce on the side.
- Ask for the price before ordering, especially where the menu lists market price or sells by weight.
Pair it with
These are the Egypt items that make most sense alongside Koshari, either as a second course or as the drink that finishes the meal.
Closest matches on the menu
These Egypt items share the most tags with Koshari, so they are the most useful comparisons for flavour, price and preparation.
Koshari: common questions
What is Koshari?
Rice, lentils, pasta and chickpeas under spiced tomato sauce. It is listed in the TasteBridge Egypt guide as a dish.
How much does Koshari cost in Egypt?
Expect the budget band: usually under US$8. Prices move with the city and the venue, so treat this as a planning figure rather than a fixed menu price.
Is Koshari vegetarian?
Koshari is tagged vegetarian in our data. That describes the dish, not every kitchen: ask about stock, fish sauce, lard or shared cooking surfaces if you need to be strict.
Where can I try Koshari?
Our index links it to Cairo / nationwide. Ask locally for the version served at breakfast, lunch or late evening, because the same name can cover different presentations.
Indexed as dish for Egypt. Price bands are planning estimates, not live menu prices. Last reviewed 2026-11-06.