Many in Cairo have strong feelings when it comes to good Chinese cuisine, or rather its lack thereof in Cairo. We bear good news worth rejoicing. A new Chinese restaurant has opened on Mohamed Mazhar Street in Zamalek to cure your craving for Chinese; and cure it they do. Sharing the ground floor with the Nile Zamalek Hotel is the Golden Dragon. Though its doors have only been open for a few days, we suspect that this little eatery will hit the neighborhood's hotspot list very soon. The atmosphere boasts that quintessential, kitschy decor typical of many Chinese restaurants, while their mascot, a fearsome flaming-nosed dragon, can be found gracing the menu's cover. A simple layout of tables and chairs fill two adjacent rooms, the awkward design of the chairs may take a minute to get used to. A broad drink menu includes a chilled Thai Juice (LE 10) while a Stella will cost you LE 19. Starting at LE 25, spirits and wines are served by the glass and a bottle of Omar Khayyam will set you back LE 105. Boasting a wide range of options, the menu is filled with traditional dishes that include appetizers of vegetable spring rolls (LE 9) and fried wontons (LE 30). The spring rolls are served delicately fried with crispy vegetables in the center, while the fried wontons are filled with tender chicken. A three-sauce plate accompanies both carrying chilli, soy and a tasty plum sauce. A variety of soups and salads are also available, and start at LE 7. Main courses consist of duck, chicken and fish as well as beef dishes, barbeque and pasta selections. For LE 66, the kung pao shrimp is served appropriately portioned with well-seasoned shrimp and a delicious combination of sautéed cashews, peppers and carrots. Mixed with a modest amount of sweet and sour sauce, it provided the perfect kick and our dish wasn't swimming in sauce to stay alive; an unfortunately common battle. Simply consisting of juicy shredded chicken alongside sautéed string beans and onions, our ginger chicken (LE 35) was evenly flavored and light; pairing well with the steamed rice (LE 7). For dessert, we opted for the fried banana and honey (LE 20). Prepared in individual slices and fried rather heavily, the portions came scorching hot and placed in a large serving of an odd honey/corn syrup mixture. If it weren't for the disappointing sauce, it would make for a nice indulgence. Needless to say, the Golden Dragon is a pleasant surprise, and seeing as how good Chinese cuisine isn't prevalent; it's highly recommended. Best bit Tasty Chinese cuisine in Cairo is an exciting and new option. Worst bit The restaurant doesn't deliver yet. 360 Tip If you'd like your meal to come with a superb Nile view, you can order from Golden Dragon's menu at Pour Vous, the Nile Zamalek Hotel's rooftop bar Golden Dragon 21, Aziz Abaza St., Corner of Mohamed Mazhar St., Zamalek, Cairo Tel: 738 2972 Open: 11AM-1AM This article was contributed to Daily News Egypt by Cairo360 (www.cairo360.com).
