Asian culture runs very deep In Cairo, and it has been for years. There are so many hidden gems around us that are often overshadowed by the big Americanized brand names.
Within the back-corners of Maadi, the busy streets of Zamalek, Nasr City and Abbaseya, and some hotels even, some of the best Asian food spots can be found. Let’s start this off with the trendiest food of them all, Korean Barbeque. 2020-2021 has been seeing huge interest in Korean culture, especially with BTS gaining a lot of traction in Egypt.
You can find the best KBBQ spots in the always beautiful, Zamalek and Maadi. The two most popular places being Gaya and Hanna bbq.
Photo via : Restaurant Guru
Gaya
Gaya is an authentic Korean restaurant located in Maadi, on street 231. It is cozy and has the most stunning decorations. Gaya is fully operated by Korean and oftentimes, it’ll be occupated by Koreans too.
The owners are incredibly nice and always happy to explain their dishes, and they won’t look at you weird if you ask for a fork instead of chopsticks!
Highly recommended to try their BBQ with a Hotpot.
Photo via: Cairo 360
Hanna BBQ
Hanna BBQ is a more toned-down establishment, located in the heart of Zamalek on Hassan Assem street. The staff is Egyptian, although the owners are Korean.
Hanna is a tiny little piece of Korea right in the middle of the bustle of the city. The decor is homey and comfortable and the staff is always happy to help you with your order.
Highly recommended to order their fried rice and Bulgogi beef BBQ.
Photo via: Cairo 360
Kokio
Perhaps the most famous of all Korean establishments in Cairo, Kokio is located in Degla, Maadi. It neighbors Fengshui, the famous Bubble Tea shop in Maadi.
Kokio is well known for two things, its rooster alarm(it’s truly iconic) and its fried chicken. The restaurant, although small has really cute decorations and posters with pictures of previous visiting customers.
Recommended to try their Honey Chicken and their spicy Korean chicken.
Next is Japanese, Japanese cuisine has been popularized in Egypt for years. It has been however only limited to sushi. That is where Makino comes in.
Photo via: Tripadvisor
Makino
Makino is an authentic Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Zamalek, in Mohamed Mazhar street, in the Hilton Hotel.
Makino is a favorite to foreigners in Egypt and it has been rated on trip advisor as the best Japanese restaurant in Cairo. The staff is friendly and the food is always fresh, the chef is amazing and there has not been one complaint.
The restaurant itself is small and quaint, perfect for a get-together with friends or a cute date.
Recommended to try their Sashimi and Bento Box.
Photo via: Pucca’s Facebook page
Pucca Ramen Corner
Pucca Ramen Corner is a little piece of heaven stowed away in Wonderland Mall in Nasr City.
The restaurant serves, ramen, noodles, and Japanese side dishes, and a huge variety of drinks and desserts. It is a little small but oh, so worth it and highly recommended by Azhar students and their bar is very high.
Recommended to try their Miso Ramen and Katsu.
We now jump to perhaps the most popular Asian Cuisine in Egypt, Chinese. Chinese food has been a staple in Egypt for a long time. There are the classics, they’re usually ‘made Egyptian’ however. The truly authentic places, are very inexpensive and hidden within Cairo.
Photo Via: Tripadvisor
Chinese Muslim Restauarant
The Chinese Muslim restaurant is a small business owned and operated by a Chinese couple. It is a cozy little store in Abbaseya that is usually busy with Azhar students.
It’s is wonderfully managed, and their food has always exceeded expectations, they also sell Chinese iced tea and their hot oil is fabulous.
Recommended to try their chicken sweet and sour, ramen, and dumplings. Don’t forget to always start the meal with their housemade tea.
Photo via : Elmenus
Lan Yuan
Lan Yuan is a small restaurant located on Road 9, Maadi. Rated on trip advisor as possibly the best Chinese restaurant in Cairo, it is truly a hidden gem.
The place has a quaint and sometimes romantic atmosphere with only a few tables, so it’s never loud in there. The staff is incredibly friendly and happy to help.
Recommended to try their Sweet and Sour Chicken, Crispy Fried Beef, and Spring Rolls.
We now move to the beautiful land of India, Indian cuisine has blessed the community with its unique spice blends and recipes.
Photo via: Enigma Magazine
India along the Nile
India along the Nile combines authentic Indian Cuisine with fine dining. Located in the Semiramis Intercontinental hotel on the Nile Corniche, the restaurant has been rated by Trip Advisor as the best authentic Indian experience in Cairo.
Chef Sanjiib Kumar brings forwards the two cultures beautifully, they take into account dietary restrictions and fit the menu to you.
They recommend the Kosha Mangso, the star dish of the restaurant as well as their Nan.
Photo via: Elmenus
Maharaja
Maharaja is a staple amongst many in Egypt, it has many locations across Cairo and its menu never fails to impress.
The staff is super friendly and they have a corner where you can wear traditional Indian attire and take pictures with your family and friends.
Recommended to try their Samosas and their Lamb Korma.
Thai Food hasn’t had its worth of popularity in Egypt, which is why it’s difficult to find famous Thai places here.
Photo via: Tripadvisor
Birdcage
Also located in Semiramis Intercontinental Hotel, Birdcage has quickly gained the reputation of being the best Thai restaurant in Cairo.
The place itself is beyond luxurious and the staff is friendly and well trained. It’s a very relaxing experience overall.
Best to try their beef skewers appetizer and their Green Curry.
Photo via : Tripadvisor
Sabai Sabai
Located in Zamalek, it’s not as luxurious as its counterparts, but their food is amazingly authentic and described as a multi-level experience.
They have a huge, very comprehensive menu and a very friendly staff.
Best to try their Penang Curry and their Sago Pudding.
Finally, we finish this list with Malaysia, Malaysia is a mixing pot of different cultures and that’s what makes their food very interesting. Perhaps the most famous place to have Malay food would be Nour Malaysia
Photo via: Nur Malaysia’s Facebook page
Nur Malaysia
Nur Malaysia is a little cozy shop located in the heart of Nasr City. It’s not big inside but their food is worth the trip there and the takeaway.
Their breakfast meal is highly recommended by both the staff and previous diners. Their most recommended meal in the dinner service is their fried fish and incredibly flaky Nan Bread.
This list in no way encompasses all the great Asian Places Cairo has, it would take a much larger list to sum those up. Those are just some of the best, and the most available during the Eid season. Let us know what you’ve tried!
