Discover Authentic Egyptian Flavors at Koshary Corner in the New Student Center!

In the realm of Egyptian cuisine, koshary is a beloved staple. This dish combines pasta, rice, lentils, and chickpeas, all topped with tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It’s filling, comforting, and a true taste of Egypt.

When Iman Moussa moved to Maryland, she was surprised to find that koshary was almost unknown in the U.S. “How could so many people not know about this dish?” she recalls. To share her love for koshary, Moussa opened Koshary Corner, a food stall that recently opened its second location at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg Student Center. Besides koshary, they also offer shawarma wraps, falafel, and other popular Mediterranean dishes.

“It fills me with pride to introduce people to my culture through food,” Moussa shares. Her aim is not just to serve meals but also to create connections within the community.

Moussa started Koshary Corner as a way to build a new life in America. She wanted to connect with her neighbors, so she began by knocking on doors with homemade food. “Food brings people together,” she explains. This simple idea blossomed into a successful business, first launching in Howard County in 2018, and later expanding to Baltimore.

Sustainability is also a key part of her philosophy. “I want to minimize waste,” she says, using eco-friendly packaging for her dishes. Initially, Koshary Corner was entirely vegan, but in 2025, they shifted to a “plant-forward” menu, adding a few animal protein options while keeping the majority of their offerings vegan.

The partnership with Hopkins is significant to her. “It’s a great initiative to support local businesses,” Moussa emphasizes. Many large companies make promises about community support, but she sees Hopkins putting those promises into action.

Running a food stall in a college setting is different from her spot at R. House. “Students are away from home and studying hard, so my goal is to provide comfort food that nourishes them,” she notes. The approach is about making them feel at home, even if just for a moment.

This new location is also about creativity. With a deck oven available, Moussa is experimenting with flatbreads. “I want to offer something familiar but with a twist, using wholesome ingredients and plenty of flavor,” she says. The goal is to create dishes that are both nutritious and delicious.

If students are looking to explore Baltimore’s food scene, Moussa has some advice: “Expand your palate!” She encourages them to engage with the food and the stories behind it. “Ask questions, and be curious. The experience is much richer when you understand where your food comes from.” Her message is clear—food is not just fuel; it’s a way to connect with culture and community.

In a time when many are becoming more conscious of their food choices, koshary represents both tradition and modernity. As the popularity of plant-based eating grows, incorporating dishes like koshary can lead to a greater appreciation for diverse cultures—right on our plates.

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