How to Get an Egyptian Breakfast : Part Two

Introduction

Last week we covered the most essential breakfast-related vocab.

This week we are finishing things with “Part 2.”

By the time you are done, you will be properly-armed and ready to take on Egyptian breakfasts everywhere.

We know you are hungry.

Now go out there and make us proud.

Today, Cleo Lingo will be explaining….how to order Egyptian breakfast, part two.

Vocabulary

We’ve mentioned the grammar “mish sandwiches” before.

What we might not have mentioned are the breakfast variety.

https://cleolingo.com/how-to-order-egyptian-shawerma/

No, not that kind (although you can eat shawerma sandwiches for breakfast if you want).

What we mean is that Egyptians are experts at making sandwiches for breakfast.

Take some bread, throw in whatever you want, and BOOM.

There’s your sandwich.

In that spirit, here are some “need to know” sandwiches that are quite popular in Egypt. This is typically how Egyptians eat breakfast, and indeed, it’s a delicious method.

You can make your own, or get them pre-made at restaurants.

Whatever you choose, here are their names.

Eggs with pastrami. : “BAYdth bell bawSTAREmuh”

بيض بالبسطرمة

Tawuhmayuh with eggplant. : “TAWuhMAYuh bllBITinGEHN”

طعمية بالبتنجان

Fries with eggplant. : “buhTAWtuss bllBITinGEHN”

بطاطس بالبتنجان

Beans with olive oil. : “FOOL bihZATE ih zihTOON”

فول بزيت الزيتون

Beans with sausages. : “FOOL billsihGUH”

فول بالسجق

Remember, Egyptians don’t say the “qaff.”

Cheese with tomato. : “GIBnuh BILLtuhMAWtum”

جبنة بالطماطم

Fries with cheddar / cheese. : “buhTAWtuss bllGIBnuh”

بطاطس بالجبنة

Shakshookuh. : “shawkSHOOkuh”

شكشوكة

This last one is special.

It’s a specialty from Egyptian and North African kitchens. The dish is served with eggs in a sauce made of tomatoes, chili, and onions.

Absolutely scrumptious. 

Can’t forget your drinks!

Tea with mint. : “SHAYbellNAW’NAW”

شاي بالنعناع

Tea with milk. : “SHAY billLEHbun”

شاي بلبن

You could also drink a juice.

https://cleolingo.com/how-to-order-juice-at-cairo-juice-shops/

Don’t worry about utensils.

We’ll be doing “How to Describe Your Kitchen in Egyptian Arabic,” if you actually care that much.

For now, though, just use your hands.

This is what most Egyptians do anyway!

Cultural Insight

Last week’s culture insight was about bread.

Well, guess what today’s is!

That’s right: the different kinds of bread and how to use them.

First, you have “behladee” bread.

عيش بلدي

Second, you have “shami” bread.

عيش شامي

They both have their advantages.

While “behladee” is (potentially) more delicious, it’s also a little bit messier.

In addition, “shami” bread seems to possess a strength that “beladee” could never hope for.

Seems like you can put a ton of bricks in a shami sandwich without a thought of it breaking through.

You can get this bread pretty much anywhere, but give legit “bread makers” a shot if you have the chance. Their bread really is better, and a fraction of the price you’d pay at a grocery store.

It’s also fresh.

What more could you ask for?

Good luck with all things breakfast related. 🙂

…..

Happy learning,

Cleo Lingo