Egyptian Renga (Smoked Herring Fish Dip)

Egyptian renga, or ringa, is a smoked herring fish dip that is a common seafood appetizer in Egypt. It can be an appetizer or quick dinner meal (with a side of homemade french fries). I've tried renga in several seafood restaurants in Egypt, and still, without a doubt, this recipe is the best.

To be honest, I was a little skeptical at first. Smoked herring fish? I didn't even know it existed at the grocery store. However, if you like smoked salmon, then you really have to try this dish.

Renga is made a quick dinner when you add some easy homemade french fries. This meal is so good!

How To Make Smoked Herring Fish Dip

Buy smoked herring from the grocery store. Oftentimes the fish will come whole, just like the one below.

Remove the bones and skin from 2 smoked herring fish. Chop the herring fish, bell pepper, and 2 small onions into similarly small pieces.

Add chopped bell pepper, onion, and smoked herring to a bowl. Add the juice of 4 whole limes. This is not a typo!

Add ¾ cup of plain yogurt and ¼ cup tahini to the bowl. Make sure the yogurt is not sweet in any way. You can also use greek yogurt if you like.

Mix ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.

If wanting to make this recipe as a standalone dinner, make some easy homemade french fries to accompany.

How To Eat Smoked Herring Fish Dip

For those of you who have never eaten Renga before, you eat it with pita bread. I personally like to take a piece of bite-size pita bread and dip it in the Renga, much like you would hummus. Oh, and if you are not green onion adverse, add them on the side.

Another option is to eat Renga with fried or baked pita chips.

How Long Can You Store Renga

I am pretty weird when it comes to seafood. With the exception of ceviche and Renga, I typically do not eat my seafood after day 1. But that's a personal preference. For Renga, I'd eat it within 2 days of making.

What is Tahini

Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. It kind of reminds me of peanut butter. Tahini is used in several Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus.

Where To Buy Tahini

This is a common question. Tahini is actually pretty easy to find in the supermarket. If you have an international section, look there. If you can't find it in the supermarket, then buy it on Amazon.

Make Your Own Tahini

If you cannot find Tahini anywhere, then make it at home yourself. It's pretty easy to do. This is the same way I make my own homemade Tahini.

📋 Recipe

Egyptian Recipes