If you are in Al Khobar or Dammam and craving Egyptian moussaka like the one at home, this page is for you. The name's story and the recipe have their own articles; this is the practical part: how it is eaten, what to order with it, and where to find it.
How moussaka is eaten
In Egypt moussaka has two well-known ways to be eaten:
- With white rice: the sauce runs into the rice and flavours it, the way many homes have it at lunch.
- With bread: scooped up like any sauce dish, and some homes eat it cold this way too.
In restaurants it usually comes in a casserole, as a main for one or to share at the table.
What to order with it
| If you want | Try with it |
|---|---|
| Rice to soak up the sauce | White Egyptian rice or Egyptian vermicelli rice |
| Something fresh | The salad buffet with vegetables, sauces and Egyptian pickles |
| Grills alongside | Charcoal kofta or mixed grills |
| A table of casseroles | With an okra and beef casserole or a molokhia casserole |
Tip: if moussaka is your main, rice matters most, since the sauce is half the pleasure of the dish.
Moussaka or another casserole?
Torn between moussaka and the other casseroles on the menu:
| Casserole | Suits you if |
|---|---|
| Moussaka with minced meat | You love eggplant and a sauce with peppers |
| Okra with beef | You want a casserole with chunks of meat |
| Macaroni béchamel | You want something creamy and filling |
| Potato with beef | You want a gentle, homely casserole |
Trying Egyptian moussaka for the first time
If you are used to Greek moussaka with its béchamel top, expect a different taste: Egyptian moussaka is closer to an eggplant casserole in tomato sauce, with the tang of tomato, the scent of garlic and peppers, and a soft texture. The best way to try it is a spoonful of eggplant and sauce over rice. If you like eggplant in general, it will probably win you over first time.
When to order it
- At lunch as a main with rice.
- At a family table with several casseroles, so everyone gets a taste.
- When you want a vegetable-and-meat casserole different from okra or potatoes.
Common questions
What is in your moussaka casserole? According to the menu: eggplant, minced meat, peppers and onions in a rich tomato sauce.
Does it have béchamel like Greek moussaka? The menu description has no béchamel. This is Egyptian moussaka, known for its tomato sauce; béchamel is the mark of Greek moussaka. The whole difference is in the story of Egyptian moussaka.
Is it vegetarian? No, our moussaka casserole is with minced meat, according to the menu. Meatless moussaka is a well-known home version in Egypt; its method is in moussaka the Egyptian way.
How does moussaka differ from stuffed eggplant? For mahshi, the eggplant is hollowed and stuffed with herbed rice and tomato; for moussaka, it is sliced, fried and cooked in sauce. If you love mahshi, read mahshi the Egyptian way.
Is moussaka spicy? Egyptian moussaka is usually not spicy; some homes add hot pepper or chilli for those who like heat.
Is it eaten hot or cold? Both, in Egypt. Ordered as a casserole it is usually eaten hot with rice, while at home some people like it cold with bread the next day.
Is it good for delivery? Yes, casseroles travel well. You can see other dishes we recommend for delivery on our delivery page.
Where to find it in Al Khobar
At Rokn Warda in Al Khobar you will find a moussaka casserole with minced meat: eggplant, minced meat, peppers and onions in a rich tomato sauce, and our meat arrives fresh, never frozen.
- Delivery: order from the menu for delivery in Al Khobar and Dammam.
- Dine in: try it in our dining room in Al Khobar beside grills or other casseroles.
For more on our casseroles read Egyptian casseroles in Al Khobar, and if you like vegetable-and-meat casseroles read okra and meat casserole.
