Navigating dietary choices in Egypt can be a delightful adventure if approached with some prudent considerations. Fresh fruit and salads are abundant and can be quite tempting, but it’s essential to be cautious to avoid any unwanted digestive issues.
I’ve never had any issues with enjoying fresh salads or fruit on cruise ships or in hotels across Egypt. If you find yourself in Luxor, I highly recommend checking out the wonderful new outdoor fruit and vegetable souk (market) near Mara House. It’s just a short walk from Station St.; go through the underpass at the train station, and you’ll find yourself on El Nozha St. Directly across the road, you’ll see a big bus station. To the left of that, there’s a small mosque, and right next to it is the bustling fruit & veg market. You can easily find it on Google Maps by searching “Luxor Fruit and Vegetable Market.” While the photo on Google Maps might be incorrect, the location is spot on.
Strawberries, grapes, mangos, bananas, dates, figs, passion fruit, guava, lemons, oranges, peaches are just some of the locally grown fruit you can buy in Egyptian fruit and veg markets.
On Tuesday mornings, the market becomes even more vibrant as farmers arrive with their sheep, chickens, freshly picked produce, and homemade bread. This lively atmosphere makes the market a tourist attraction in itself! If you get the chance to buy fresh, delicious fruits while in Luxor or anywhere else in Egypt, go ahead and treat yourself. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly in your hotel room. You can always ask your tour guide or at a hotel reception desk if it would be possible for them to get you a bottle of white vinegar and some bicarbonate of soda. In arabic Carbonata and Khall. Washing fruit in water with vinegar and carbonata will clean it, then rinse it well. The tap water will be fine for this – if it wasn’t wouldn’t the Egyptians all be sick?
If you want to feel extra safe, opt for fruits that can be peeled, such as bananas, oranges, and mangoes. The outer skin protects the fruit, making it a safe option.
When it comes to salads and other raw vegetables, it’s best to err on the side of caution when staying at lower end hotels and never from a street food cart in Egypt. The reputable hotels and high-end restaurants have stringent hygiene standards.
If you are going to opt out of eating salads, remember that “salads” are not just green leafy veg. Dips such as yogurt and cucumber, tahina and baba ganough, which are served with most meals also contain herbs such as parsley, cilantro etc.
Many travelers have been advised by well-meaning friends to skip the salads out of concern that they might be washed in tap water. While the tap water in Luxor has a strong metallic taste, it is treated just like the water at home. However, some people with sensitive stomachs might experience a tummy ache due to the different mineral composition. To avoid any discomfort, I suggest sticking to bottled water during your stay. Baraka is one popular bottled water brand in Egypt, but it has a higher magnesium content than others, which may not agree with everyone but could be quite beneficial to others.
Your guide will always be able to advise on where to buy the best local cuisine.
Lastly, always have some digestive aids or medication handy if you sometimes experience bouts of indigestion or heart burn while at home, just in case. Your adventure in Egypt should be one filled with discovery and joy, not hindered by an upset stomach. Now go ahead and enjoy tasting all the wonderful fruits and veggies Egypt has to offer 😊.
Read my post on the Egyptian Tummy bug, buy a packet of Antinal at any Egyptian pharmacy and then enjoy tasting everything, especially the fruit and veg 🙂