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Koshary, the humble yet captivating symbol of Cairo's street food, has been officially recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. UNESCO's inscription of Koshary is not only a celebration of its unique flavor but also opens a golden opportunity to spread Egyptian culture more widely on the world map, affirming its historical depth and the intermingling of civilizations over millennia.
Koshary is a unique, seemingly random yet incredibly harmonious combination of key ingredients: lentils, rice, and pasta, topped with a fragrant tomato sauce, crispy fried onions, and a drizzle of spicy garlic vinegar. This dish is not only popular at bustling street stalls but also features on the menus of upscale restaurants. Now, with its UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, Koshary has transcended the boundaries of a dish, becoming a cultural ambassador of the country.
UNESCO's inscription of Koshary as an intangible cultural heritage opens up opportunities for the widespread promotion of Egyptian cuisine and cultural identity.
This move by UNESCO comes as Egypt is stepping up efforts to celebrate its historical identity. Just over a month earlier, Cairo solemnly inaugurated a large-scale new antiquities museum, part of an overall strategy to attract international tourists and solidify its position as a leading cultural and historical center in the world. Koshary's recognition is the perfect addition, enhancing the culinary landscape of Egypt's rich tourism industry.
Although a popular legend suggests that Koshary was introduced to Egypt from northern India by British soldiers in the 19th century, researchers assert that this dish has a much more complex and lengthy culinary history. It is a vivid testament to cultural exchange through migration routes, trade, and conquest spanning thousands of years.
Renowned food and botanical archaeologist Hala Barakat points out that the ingredients of Koshary have diverse geographical origins, demonstrating its global character. Lentils originated in Mesopotamia over 5,800 years ago; rice came from East Asia; tomatoes and peppers were brought from the Americas; while pasta is an addition likely influenced by Italian cuisine in the more modern era. She emphasizes: “These ingredients have converged over thousands of years. The name may bear an Indian imprint, but the Egyptian version of Koshary has developed a distinct form, varying dynamically from region to region, from Alexandria to Aswan.”
Koshary, a unique combination of lentils, rice, and pasta, can be found at almost every street food stall in Egypt.
This diversity is evident in the UNESCO nomination dossier. For example, yellow lentil is preferred in coastal areas, while Cairo and Upper Egypt favor black lentil. Some families may add boiled eggs, and in Sinai, a similar dish called ma'dous also exists. The core unifying element lies in the distinctive, spicy flavor of the tomato, vinegar, and garlic sauce, which can be adjusted to individual tastes.
One legend suggests that Koshary originated in northern India and was brought to Egypt by British soldiers. However, researchers assert that the dish has a much longer history.
Koshary's widespread popularity began to explode in the 20th century, linked to the development of affordable restaurants and colorful street food carts that sprang up near transportation and educational centers such as train stations and schools. Furthermore, Koshary played a significant role in religious and social life. Because it uses no animal products, it was particularly suitable for the Coptic Christian community during periods of strict fasting. At the same time, it also caught up with the growing trend of vegetarianism and macrobiotics among Egyptian youth, making Koshary a friendly and healthy food choice.
These elements have converged over thousands of years. While the name may bear Indian influences, Koshary in Egypt has developed its own distinct form and varies from region to region.
Ahmed Shaker, head of public relations for Abou Tarek Koshary – a renowned brand operating in Cairo since 1963 – affirmed: “Today, Koshary is almost an indispensable symbol of the country, on par with the Pyramids. Any visitor to Egypt will visit the Pyramids, tour the museums, and absolutely must come to Abou Tarek to enjoy Koshary. It has become part of the Egyptian experience.”
With this recognition, Koshary has become Egypt's 11th heritage site, following other important cultural traditions such as Tahteeb – a traditional stick fighting martial art, and the oral epic Sirat Bani Hilal. The new UNESCO Director-General, Khaled El Enany, who previously served as Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, has pledged to prioritize the preservation and promotion of cultural traditions during his term.
