With a population of some 80 million, it is no wonder Egypt has a demand for every type of cuisine — including those from our neighbors to the East. In Cairo and across the country, both local and international chain restaurants and hotels are catering to these demands, offering everything from Japanese sashimi and Chinese noodles to Indian biryani and Korean barbeque.

Asian cuisine is about simplicity and sauces; rice, noodles and vegetables are usually the focus, while meat, chicken and fish supplement the grain staples that make up most of the Asian diet. Indian cuisine uses heavy blends of spices and herbs, while Chinese, Thai and Korean cooks tend to use heaps of soya sauce and sesame oil. We explore some of the best Asian cuisine offered in Egypt.

Indian

Influenced by Afghan and Persian royal food culture, Indian and Pakistani cuisine varies in taste and texture depending on the geographic region. Many Indians, for example, use dairy products such as milk and yogurt in their food, as well as spices including saffron, mint, curry and chilies.

Among the better restaurants in Cairo, and one of the best Indian restaurants around, is Kandahar in Mohandiseen. Kandahar offers an upscale family setting and relaxing atmosphere for all its guests without being too expensive. The most popular dishes are Murgh Makhani (boneless chicken cooked in a tomato and creamy butter sauce) and Gosht Kheda Masle (lamb cooked with Indian spices in curry sauce). The samosas come in generous portions filled with the typical "spiced potato and peas" stuffing, and are highly recommended. For dessert order the Gulab Jamun drenched in rosemary syrup, and tea.

Other popular Indian restaurants in Cairo include Maharaja Restaurant at the Ramsis Hilton where much of the staff hails from India, including chef Manoharan Sundaram. Nile Bukhara is another with branches inMaadi and Mohandiseen, and specializes in mughlai cuisine from North India.
Chinese and Thai

Chinese cuisine is probably one of the more well-known types of Asian food among the local population, although finding an exceptional Chinese restaurant might be something of a challenge. Here we've listed some of the everyday restaurants that range from very good to excellent. Established by a Chinese family in 1963, Peking is known for its budget-friendly menu. The chain has branches all over Egypt, and more recently has opened a restaurant on the North Coast. Dragon House in Maadi is also considered an authentic Chinese restaurant with a colorful menu. It also offers Thai food.

On Syria Street in Mohandiseen is Chopsticks, another very good Chinese restaurant. While it's pricier than the other two restaurants, the meals melt in your mouth. The menu offers only Chinese, but the dessert section is wholly un-Chinese. Even so, the chocolate banana pudding is a favorite.

Known for striking a balance between five fundamental flavors — hot (spicy), sour, sweet, salty and bitter — in each dish, Thai food is becoming more popular in Egypt. Southern Thai cuisine offers different types of curries, some of which are made with coconut milk and fresh turmeric. Lime juice, fish sauce and fresh herbs and spices such as basil and lemongrass are also used frequently.

There are several places to go when you want authentic Thai food in Cairo, including the well-known Bird Cage restaurant at the Semiramis InterContinental hotel. The menu includes some exquisite dishes like the Paneang Ped Yang (roasted duck breast with thick red curry sauce). There is also a reasonably priced three course menu and a four-course 'bento box' lunch special. Dinner will cost you between LE 120 and LE 220 per person including wine, which is well worth it for the beautiful presentation, tasty food and excellent service.

Sabai Sabai, a small Thai restaurant in Zamalek, offers dishes for a reasonable price, with most entrées at LE 40–60. If you want to eat slightly cheaper, order the noodles, which are about LE 10–15 less than the rest of the main dishes. Lai Thai at the Four Seasons First Residence is a simple yet elegant restaurant with a superb menu. Signature dishes are the Satay Ruam (grilled chicken and beef satays with curried peanut sauce and cucumber relish), Som Tam Malakaw (green papaya salad with toasted peanuts and dry shrimps) and Kaeng Khiew Wan Neua (green curry with beef and eggplant).

Among the other authentic Thai restaurants are Sala Thai in Sharm El-Sheikh and Bua Khao, which has several branches in Cairo.

Although Korean cuisine hasn't enjoyed the popularity here that Thai and Chinese food have , you can get your fill at Hana Korean Barbeque in Zamalek. The restaurant, owned by Korean expats offers some very authentic dishes. Among the favorites are Kimchi (fermented chili peppers and vegetables), fried dumplings and the barbeque beef.
Japanese

When it comes to possibly the trendiest of Asian cuisines, Cairo has seen its fair share of sushi bars and Japanese restaurants popping up around the city. Mori Sushi in Zamalek, which also offers its menu at al fresco restaurant Sequoia, offers a wide variety of maki and sushi. Some of the more delicious maki is Mori's Rainbow Roll, which includes cream cheese, avocado and salmon. There are also hot rolls, which are fried and contain cream cheese and partially cooked salmon. The sashimi is tender and perfect with a bit of soy sauce and wasabi.

Another excellent sushi restaurant is Okamoto on Ahmed Orabi Street in Mohandiseen. You can either take off your shoes and kneel on a mat to have your meal on a traditional Japanese table, or you can sit at a Western-style dining table. Either way, the meal tastes equally as delicious. The sushi is very good and the tempura is fried in light sesame oil and served with a delicious dipping sauce. Entrées run from LE 20 to 40, while starters cost less than LE 10. Sake is also served.

Another Mohandiseen sushi joint, Inaka-ya in Aswan Square, offers an all-you-can-eat night every Saturday, Monday and Wednesday for LE 110. It also offers some good sushi varieties and has pleasant and cozy seating. The restaurant has another branch in Na'ama Bay in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Finally, if you're in the mood for Asian but you're not quite sure which cuisine to choose, head over to L'Asiatique at Le Pasha boat, a unique restaurant that offers a selection of specialties from China, Japan, Thailand and India. et.