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

It is often difficult to find a restaurant in Cairo where the food, service
and atmosphere are all in perfect harmony with one another. Some restaurants have
wonderful food but lack in decor and atmosphere. And don’t even get us started
about service.

Located on the outskirts of Cairo in the Fifth Settlement, the Dusit
Thani Lakeview Hotel has a homely interior and friendly staff that will make
you feel welcome. The whole atmosphere feels very tranquil and serene, which is
partly due to the Buddha statues and ponds on every corner. The hotel hosts several
restaurants, including Thai restaurant Ruen Thai.

When entering Ruen Thai, you are welcomed by the traditionally dressed Thai
staff. The restaurant’s interior is very modern with dim lighting and glass
stalactites hanging from the mirror-and-wood-decorated ceiling. The best part
of the restaurant is the modern open kitchen with a blue wok station as the centrepiece.

Once you’re seated, the waiter will place a napkin on your lap and provide
you with a hot towel and complimentary prawn crackers. The food menu is
extensive, covering classic Thai dishes, curries and rice and noodle dishes. As
per usual in Thai restaurants, red pepper icons behind the name of the dish
clarify how spicy the food is. The wine list is very impressive, with a tremendous
selection of local and imported wines, including Chilean, South African,
Lebanese, American and Thai wine. Imported wines range from 280LE a bottle up
to 6000LE. It is also possible to sample French, Italian and Chilean wine by
the glass or half a bottle.

The papaya salad (45LE) was a very spicy, yet tasty starter. The cabbage
in the salad keeps it balanced and thankfully, the waiter is very prompt with
refilling your water. The shrimp in particular will set your mouth on fire, although
the portions are quite tiny. The pad Thai (70LE) was very tasty and mild with
its mixture of egg, shrimp and tofu. You can spice it up by adding red chilli
pepper, which is served on the side.

The main dish of sweet and sour chicken (85LE) has an authentic and
refined texture of sweet and sour sauce. Presented with pineapple and cucumber,
it is a very healthy and light yet filling dish. The stir-fried seafood main
course (105LE) is very generous with shrimp, and various sorts of white fish.
It was very good but not spicy at all despite its three-pepper symbol. All main
courses are served with different plates of rice, including plain white and pandan
rice.

Ruen Thai’s dessert menu is simple, mainly offering desserts with fresh
fruits and coconut.

If you want to feel as if you’re in Asia for a while, head over to Ruen
Thai and nestle yourself in their comfortable seats and couches. After dinner,
take a walk in the beautiful garden or on the candle-lit terrace
while listening to the relaxing music and sipping on your drink.