The Committee
- Takes note that Egypt has nominated Koshary, daily life dish and practices associated with it (No. 02278) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Practices associated with Koshary revolve around a popular dish made from simple, affordable ingredients such as rice, pasta, black lentils and fried onions, with condiments such as vinegar, garlic and hot sauce added according to preference. Koshary is a filling, budget-friendly meal prepared at home and served in restaurants and street carts, especially near schools and busy areas. Although the basic recipe remains consistent, regional variations exist. Koshary is enjoyed by people of all ages, genders and backgrounds across rural, urban and coastal communities.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: Koshary is shared with neighbours and friends, served at family gatherings, and offered at national events, including celebrations in embassies. Many individuals and professionals contribute to its preparation and culture, from restaurant owners and staff to street vendors, farmers and the craftspeople who build and decorate Koshary carts. Dessert shop owners near places where Koshary is prepared often serve rice pudding to complete the meal. The knowledge and skills related to this practice are passed down informally within families, especially from mothers to daughters. The practice is also shared through cooking shows, social media and professional culinary education programmes. A deeply rooted tradition, Koshary promotes unity, shared identity and social cohesion.
R.2: The element is presented as a means of raising awareness about intangible cultural heritage and supporting food security, inclusive economic development and gender equality. Koshary’s affordability and nutritional value are highlighted, as is its potential to promote peace and social cohesion through shared food practices. It is also a source of income for street vendors and restaurants at various levels and provides work opportunities and fair income for practitioners, making them the primary beneficiaries of the element.
R.3: The nomination file provides a good description of past and current safeguarding measures, highlighting the active involvement of communities and the government in promoting and preserving the element. The element remains vital and does not appear to be under threat. Existing measures focus more on promoting the element, not only through education but also via mass media, social media and support for restaurants where the dish is prepared.
R.4: The nomination process is described as community-driven, beginning with a public initiative. Following this, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee within the Ministry of Culture formed a team to prepare the file. This team included scientists, restaurant owners, NGO representatives, media cooks and selected individuals (housewives) — a composition that reflects the communities that bear the burden of the element. Community members provided their free, prior and informed consent, as well as photographs and videos related to the element for the nomination process. They also validated the file before its submission.
R.5: The element was included in the National Folklore Archive Inventory in 2017. This inventory is maintained by the Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions and is updated between a year to three years as part of the national inventorying system. This involves the direct participation of communities, groups and individuals.
- Decides to inscribe Koshary, daily life dish and practices associated with it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.