Taamiya, Egypt’s ancient fava bean delicacy, remains a favorite breakfast choice for many. These crunchy bites, similar in appearance to falafel, are crafted with fava beans rather than chickpeas. In downtown Cairo, Nasser Al Fayoumi food cart and restaurant serve thousands of taamiya and ful each day, drawing crowds with their affordable offerings.
Ful wi taamiya
, a combination of creamy ful medames and crispy taamiya, is a staple for Egyptians. Fava beans have historical significance, appearing in symbolic offerings to deities in Ancient Egypt circa three thousand years ago.
A 21-year-old named Yousef Ahmed makes taamiya at a Cairo food cart daily. He combines mashed fava beans with herbs and spices like cilantro, dill, and cumin. Ahmed’s cart produces over 4,000 golden fried-balls each day, with ful wi taamiya priced at 10 Egyptian pounds, equivalent to 20 cents.
Given that a third of Egyptians live in poverty, earning only a few dollars a day, taamiya serves as a sustaining and affordable breakfast option.