You’ve probably heard of Mirai, the new pan-Asian restaurant that now graces the space between Sequoia and Left Bank in Zamalek. We trekked to the edge of the leafy island to see what all the fuss was about.
While you can find more authentic and reasonably priced Asian cuisine elsewhere in the city, what you’re paying for at Mirai is location and ambiance. Perfect for an intimate date, the space features warm lighting, a predominantly wood interior and a stunning Nile view.
Service on this evening was impeccable. We didn’t get to try their sushi, but along with their Thai- and Japanese-inspired dishes, Mirai offers nigiri as well as beer, wine and spirits. Here’s what we thought of the food:
What to order:
Miso-Shiro Soup (30 LE) – One of the better miso soups we’ve had in Cairo, the standout in this starter is the tofu: firm and silky. A little more miso would truly impress.
Tung Tong Dumplings – We wish we had more of these adorably “packaged” fried prawn dumplings, served with sweet chili sauce.
Beef and Chicken Satay – Well-marinated, the skewers were full of flavor even without the accompanying peanut sauce and cucumber salad. Purists, be warned: What they’re calling “peanut sauce” is not what you’d expect. It’s much tamer, but admittedly more palatable for Cairene taste buds.
Grilled Beef Teriyaki (105 LE) – With a longer marinating time to make the meat more tender and a little less heavy-handed with the sugar, we expect this to be Mirai’s star dish. The mix of vegetables served alongside is the ideal compliment.
Kank Keaw Wan Gai (70 LE) – Did they use cream instead of coconut milk to make this green curry? If so, that would explain the thicker-than-expected texture. Still, the flavors are well-balanced and the well-seasoned chicken doesn’t get lost in the curry. An astute guest at our table commented, “It’s right for Egyptians.”
Glass Noodles with Shrimp – Well done on the noodles, but the shrimp needs a dash more seasoning and a tad less cooking time. Overall, a solid choice.
Fried Banana with Ice Cream and Honey Sauce (28 LE) – This definite crowd pleaser is the dessert to order – soft pillows drizzled with honey that burst with warm banana, paired with high-quality ice cream and a sprinkle of nuts and coconut. We also tried the coconut tapioca pudding with cantaloupe, but we’ll reserve our judgment until the spring when the melon is in season.
What to avoid:
Prawn Crackers – We actually enjoyed these light crisps layered with spice, but our dinner companion decried them as “too fishy”. Either way, the strong flavors make it a less than ideal starter. Go for something more subtle to begin your meal.
Pad Thai (70 LE) – Here’s where the food snob in us comes out. We expected a classic Pad Thai and this dish failed to deliver. What we got instead was bland and uninspired. Mirai, you can do better. And we know you can based on the quality of your other dishes.
WE SAID THIS: Check out Mirai on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Miraioonline and call 0227350014 for reservations.