The rules of shopping in Egypt: what to bring from the “Land of the Pyramids”?

Egypt has long occupied a leading position among the countries of rest. There is a beach holiday, and sightseeing, and extreme. Be sure to visit the capital of the “Countries of the Pyramids” Cairo, which attracts the sights of ancient civilization and Arabic architecture. No less popular resorts of the Red Sea are Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. The latter is considered the number one destination for divers.
Resting abroad, I want to bring relatives and friends unique souvenirs that will best characterize the country of rest. Let’s understand that such “Egyptian” can be presented to relatives?
Tea
In Egypt, the tea is of high quality and taste. The most popular variety is karkade made from hibiscus flowers or sudan roses. Rose tea has a delicate aroma, has a slight bitterness and will be an excellent gift for a lady. Yellow tea has an unusual taste, and Tamarind has medicinal properties.
Brewing is recommended to buy in tea shops, there is high quality, inexpensive and there is plenty to choose from. Remember, the larger the leaves and less husk, the better.
Spices and spices
When choosing spices in Egypt, pay attention to cumin. It has a bitter taste and pronounced spicy aroma, reminiscent of cumin, great for fish.
Tourists also buy Maluhi, which can be either fresh or dry. For the souvenir will suit the second option. The taste of the spice is similar to something between sage and spinach. From malukhi prepare “soup of the pharaohs.”
Cardamom is an integral part of Egyptian coffee, coriander is perfect for salads, and sweet-tasting anise is added when cooking desserts.
Do not buy spices in crowded streets and tents in open areas where there is a strong wind. Acquire a product in indoor markets, for example, in Khan el Hamili in Cairo.
Oils
In Egypt, they offer pure aromatic oils (concentrated) and perfume oils mixed with alcohol, so that the aroma is not so sharp. Each extract has its own range of odors and healing properties.
Sandalwood, black cumin, jojoba, helba, tea tree and aloe are the most popular. To buy such a souvenir is recommended in large stores, pharmacies or perfume factories, where the risk of forgery is minimal. You will also find whole compositions, for example, The Secret of the Night or Nefertiti. Remember, natural essential oils do not leave a greasy stain on fabric or paper.
Hookah
Hookah in Egypt is considered more than just a smoking device. Only here you can find a classic, not a modern, hookah. The Egyptians call it “shisha.” It is important to be able to distinguish a device from a cheap figurine. The height of the hookah should be from 30 cm, the height of the mine from 50 cm, made of stainless steel, the glass of the flask without cracks. It is better that the hose is made of genuine leather, the bowls are earthen, and not ceramic, the shaft with the flask is connected with rubber seals. Also make sure that the hookah is equipped with a check valve.
Figurines and amulets
Often, tourists take as a souvenir figurines of the Egyptian gods. There are more than a hundred of them in Egypt, there are plenty to choose from. It is important to pay attention to what the patron saint was God. Thus, the figure of Horus is presented to managers, the god Anubis is bought by doctors, and Osiris – by judicial and law enforcement officers.
The scarab beetle is one of the most revered symbols of Egypt. For many centuries in Egyptian mythology, the insect personified the god Khepe, who symbolized the rising sun. It is believed that the scarab beetle figure will bring good luck and prosperity to its owner.
You can also bring seafood from Egypt – pebbles, shells, corals. However, please note that such things are allowed out of the country only if there is a check.
Papyrus
Hundreds of years ago, the whole world used a paper analog, which was produced in ancient Egypt – papyrus. Therefore, this souvenir will accurately describe the country of your holiday. Finding real papyrus is difficult in regular gift stores. But if you want to be sure of its authenticity – the best option is to go to the papyrus factory. They are located at the papyrus museums in Luxor and Cairo. There you can get acquainted with the technology of papyrus production in ancient times and buy an original sample.
The choice of souvenirs is a crucial step, because you want the gift to be not only special, but also useful. Follow our recommendations and be sure not to lose.