Discover Egypt's 18-Year tradition of Eid Kahk production
CAIRO – 27 March 2025: The cities and towns within Egypt's Gharbia Governorate are widely celebrated as premier locations for the crafting and production of traditional Eid cookies (Kahk) and a delightful array of other festive sweets.
These delectable treats are eagerly sought after by residents from across Gharbia and neighboring governorates each year, coinciding with the joyous Eid celebrations. Furthermore, the tradition of homemade sweets during the final days of Ramadan is a cherished custom among the local communities.
During a recent visit to the city of Tanta, a prominent locale within Gharbia Governorate, "Youm7" documented the meticulous process of Eid cookie production within the Gharbia Mills area. This area is a hub for confectionery manufacturing, offering its products to the public at prices that are notably competitive compared to the broader market. The Gharbia Mills complex operates throughout the year, specializing in the creation of various sweets in numerous forms and flavors.
Engineer Taha Saeed, the responsible manager of the complex, shared with "Youm7" that this marks the eighteenth consecutive year of the complex's dedicated production of oriental sweets, including traditional "Moulid" sweets, Eid cookies, and biscuits of all varieties. The complex prides itself on consistently providing these products year-round, known for their high quality and affordable pricing, attracting customers from diverse centers, cities, and neighboring governorates.
Saeed further elaborated on their production methods, highlighting their reliance on internal resources. The flour used in their products is sourced from the Central and Western Delta Mills Company. The workforce employed at the complex comprises the company's own personnel, who also contribute to the production of the automatic bread available within the complex.
He also provided insights into the pricing, stating that the cost for a kilogram of Eid cookies begins at 100 Egyptian pounds for the popular "Qaraqish" biscuits and 210 Egyptian pounds for the traditional "Kahk" cookies.
Saeed noted that the preparations for the Ramadan season, specifically for Eid cookie production, commence at the beginning of the month of Sha'ban and continue until the start of Ramadan. Subsequently, the automated machinery is fully utilized to meet the anticipated demands of the market and the contracted companies.
As Eid Al-Fitr approaches, many people indulge in traditional sweets such as Kahk, biscuits, petit fours, and Ghorayeba. While these treats are an essential part of the celebration, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and elevated blood sugar levels. Packed with fats, carbohydrates, and calories, these sweets can contribute to digestive issues, which tend to rise during Eid due to unhealthy eating habits.
The calorie content of Eid sweets varies based on ingredients and preparation methods. Here's a breakdown of the average calories per serving:
Plain Kahk (50g): 200 - 220 kcal
Stuffed Kahk (dates/nuts, 50g): 220 - 250 kcal
Biscuits (40g): 150 - 180 kcal
Ghorayeba (40g): 120 - 140 kcal
Petit Four (30g): 100 - 120 kcal
Maamoul with dates (50g): 250 - 270 kcal
The calorie count can increase depending on added ingredients like nuts, fillings, and sugar toppings. To minimize calorie intake, opt for smaller portions and lighter sweets to reduce fat consumption, especially in treats like Kahk and Ghorayeba.
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