Readers of this site may be aware that I am a friend of Korean cuisine. Having spent six important years of my life in Seoul, I have developed a special affection for Korean food which I tend to call the most tasteful food available on earth.

Wherever I go, I look out for Korean (yes, and also Greek) eateries: In the course of globalization, of which South Korea is one of the major beneficiaries, Korean food has spread to most countries. Usually the Korean restaurants cater mainly for the South Korean expat communities who have problems surviving abroad without their beloved kimchi.

Fortunately, there are numerous Korean restaurants in Cairo, we have found out. I have been to several of them, and am now in the position to share with you my preference: The place which has become our favorite Korean restaurant in Cairo is Arirang in New Maadi.

If you go for the looks, you should avoid the place which originally must have been a garage. But if you are in for tasty and fresh Korean food (and friendly service) this is definitely the place to consider: we usually have barbecued meat (kalbi) with various side dishes. Compared with all other Korean restaurants in Cairo we have been to, the meat here is the best.

I like ending my Korean food feast with a soup (e.g. mandoo guk): These also are marvelous at Arirang.

One indication of the quality of the place is that whenever we go we meet Koreans. It might be we are the only non-Koreans to patronize the place. Today, we actually had problems finding a seat: a tourist group from Korea had basically occupied the whole restaurant.

One additional reason to go to a Korean restaurant in Cairo these days is the availability of alcoholic beverage: all the places I have been to serve beer and the Korean schnaps called soju - and this at a reasonable price. It is also not uncommon to see Koreans in these restaurants bringing in their own hard drinks and consuming them while enjoying the food.

Recently, I asked a Korean couple I had met at my son’s school about Korean restaurants in Cairo. To my surprise, the lady gave us a list of selected Korean restaurants with names and their personal ratings. While I do not share these ratings, I am publishing these here for you to consider:

Three points:

San Marino, New Maadi
Cleopatra, Down Town
Hana, Zamalek

Two Points:

Seoul BQ, New Maadi
Gaya, Degla/Maadi
Amoun, Mohandessen

One point:

Arirang, New Maadi
Dadami, New Maadi

Omitted from this list is the “Pine Tree” (also in Maadi) which we have tested and consider to be a recommendable venue.

But, in the end, the number one for me is the Arirang which our Korean friends have given only one point. This shows once more that de gustibus non est disputandum.

If you like Korean food, try them out and let me know what you think. Kamsamnida!