I’ve not had the energy to write up reviews for some of the restaurants I’ve been to recently; but after a 3rd attempt at having supposedly high end dining experience at some of the hotels in Cairo, I can’t keep silent any longer. I went to 3 different hotels and 3 different restaurants; Okashi, at the Hyatt Regency; JW Steakhouse at the Zamalek Marriot; and Shogun at the Intercontinental city stars.

The reviews will come over the next couple of days, but right off the bat, you should know that all 3 were experiences I would not repeat; it seems hotel restaurants follow the time-honored tradition of the Egyptian Tourist trap, promising much more than they can deliver at ridiculous prices.

If you must go to a hotel restaurant, temper your expectations: these restaurants are designed for those who value style over substance. I’d take a business client, or a romantic interest there – especially if the company was paying and my guest seemed like the kind of person who thinks anything with “Le” prefixed before it automatically qualifies as “Gourmet”. Most do not go there for the food; instead they go there for the status conferred to them for having been there.

Hotel restaurants are supposed to be at the pinnacle of the local food industry; yet they fall short so often, relying only on lazy tourists and starry eyed lovers to occupy their seats. And while our country entertains millions of tourists a year, I’m left wondering why there is only one hotel restaurant dedicated to serving Egyptian Food (the fantastic Kebabgy at Sofitel Gezirah).

Anyway, my rant is done, but the search continues.

Cooking Time 5 minutes