Egyptian dish koshary added to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list

A chef prepares Koshary for customers at a restaurant in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 10, 2025. Egypt's beloved national dish Koshary has been officially inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2025, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture said Wednesday in a statement. (Photo by Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua)

CAIRO, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's beloved national dish Koshary has been officially inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2025, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture said Wednesday in a statement.

The inclusion marks the 11th item registered in Egypt's name on UNESCO's intangible heritage lists, read the statement.

Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno called it a new confirmation of the global interest in the daily life culture of Egyptians, which represents an authentic part of their identity, read the statement.

"Koshary is the first Egyptian dish to be registered," he noted, adding that the coming years are expected to witness the registration of more elements associated with social and cultural practices passed down through generations.

"This inclusion reflects the success of the concerted efforts made by the Egyptian state to document and protect its heritage," he said.

Koshary is one of the most famous and popular staple dishes in Egypt, consisting of a blend of pasta, rice, black lentils, chickpeas, and fried onions, typically topped with a tangy tomato sauce. Essential additions often include vinegar, lemon, and chili sauce.

It is widely regarded as a low-cost, high-calorie meal accessible to all segments of society. ■

A waiter serves Koshary for customers at a restaurant in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 10, 2025. Egypt's beloved national dish Koshary has been officially inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2025, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture said Wednesday in a statement. (Photo by Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Dec. 10, 2025 shows Koshary at a restaurant in Cairo, Egypt. Egypt's beloved national dish Koshary has been officially inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2025, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture said Wednesday in a statement. (Photo by Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Dec. 10, 2025 shows Koshary at a restaurant in Cairo, Egypt. Egypt's beloved national dish Koshary has been officially inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2025, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture said Wednesday in a statement. (Photo by Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua)

Customers eat Koshary at a restaurant in Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 10, 2025. Egypt's beloved national dish Koshary has been officially inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2025, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture said Wednesday in a statement. (Photo by Ahmed Gomaa/Xinhua)