A Culinary Journey to the Land of the Pyramids
Edited by Anna Popper
The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Hungary, in cooperation with 1000 Út Travel Agency, hosted a special evening of Egyptian gastronomy and culture at the UP Hotel in Budapest on 24 January 2026, welcoming H.E. Dr. Ahmed Fahmy Shahin, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Hungary, and his spouse, Mrs. Noran Hassan, who graced the event with their presence.
The evening aimed to showcase the richness of Egyptian civilization through its traditional cuisine, majestic art, unique history and music. Representatives from the cultural, media, and tourism sectors came together to experience Egypt as a comprehensive cultural and tourist destination. Guests were immersed in an atmosphere carefully curated with authentic flavours, aromas, and colours, offering a glimpse into the land of the pyramids and a reminder that Egypt must be experienced first-hand.
The dinner was opened with the welcome address of H.E. Dr. Ahmed Fahmy Shahin, Ambassador of Egypt to Hungary:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you this evening. Thank you for joining us at this special cultural and touristic gathering, jointly organized by the Embassy of Egypt and UP Hotel here in the heart of Budapest. Tonight is more than just a dinner. It is an invitation to travel. A journey to Egypt – a country whose story began thousands of years ago and yet continues to unfold every day. Egypt is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, but it has never belonged only to the past. It is a living, breathing culture. A place where history, creativity, and human warmth meet naturally.
This continuity is perhaps best embodied today in the Grand Egyptian Museum, which has recently opened its doors to the world. The museum is not only the largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization; it is a statement. A statement that Egypt honours its heritage, invests in knowledge, and speaks confidently to the future. The Grand Egyptian Museum presents 5,000 years of history with a modern vision, inviting visitors not only to observe, but to understand and to connect.
Tourism in Egypt reflects this same philosophy today. It is about more than just monuments. It is about experiences – walking through history in Cairo and Luxor, feeling the calm of the Red Sea, discovering the beauty of the desert and the Nile, and sharing moments with people whose hospitality is part of their identity. This evening brings a small piece of this experience to Budapest. Through stories, flavours and music, Egypt comes closer. Cuisine, like culture, tells a story – of places, memories, and daily life. What you will taste tonight is part of how Egyptians live, celebrate, and welcome their guests.
This event also reflects the strong and friendly relationship between Egypt and Hungary. Our two nations share a deep respect for history, culture, and national identity. Over the years, our cooperation – political, economic, and cultural – has grown steadily, and people-to-people connections remain at its heart.
I am grateful to our partners, the organizers, and all of you for being here. Your presence gives meaning to this evening. I invite you to enjoy the food, the music, the conversations, and the journey. May tonight inspire you to discover Egypt with fresh eyes or to return. Welcome, and thank you very much.”
The Taste of Egyptian Hospitality
Mrs. Noran Hassan introduced the traditions of Egyptian cuisine and hospitality, highlighting how food, culture, people, and landscape are inseparable elements of Egyptian identity.
The guests enjoyed authentic dishes prepared by the outstanding Chef of the Embassy, Mostafa Yacoub Mohamed, whose professional cooking reflected the quality and warmth of Egyptian home-style cuisine.
The menu began with appetizers, including creamy Cairo hummus, smoky baba ganoush, tahina, fried eggplant bites, fermented cherry tomatoes, and mahshi (stuffed grape leaves), followed by traditional lentil soup, a staple in Egypt since ancient times. Main courses offered a rich variety, featuring koshariin the famous Abu Tarek style, Egypt’s most famous street food, grilled kofta skewers, traditional falafel made from fava beans, spicy Alexandrian beef liver (kibda), Luxor-style eggplant moussaka, green molokheya – the ultimate comfort food – and richly spiced rice with seeds and raisins. Dessertsincluded om ali, Egypt’s beloved baked bread pudding, and classic El Abd basbousa. The courses were complemented by deep red karkade hibiscus drink and refreshing lemon-mint juice.
Stories, Shared Curiosity, and Music
Mr. Jaroszlav Gorszkij, Managing Director of 1000 Út Travel Agency spoke about the enduring cultural appeal of Egypt, which continues to captivate the entire world.
Egypt expert Zsuzsa Méhész’s vivid stories and engaging presentation introduced the major attractions and unparalleled artistic heritage of this legendary country. Particular attention was given to the extraordinary Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) at the Giza Plateau, near the pyramids, which opened in November 2025. Hailed as a new wonder of the world, the museum houses over 100,000 artefacts from ancient Egypt, including the complete burial treasure of Tutankhamun – 5,398 objects on public display for the first time since the tomb’s discovery in 1922.
Around fifty guests attended the cultural night, sharing admiration for Egypt’s millennia-old civilization, warm hospitality and culinary traditions. The ambiance was further enhanced by oud musician Salem Owais, whose performance added emotion to the evening.
The event reflected the Embassy’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, strengthening ties between Egypt and Hungary, and fostering opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
It was an occasion that reminded all: to truly understand and experience Egypt, a single visit is never enough. The beauty of this land ensures that each return feels like a new discovery.
You do not simply visit Egypt; you enter a lifelong rhythm with its soul. Human life is incomplete without the joy of traveling, exploring and dreaming.
Sources: Embassy of Egypt in Budapest, 1000 Út Travel Agency
Photos from the Embassy of Egypt in Budapest, 1000 Út Travel Agency, DPA
