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Kazoku

Cairo

Japan meets Egypt at this contemporary and glamorous culinary hotspot

On the Pass

Mostafa Gabr

What’s the concept? Kazoku, meaning ‘family’, serves up authentic dishes inspired by the Japanese culinary heritage. Founded by acclaimed entrepreneur Ayman Baky, the restaurant was created to resemble ‘the people’. True to its name, the decor is warm and the team welcoming.

Sushi supreme: Chef Mostafa Gabr creates an array of mouth-watering mains, including a five-spiced half chicken Thai red curry; grilled sea bass with tomato relish; and grilled shrimp with hot pot rice, seaweed butter and yuzu. Try the Kazoku pyramid uramaki rolls – an exciting assortment of shrimp tempura, asparagus and carrot. For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert bento box, offering chocolate and caramel fondants, semifreddo and matcha brulé, is an unmissable treat.

The setting: Kazoku’s interior is sleek and sophisticated. The 100-seat restaurant is located in one of Cairo’s most popular compounds, Swan Lake. Diners can enjoy a meal inside or on the terrace, surrounded by the waving Egyptian palms.

Who’s behind it? At the helm of Kazoku’s kitchen is Gabr, who has been part of the Kazoku family since 2015, and recently climbed the ranks to Executive Chef. Beverage Director Walid Merhi joins him behind the bar, crafting imaginative new cocktails and putting his own twist on familiar favourites.

A gastronomic empire: Kazoku is owned by pioneering restaurateur Ayman Baky and stands alongside the popular Sachi and Reif Kushiyaki under the Baky Hospitality umbrella.

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