🇪🇬 Egypt · Food
Hawawshi (Spiced Meat Pita)
By eatmundo · August 4, 2026
🇪🇬 EGHawawshi 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.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow 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, 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
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.
🇪🇬 EGMundo Match
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