An Egyptian Evening With Lina

We were eager to dine at an Egyptian restaurant in Oslo, only to discover that there are none! After some searching, we were fortunate to meet Lina, a student with Egyptian heritage at the University of Oslo, who kindly invited us to her home for an authentic Egyptian meal.

The dish we cooked together was Koshary, Egypt’s national dish. It is a hearty mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with spicy tomato sauce, garlic vinegar, and crispy onions. Originally a low-cost street food for the working class, Koshary reflects Egypt’s diverse history, blending Indian, Italian, and local influences from colonial-era Cairo. What struck us most was how a simple, affordable dish can hold such deep cultural meaning — unity, resilience, and hospitality.

After dinner, Lina showed us a badlāt raqs (belly dance costume), explaining how dance in Egypt symbolizes joy and a connection to heritage. We even tried it on — with mixed success, but lots of laughter! 

Later, we watched the Egyptian movie Meen Yesaddaq, which sparked conversations about class, gender, and morality in contemporary Egyptian society.

Before this experience, many of us had limited knowledge of Egyptian culture beyond ancient history and pyramids. Spending an evening with Lina introduced us to a living, evolving culture — one rooted in generosity, community, and creativity. We noticed similarities to Norwegian social gatherings, where food and conversation are also central, but were especially struck by the spontaneity and warmth that define Egyptian hospitality.

By the end of the night, someone who had been a stranger became a friend. We left not only with full stomachs, but also with a deeper appreciation for how sharing food can open the door to meaningful cultural encounters.

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