Bua Khao is Egypt’s premium Thai chain, with restaurants in Maadi, El Gouna, Luxor and formerly the Nile Hilton. Owned and operated by a Thai native, this restaurant serves authentic cuisine with a unique flair that you won’t find in other Asian eateries in the city. We especially enjoy the lack of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in the signature dishes, as stated boldly on the dining room wall on a laminated paper sign. But don’t let the rustic scenery of the Maadi location fool you — the food is top notch, even if the seating can be somewhat cramped. The television screen is another eye sore, but is a nice addition when a football match is on, particularly since the crowd here will not drown out your dinner conversation with whoops or yells when the teams score.

 

 

The menu has several tasty choices for appetizers. Two great choices are the vegetarian spring rolls (LE 10) and the won ton soup (LE 18). The spring rolls are crispy on the outside and filled with plenty of vegetable and noodle goodness on the inside, but it’s the sweet sauce with carrot shreds that makes this a real treat. Make sure to order extra dipping sauce if you are sharing, you’ll likely need it. As for the won ton soup, it comes with everything a great won ton soup should — thick shrimp and meat dumplings, a tangy broth and a few bits of extra meat to fill you up. The soup comes in a small china bowl with a top and is only big enough for one. You won’t want to share anyway.

 

 

Guests can also try the chicken or beef satay with peanut sauce, if you’re looking for something more substantial before their main course.

When it comes to Thai cuisine, red and green curries come to mind. And Bua Khao certainly has those in spades with every type of garnish, vegetable and meat option to whet your appetite. But to get a taste of what Bua Khao does best, opt for the crispy chicken with garlic and chili (LE 35) as well as the restaurant’s signature pad Thai noodles (LE 35). 

 

 

The crispy chicken comes with vegetables and a gelatinous red sauce that heats the palate, regardless of whether you order it mild or spicy, which makes steamed rice a nice addition, particularly if you choose the jasmine rice. The deep-fried chicken is crunchy and just sweet enough to compliment the chili’s spice. The dish is made even more decadent by the addition of cashews and lemon grass. 

 

 

Cap off your entrée with a pad Thai unlike any pad Thai you’ve had. Made with shrimp, rice noodles, baby shrimp still in the shell and your choice of protein, this dish is sure to satisfy your Thai food cravings with its hint of lime and peanut garnish. Our only regret is that it doesn’t come with sides of chili flakes and spicy sugar you’ll find in Thailand.

 

 

For a change of pace, order the duck in pineapple sauce (LE 45). The thick, sticky sauce makes the duck even more tender and delectable. This is another meal best eaten with rice so you won’t miss out on any of the sweet and not-too-sour sauce chock-full of pineapple slices. 

 

 

The restaurant also has several fresh seafood options for guests. If you have some time, try the full baked or fried fish for LE 70. Cooked to perfection, the fish is flaky and seasoned just right, and is a great option for sharing. The baked option takes about 40 minutes to prepare, so order as soon as you arrive.

 

 

Bua Khao has several desserts as well, which include Thai pudding, fruit and bt’s personal favorite mango and sticky rice (LE 35). Although expensive compared to the other options, this seasonal dessert is well worth it. Sweet mango chunks and glutinous rice might sound odd, but they combine to create a unique and flavorful dish that is filling, unlike many fruit desserts.

 

 

If you’re too full, order a fresh juice. We recommend the lychee juice, a sweet concoction that comes with crushed ice. It’s a great summer treat, especially during Egypt’s never-ending summer heat. 

 

 

So try one of Bua Khao’s locations this Ramadan for a refreshing taste of Thailand. bt