Skip to content
eatmundo

Egypt · Food

Hawawshi (Spiced Meat Pita)

45 min
550 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 4, 2026

Hawawshi (Spiced Meat Pita)🇪🇬AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

3 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Hawawshi (Spiced Meat Pita). The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Flatbread & pastry44 recipes from 13 countries

Hawawshi is a beloved Egyptian street food featuring spiced minced meat stuffed inside pockets of pita bread, then toasted until crispy. It is aromatic, deeply savory, and incredibly satisfying.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Hawawshi from another cuisine is Fatteh Betinjan (Lebanon): the two share 63% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

tick what you already have - the rest goes on your shopping list
Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Finely chop the onions and parsley, then combine them in a large mixing bowl with the minced beef.

  • 2

    Add the crushed garlic, allspice, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl.

  • 3

    Use your hands to knead the mixture thoroughly for 3 minutes until the spices are evenly distributed and the meat becomes slightly sticky.

  • 4

    Cut a small opening along the edge of each pita bread (4 pieces), creating a pocket.

  • 5

    Stuff each pita with a generous portion of the meat mixture, spreading it out into a thin, even layer inside.

  • 6

    Brush the exterior of the pita breads lightly with vegetable oil to ensure a golden, crispy crust.

  • 7

    Preheat your oven to 200°C and place the pitas on a baking sheet.

  • 8

    Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is crispy and the meat filling is fully cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hawawshi?

Hawawshi is an Egyptian street food consisting of a pita bread stuffed with a mixture of minced beef, onions, parsley, and various spices. It is typically baked or grilled until crispy and is commonly served as a casual meal or snack.

Should I precook the meat?

No, the meat cooks perfectly inside the pita in the oven, keeping all the juices contained.

Which pita is best?

Use standard Egyptian baladi bread, which is slightly thicker and holds the meat juices better.

Can I add vegetables?

Many people add finely chopped bell peppers or fresh chili for extra flavor and crunch.

What if it dries out?

If your bread looks dry, lightly brush it with a bit more oil before putting it in the oven.

Keep exploring