Main · Assembled

Koshari (Rice, Lentils & Pasta)

Photo via Pexels/Unsplash — free for commercial use

A whole meal made by combining three separate starches in one bowl.

Rice, lentils, and macaroni layered together, topped with a spiced tomato sauce, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions, sold from dedicated koshari carts found on nearly every Cairo street.

Why it's made this way: As a filling, cheap, entirely plant-based combination of pantry staples, koshari became Egypt's most accessible daily meal, transcending income levels.