Visual Guide to 14 Egyptian Dishes at Alexandria’s Pearl


February 17, 2020
a man wearing a hat
By Jackie Tran
By Jackie Tran

The menu offers a range of traditional Egyptian dishes along with popular Mediterranean dishes.

Now that Egyptian restaurant Alexandria’s Pearl has had a few weeks to warm up after opening at 1535 N. Stone Ave., the Tucson Foodie team swung by to find out the stand-out dishes.

The menu offers a range of traditional Egyptian dishes that you probably haven’t tried along with popular dishes—such as hummus or kebabs—that you’ve probably had at a Mediterranean restaurant.

Tea and dessert at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Tea and dessert at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

We plowed through as much of the menu as we could fit in our bellies, but the menu is far more expansive than what you see below. Here are our notes.

The Bast Hummus ($6.50) doesn’t differ much from other Mediterranean versions, but it is executed well with its silky smooth texture and ample tahini.

Bast Hummus at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Bast Hummus at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The same goes for the Baba Ganoosh ($6.99); not too different, but solid. This particular version is on the smokier side.

Baba Ganoosh at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Baba Ganoosh at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The Yogurt & Cucumber ($4.99) is perfect for cooling off on a warm day. It also pairs well with the spicier dishes.

Yogurt & Cucumber at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Yogurt & Cucumber at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The Falafel ($6.49) is packed with fresh herbs in each crunchy, aromatic bite.

Falafel at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Falafel at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Liver enthusiasts will appreciate the Alexandrian Beef Liver ($9.99). Tender and not overcooked (a common issue with liver), it is seasoned with garlic, onions, and bell pepper.

Alexandrian Beef Liver at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Alexandrian Beef Liver at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Enjoy slowly cooked fava beans with hummus, olive oil, and chopped vegetables in the classic Fool ($6.49).

Fool at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Fool at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Hawawshi ($11.99) is a house-made bread stuffed with warmly spiced (think along the lines of allspice and cinnamon) minced beef with onions and peppers. The bread’s texture is somewhere between pita and focaccia, soft and spongy.

Hawawshi at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Hawawshi at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Bamya Okra ($10.99, add meat for $2 extra) features a medley of vegetables with okra in a tomato stew.

Bamya Okra at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Bamya Okra at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Molokhiya ($10.99, $12.99 with meat) is a vegetable dish with a soupy consistency that resembles pureed spinach and okra with its earthiness and slightly slimy texture. More of an acquired taste, enjoy it over white rice.

Molokhiya at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Molokhiya at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The Kebab Sampler ($14.99) lets you pick three menu kebabs for your own custom creation.

Kebab Sampler at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Kebab Sampler at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Traditional Fatta ($14.99) features a bed of crunchy pita chips, white rice, stewed lean beef, and Egyptian tomato salsa. Eat this one fast, because the pita will get soggy fairly quickly.

Fatta at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Fatta at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The Beef Kabsa ($13.99) features cubes of lean beef on basmati rice simmered with a spiced onion and tomato broth. Think of it as an Egyptian biryani. Slivered almonds add a pleasant crunch.

Beef Kabsa at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Beef Kabsa at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

With Italian and Indian influence, the Koshari ($12.99) features chopped noodles, rice, lentils, chickpeas, and crispy caramelized onions with vinegary garlic and tomato sauces. This was one of our favorite dishes.

Koshari at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Koshari at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Make sure to save room for a house-made dessert Sampler Plate ($11.99) and some Karak Tea and Turkish Coffee. 

Tea and dessert at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Tea and dessert at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

We’ll be back on a weekend to try out the Turkish-style breakfast, Kahvalti ($13.49).

Operating hours are 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday, noon – 9 p.m. Monday – Wednesday, noon – midnight Thursday, and 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. Friday – Saturday.

Facade at Alexandria's Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Facade at Alexandria’s Pearl (Credit: Jackie Tran)

For more information about the restaurant, read our December 2019 article Egyptian restaurant Alexandria’s Pearl to open on North Stone Avenue.

Alexandria’s Pearl is located at 1535 N. Stone Ave. Keep up with Alexandria’s Pearl on Facebook. For more information, visit alexandriaspearl.com.

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