Ta'ameya
Cairo, Egypt
Ta’ameya is Egypt’s fava-bean falafel, made from soaked beans ground with herbs such as parsley, coriander and dill, then shaped and fried. The crust is crisp and the center bright green, with sesame sometimes pressed onto the outside.
Why locals eat it
Unlike chickpea falafel common elsewhere, ta’ameya’s fava base gives it a lighter, more herbal interior. In Cairo it is everyday breakfast and street food, often tucked into bread with salad, tahini or pickles.
Local tip
Ask whether the ta’ameya is made with fava beans and order it fresh from the fryer. Pickles and tahini balance the herbs, while a sandwich is an easy first serving.
Typically made with
Fava beans, Coriander, Parsley, Garlic, Onions, Sesame seeds. Recipes vary — always check with the vendor if you have allergies.