Restaurant review: Wok like a Chinese To know me is to love me, said the little hole in the wall Events have developed a tendency of sneaking in and catching us unawares of late -- you wake up one fine morning and it's suddenly time to celebrate a yearly occasion or another. To compound the problem further, celebration also means preparation, and preparation means planning and planning means shopping. An obvious place to spend insane amounts of money without feeling the slightest bit of guilt is Carrefour, where suspending proper judgment in the face of temptation becomes an art. The little one and I are becoming quite good at the Carrefour experience, though, previous adventures having taught us the difference between "I want this" and "I need this", and so we walked in quite confidently, knowing we shall not be eaten alive by the frothing consumerist monster. In fact, it was with a fulfilling sense of accomplishment that we headed towards the food court post- shopping, our self-restraint -- especially opposite the camping gear we so crave -- having proven that we are reasonable and responsible human beings who deserve to hold their head up high. Although food stands keep sprouting around the entrances, offering Latin American churros, French gaufrettes and other international treats otherwise unavailable in Cairo, the court inside remains forever attractive thanks to the little Chinese counter. By the name of Manchow Wok, this oriental fast food venture remains unrivalled in the city due to a number of unbeatable reasons. First of all, it is extremely cheap: suffice to mention that the combos, which include the different stages of a decent meal, all dance around the vicinity of LE20. Second, it offers a variety of main dishes to choose from, based on meat or chicken, as well as the dual option of mixed fried rice or noodles with vegetables on the side, while appetisers include spring rolls and won tons. Third, the personnel has not once given me a reason not to wish to return. Always smiling and courteous, they really set an example for best attitude. The experience goes as follows: you just approach the Chinese counter and display a disposition for food -- before you know it a hand will extend in your direction, offering a sampling of the first main dish on a toothpick, then of the second, etc, until you decide what you will settle for. They will provide all the required information as to spices and ingredients used -- that is, should you appear to wonder. And in no time, your plate will be handed to you at the cashier, generously supplied with everything you personally selected, to compete with the most established Chinese food venues in town. The process is smooth and speedy, the result always satisfactory. This time I tried skipping the carbs altogether. Though I love their noodles and had made a tradition of them at every Carrefour trip, this time around I went for a protein double bill instead. One compartment of my plate was filled with Beef in Chili Sauce (semi-spicy) and the other with Sweet and Sour Chicken. One spring roll sat lonely at the edge, for their spring rolls are not to miss -- they are crisp and golden, and we all know what that means. A very dear bon vivant, whose opinion I regard with the utmost esteem, had taken my recommendation for the Manchow Wok at Carrefour and accepted to evaluate it himself. His quiet ways were not betrayed, nor did he fall off his seat in amazement, yet a subtle nod and the articulated statement "You're right, this is good Chinese" were enough to confirm that the master approved. Manchow Wok Food Court, Carrefour City Centre, Maadi By Injy El-Kashef
