Bua Khao, Cairo, Egypt

The best Thai restaurant in Egypt, this family-run establishment features dishes prepared by Thai chefs using authentic ingredients. The word's out, so reservations are recommended. The friendly staff are meticulous at draping white tablecloths and laying cutlery, preferring simplicity to clutter (unlike many restaurants of its kind). The mouth-watering scent of coconut curry wafting from its kitchen leaves an unmistakable impression on its customers. Ah yes, the food. The extensive menu includes noodles, meat and seafood dishes seasoned with garlic, coconut and spices. Start with crispy spring rolls, dim sum or tom yum (hot & spicy soup). Pahd Thai, the benchmark of all Thai restaurants, is prepared in an unusual way (no bean sprouts), but still works. Order several dishes and steamed rice to share, but be sure to specify if you want them hot and spicy as the chefs use chilis sparingly to appeal to local palates. The dessert menu includes delicious lychees in syrup and home-made coconut ice cream topped with peanuts. Alcohol is served.