Taameya

From Egypt, Taameya is a well-known street food. Traditionally it features onions, cumin, coriander and parsley.

Taameya, the Egyptian version of falafel, is distinct for its use of dried fava beans rather than chickpeas, mixed with onions, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and coriander. Its precise origins are debated—some trace it to ancient Egyptian Coptic fasting traditions, but definitive evidence is lacking; what is certain is that it has been a beloved street food in Egypt for centuries, deeply tied to everyday working-class life.

Unlike the chickpea-based falafel common in the Levant, Egyptian taameya is typically greener in color due to the heavy use of herbs and is often fried into flatter, disc-like patties. It is a breakfast staple, commonly served in a baladi bread sandwich with tahini, pickled vegetables, and fresh salad, representing a quick, affordable, and iconic meal that defines the country's street-food culture.