The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Chinese cuisine is rich, colourful and full of aromatic flavours, and can be so outside of the confines of 'fine-dining'. Manchow Wok, located inside the Maadi City Centre on the Ring Road, proves as such.

Although this food outlet doesn't have its own restaurant, it is situated in a large oasis of tables and chairs shared by all the surrounding food kiosks and is just meters away from where you make your order at the food court.

The menu offers such a large variety that it was very difficult to select our food. Offering all the famous staples, from spring rolls and fried chicken wontons to sweet and sour chicken, Manchow Wok also caters for vegetarians and children so it’s ideal for the whole family. 

In the end we opted for Combo 2 (29LE) which consisted of chicken in black pepper sauce with a choice of rice or noodles, one portion of spicy noodles (16LE), a portion of steamed rice (10LE) and Chicken in Sweet and Sour sauce (38LE).

The ‘Combo 2’ option was pleasing in quantity and even more so in taste with succulent pieces of smoky chicken mixed with chunks of green pepper, all brought together by a rich, thick sauce that possessed a strong flavour of black pepper and spiciness.  This option came with a large heap of soft rice mixed with peas and carrots; a delightful accompaniment.

Our favourite, however, was the spicy noodles which were very thick and tender. The dish consisted of more vegetable pieces and had the delicious taste of thick, soy sauce.  Our extra portion of white rice was simple, yet pleasing in quantity.

Finally, the Chicken in Sweet and Sour sauce was a wonderful orange-red concoction of sweetness from the pineapple pieces and tangy from the sauce and mixed vegetables.

For dessert, we selected one of the more popular items on the menu; Fried Banana in Honey (11LE), which while small in portion, was deliciously sweet and moist from being soaked in honey and warm on the inside.

Prices here are a little high but the food is optimum, rich in flavour and generous in quantity. And while restaurants located within malls have a location-based stigma attached to them, Manchow Wok's simple food, variety of options and overall quality. elevates it.