We've all had Chinese before, and in Cairo that usually involves ordering spring rolls and special fried rice from Peking, but at China Winds in Maadi the menu seems to casually nudge at something a little more authentic. Don't be put off by the glowing sign on the front porch as you enter the restaurant, which is housed in a brightly decorated two-story villa -- you'll be greeted by a very kind Chinese woman, Amal Wang, who owns the restaurant and lives on site. The tasteful decor is modern but minimalist. Looking through the menu, you'll be hard-pressed to find anything that resembles the type of Western-adopted Chinese dishes standard at many chains. If you're not intimidated by the authentic choices, Wang will guide you through the menu, suggesting slight variations based on your preferences. Two dishes that stood out in particular were the Calamari in Lychee Sauce, and the Lily Bulbs with Black Fungus and Celtuce -- a plate of black and green vegetables, resembling cabbage and mushrooms -- both of which were excellent. We were advised that the best way to order food at China Winds is to get several dishes for everyone to share. As a group of seven, we ordered two appetizers, two soups, four main courses and rice for about LE85 per person. The soup was served in two giant china bowls and each main course was enough to feed two to three hungry people, leaving us with more than enough food. The food was excellent, not in the fine dining kind of way, but in the way that adventurous and new combinations excite the palate. Although we started out curious and uncertain, we left surprisingly impressed. Everything we ordered, with the exception of the sweet corn soup, which was akin to a heated up can of corn, was novel and delicious. The restaurant follows traditional Chinese culinary rules; for example, it is seen as rude to bring out the rice and noodles early in the meal because this means they're trying to fill you up too quickly. So if you want your rice, noodles and food together, say something when you order. Because we were a group of seven, the bill was reasonable, but with only two diners, it becomes much more expensive to try a variety of dishes (around LE130 per person for two entrees with an appetizer and a soup). China Winds closes at 10:30 pm and the last order is at 9:30 pm, so arrive before 9 and book in advance on Thursday and Friday nights. China Winds Restaurant. No. 5 Road 208 near Degla Square. Maadi, Cairo. Tel: +02 2519-6039
