mary eats

Ali Baba
Seoul, Korea
Subway: Itaewon station, exit 3.
Phone Number: 02-790-7754
Hours: 12:00p.m. -11:p.m.
Price $$ Falafel plate 8,000 won, Lamb entrée 14,000 won
English Menu: Yes
Atmosphere: Casual, Relaxed
Cuisine: Egyptian
Overview:
Many of Seoul’s restaurant facades leave much to be desired. If we were ones to judge on appearances alone, I don’t think many of us would ever venture into Ali Baba. Located above the Rock and Roll bar, this Egyptian restaurant boasts, “Authentic Egyptian Cuisine.” I cannot attest to the restaurants authenticity, but I can attest to the fact that they make the city’s best hummus and falafel. Be sure to try the kosheri the national dish of Egypt, comprised of pasta, lentils, in an earthy tomato sauce. White stucco, patio loungers and an oversized video belting out the best Arab pop stars have to offer keep patrons lingering well after the last bit of hummus has been licked off the plate.

Pharaohs
Seoul, Korea
Subway: Itaewon station, exit 3.
Phone Number: 02-798-5827
Hours: 12:00am-Late (Past midnight) Closed Mondays
Price: $ Hummos, 5,000 won, Moussaka 7,000 won
English Menu: Yes
Atmosphere: Homey, come as you are, outdoor seating
Cuisine: Egyptian
Overview:
If there ever was a hole in the wall, Pharaohs is it; so small it is endearing. The kitchen, hidden by cream curtains, is no larger than a wardrobe. Lighting casts a dingy glow; this isn’t white tablecloth dining. The menu reflects a comprehensive coverage of Egyptian food. Homemade mini pitas, hot from the oven, come with each order of garlicky hummus or smoky baba ganoush. Entrees pander to both vegetarians and carnivores, including cloud-like falafel, a tender eggplant moussaka, or BBQ items (including chicken and beef kebabs), and gyros tempt anytime of the day.

Salam
Seoul, Korea
Subway: Itaewon station, exit 3.
Phone Number: 02-793-4323, 793-6920, www.turkeysalam.com
Hours: 12p.m.-10p.m.
Price: Donner Kebabs 6,000 and up
English Menu: Yes
Atmosphere: Good for groups
Cuisine: Turkish
Overview:
Vegetarians are limited to side dished like salads, hummus, and soup. Lamb and chicken lovers sit up ant take notice. Salam prides itself on its meat and you can have it prepared just about anyway you please. On a kebab, shredded, whole, you name it you got it. Tastefully decorated in Turkish accents, Salam makes for an enjoyable lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to finish your meal with an order of baklava and Turkish coffee. Beware, if you are used to Korean coffee house coffee, Salam’s brew will put some hair on your chest. Hookahs are also on hand for an after meal smoke.