Popular Egyptian drinks to enjoy while you're in vacation - part 2 In this second part, we'll continue our journey through Egypt's flavorful drink repertoire, uncovering more hidden gems and traditional favorites that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're planning a visit to Egypt or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, these beverages are a must-try. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we sip our way through the next chapter of Egypt's captivating drink culture. For those with more refined tastes, Egypt has a large selection of drinks. These are the beverages that all travelers must sample. Cheers! Sobia Sobia is a coconut milkshake. Sobia is flavorful and falls somewhere between a drink and a dessert. This traditional drink is usually found during Ramadan but you can get it any time of the year. It has to be consumed cold. Sobia is meant to invigorate the pious. Although it tastes different from milk, many Egyptians find it appealing. It is a typical beverage that is available at every table in Egypt during Ramadan. There are many regional variations in sobia recipes. Egyptians use dairy products, rice, and coconut to prepare the beverage. The drink originated during a difficult financial period for the Arab world. It was first recorded in the Mamluk era. During this time, the per capita proportion of flour declined. But the supply of margarine, sugar, and rice from India increased. It was also a time when basic commodities became limited. This is the alleged period when this drink was invented. It gained popularity among the wealthy and the poor. The history of Sobya in the Hijaz is not well documented. It is believed that the beverage arrived in this region of the Arab world within the past century. According to a different account, it was created more than a century ago in Cairo's historic El Sayeda Zeinab neighborhood. Any evidence for either allegation is a rumor. Although its history is unknown, this delicious treat is known to be natural. It is a great source of calcium, copper, iron, manganese, potassium, zinc, selenium, and other essential minerals and nutrients. This drink's primary ingredients give it some fantastic health advantages. Khoshaf Khoshaf is a popular Egyptian beverage, especially enjoyed during the holy month of Ramadan. This sweet, nourishing drink is made by soaking a mix of dried fruits like apricots, figs, dates, and raisins in water or sugar syrup until they plump up. The resulting drink is both refreshing and rich in natural sweetness, often served with the soaked fruits for added texture and flavor. Khoshaf’s origins are believed to date back to the Fatimid dynasty, a time when Egyptians began consuming dried fruits and nuts after fasting to benefit from their high sugar content. The drink is thought to have evolved from a Persian or Turkish blend, with some suggesting the name “khashf” comes from the Turkish word for “soaked dates,” while the Persian phrase “khush ab” means a sweet drink. The tradition of enjoying Khoshaf has since become deeply rooted in Egyptian culture, particularly during Ramadan. Its natural sugars provide a quick source of energy, making it an ideal choice for breaking the fast. Many Egyptians cherish Khoshaf not just for its taste but for the memories it evokes of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a must-try for anyone exploring Egypt’s culinary heritage. Hummus Al-Sham Hummus Al-Sham, also known as Halabesa, is a popular Egyptian winter drink made from chickpeas and a blend of warming spices. Often sold by street vendors during the colder months, this savory beverage is not only delicious but also nourishing, providing warmth and energy. Chickpeas, the star ingredient, are packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and manganese, making this drink both hearty and healthy. Traditionally served hot in small glasses, Hummus Al-Sham is garnished with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of cumin, which enhances its rich, savory flavor. The chickpeas are cooked until tender and then combined with a flavorful broth made from tomato, garlic, cumin, and chili, creating a spicy and tangy base. The origins of Hummus Al-Sham trace back to the Syrian city of Damascus, with the name translating to "chickpea of Damascus." Over time, it has become a beloved staple in Egyptian street food, particularly cherished during the winter. Its ability to balance blood sugar and boost energy makes it a satisfying choice for chilly evenings, while the antioxidants and nutrients in chickpeas add a healthful benefit to every sip. Moz bil-Laban If you're a fan of smoothies, Moz bel Laban, or banana milk, is a must-try while in Egypt. This delightful and refreshing drink combines the creamy sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, smooth texture of milk, making it a year-round favorite in Egyptian households. Essentially a banana smoothie, Moz bel Laban is made by blending ripe bananas with milk, ice, and a touch of honey or sugar for extra sweetness. Loved by both children and adults, this simple yet irresistible beverage is packed with essential nutrients like potassium, calcium, and vitamins, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. Often enjoyed as a quick breakfast or a healthy snack, Moz bel Laban offers a satisfying and energizing boost. Its natural sweetness and creamy texture make it a go-to drink for many Egyptians, perfect for any time of day. Easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, Moz bel Laban is a convenient and wholesome treat that highlights the health benefits of traditional Egyptian drinks while delivering a burst of flavor in every sip. Gawafa bil-Laban Gawafa bel Laban is a standout Egyptian drink that showcases the country's knack for combining fresh flavors with wholesome ingredients. This delightful beverage blends the sweet, tropical taste of guava with the creamy richness of milk, resulting in a refreshing and nutritious treat. Much like the popular Moz bel Laban (banana milk), Gawafa bel Laban offers a smoothie-like experience but with guava as the star ingredient. In Egypt, guava is a beloved fruit, often enjoyed fresh or in juices. When mixed with milk, it creates a drink that's not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C. While preparing this drink, it's common to strain the mixture to remove the guava seeds after blending, ensuring a smooth and satisfying texture. Perfect for any time of the day, Gawafa bel Laban is a healthy choice that combines the natural sweetness of guava with the creamy goodness of milk. Its simple yet flavorful composition makes it a go-to beverage for those seeking a refreshing and nutrient-packed option. Balah bel laban Balah bel Laban, or dates with milk, is a delightful and wholesome beverage that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the creamy richness of milk. This simple yet irresistibly delicious drink is a staple in many Egyptian households, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims break their fast after sunset with dates and milk. This drink is widely consumed during Iftar, the nightly meal. It is pleasant in addition to being hydrating. It tastes so rich and creamy that you could mistake it for a dessert. This simple classic dessert can be drunk and eaten. The dates melt in the milk, creating a delicious indulgence. Its natural sweetness makes it ideal for Muslims to enjoy at either suhoor or iftar. Dates are highly valued in Egyptian culture, not only for their sweet flavor but also for their nutritional benefits, providing a quick source of energy and essential nutrients like fiber, potassium, and magnesium. A part of its origin goes back to the Prophet's advice to break your fast with a date. The preparation of Balah bel Laban is straightforward, yet the result is a drink that is both satisfying and nourishing. Fresh or dried dates are soaked in warm milk, allowing their natural sweetness to infuse the milk, creating a rich and flavorful drink. Sometimes, a touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon is added to enhance the flavor, making it even more delightful. Limonana The name is a combination of Arabic and Hebrew words meaning lemon and mint. Limonana, a delightful blend of lemonade and mint, is the ultimate summer refresher. This invigorating drink combines the tangy brightness of fresh lemons with the cooling, aromatic flavor of mint, creating a beverage that is both revitalizing and delicious. Widely enjoyed across Egypt, Limonana is a testament to the country's knack for creating simple yet incredibly satisfying drinks. Rich in taste, quite foamy, and incredibly refreshing! The health advantages of mint and lemon/lime work together to aid in the body's detoxification. The preparation of Limonana is straightforward yet yields an extraordinary burst of flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is mixed with water and sweetened with sugar to create a classic lemonade base. Then, a generous handful of fresh mint leaves is added, either muddled or blended, to infuse the drink with its distinctive, cooling essence. Served over ice, Limonana is the perfect antidote to Egypt's hot, sunny days. Whether sipped slowly in a bustling cafe or enjoyed at home with family and friends, Limonana embodies the spirit of Egyptian hospitality and the joy of shared moments. Its vibrant flavor and refreshing qualities make it a favorite not only among locals but also among visitors looking to experience authentic Egyptian flavors. We hope you've enjoyed discovering these delightful drinks as much as we have. From the nutritious and wholesome Balah bel Laban to the refreshing and zesty Limonana, each beverage offers a unique taste of Egypt's rich culinary heritage. These drinks not only quench your thirst but also tell a story of tradition, culture, and the innovative spirit of Egyptian cuisine. Exploring these drinks is more than just a culinary adventure; it's a way to connect with Egypt's vibrant history and the daily lives of its people. Whether you're savoring the sweet simplicity of a date-infused milk or cooling down with a minty lemonade, you're experiencing the essence of Egypt's hospitality and love for life. We hope we inspired you to try these wonderful beverages and perhaps even recreate them at home. Until then, cheers to new flavors, unforgettable experiences, and the joyous spirit of Egypt!