UNESCO Recognises Koshary, Egypt’s National Comfort Food

UNESCO has officially crowned koshary as intangible cultural heritage, confirming what Egyptians have long known: this carb-packed bowl is a national institution. The humble mix of rice, pasta, lentils and fried onions—drowned in tomato sauce and optional volcanic chilli—was recognised as part of Egypt’s living identity. Tourists agree too. “You can taste the country in it,” said one visitor, moments before asking for extra sauce. Across Egypt, vendors celebrated the news in the traditional way: scooping faster, piling higher, and daring customers to survive the hot sauce.