Cairo’s culinary scene is flooded with steak houses and sushi restaurants, but rarely both at the same place. But with word of mouth spreading like wildfire about 6th of October’s One Oak, we decided to head over to their newest branch and discover if the spot warranted all the praise it was receiving.
Nestled away in New Cairo’s ultimate hangout spot Point 90 Mall is Egypt’s first steak and sushi bar, One Oak. Stepping inside the restaurant felt a lot like leaving Egypt altogether, the classy decor, complete with authentic Japanese teapots, created the perfect atmosphere to enjoy our meal.
We were seated to our table by One Oak’s professional serving staff that knew their menu too well and didn’t shy from suggesting the restaurant’s signature dishes. Looking at the menu, it painted a smile from ear to ear on our faces. We were happy to see that the menu wasn’t confused with other internationally popular dishes that have no business being on their menu. The restaurant offered steak and sushi, and that’s exactly what the menu did. It was one of a kind, literally, the restaurant was actually born from that catchphrase.
Finally, after staring at the menu for quite some time, and taking into consideration the waiter’s suggestion we decided to begin the meal with their veggie beef roulade and chicken lettuce cup. To say their presentation game was strong would be an understatement. The roulades were surprisingly satisfying. We tend to shy away from veggie related things because of the carnivores that we are, but it was absolutely tasty. The chicken lettuce cup on the other hand was an experience; we picked up the lettuce with our hands, filled it with chicken, rolled it and devoured it. The sauce used in the chicken was everything you never thought you needed.
As soon as we devoured the appetizers, the waiters were swift to clear out our empty plates and replace with more Instagrammable main course dishes. Ordering their steak skewer was more than just another dish; it was a show. Upon placing the skewer on your table, the waiter will come with a suitcase that screams James Bond, asking you to pick which steak knife would you like to use. The meat was drained of its fat but remained tender at the same; it was easily the star of the night. We had so many options; four to be specific. From rump to strip loin, rib eye and tenderloin, it was just glorious.
We also ordered a sushi platter which besides the fact that it was really colorful and #foodporn-like, it was really fresh. We firstly attacked the salmon rocket and mango rolls, then moved to the caviar salmon gunkan (the cream cheese combination with salmon caviar is divine), and of course we couldn’t forget about the classics; the ura California caviar and Philadelphia rolls. Last but not least, we surfed and turfed. No, not actually take on waves, but feast on their newest dish that combines steak and seafood in one dish. Yes, One Oak is one of the first restaurants that attempts to combine both cuisines and successfully nail it. It comes with tenderloin and your choice of salmon, shrimp or lobster. Needless to say the result to all of this a gastronomic experience.
Ready to happily burst out of our clothes, we honestly felt too full for dessert, mainly because we wanted an excuse to drive to New Cairo once again to try it.
WE SAID THIS: We can’t wait to go back to try out their new menu that’s coming out very, very soon.