Herbs and spices were always at hand to flavor their food. Several methods were used to ensure that the deities and the deceased received sustenance. Bakers used to shape bread dough into various figures, including animals and humans. The Ancient Egyptians milked cows, goats and sheep. Home / History / Ancient History / Ancient Egypt / What Did Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs Eat? These changes sometimes led to changes in local cuisine. The availability of Ancient Egyptian food and drink was reliant on the river Nile - the river itself and the rich, fertile soil that surrounded it was needed for almost everything they ate. The ancient Egyptians had a fairly simple diet, consisting mostly of bread and beer, fruits, vegetables and sometimes fish. a='