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Fattah — traditional dish from Cairo, Egypt
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥850kcal
💪37gProtein
🌾90gCarbs
🥑38gFat
🌿8gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten

Fattah

How to order / say it
Say it فتة — [faht-tah]
Order I'd like the Fattah, please.
Locally من فضلك، أريد الفتة.
Say locally

A festive dish made of crispy bread pieces layered with rice, meat, and tangy tomato sauce.

Why try it?

Fattah is a traditional dish often enjoyed during celebrations and religious feasts, reflecting the rich festive spirit of Egyptian culture. It's an embodiment of Egyptian hospitality, skillfully combining textures and flavors.

How it tastes

Fattah offers a delightful combination of textures: crispy bread, fluffy rice, and tender meat, all brought together with a tangy and aromatic tomato sauce. Each bite is a harmonious blend of savory and spicy notes, making it a memorable dish.

Origin & History — first documented: 1300

Fattah is believed to have its roots in ancient Egyptian celebratory meals. It became associated with Ramadan and family gatherings, symbolizing abundance and shared joy. Traditionally made for special occasions, it has become a staple dish served across Egypt.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 150 g pita bread
  • 200 g rice
  • 🥩 300 g beef
  • 🥕 250 g tomato
  • 🧄 20 g garlic
  • 🍋 30 ml vinegar
  • 🫒 50 ml oil
  • 🧂 5 g cumin
  • 🧂 5 g salt

Method

  1. 1 Fry pita bread pieces in oil until crispy.
  2. 2 Cook rice in a separate pot according to package instructions.
  3. 3 Sauté garlic and cumin, then add tomatoes and vinegar to create a sauce.
  4. 4 Layer crispy bread, rice, and cooked meat in a serving dish, topping with tomato sauce.

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All Africa recipes — Egypt — Cairo — Fattah
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