Japanese-Egyptian Restaurant Char Fires Up El Gouna’s Fanadir Marina

A meld of Japanese Yakitori and Egyptian ‘Kababgy’ cuisines, Char is El Gouna’s latest culinary destination, brought to life by Alchemy’s Karim Mekhtigian, Chicha’s Omar El Sawalhi, Barten’s Nader El Dairy and award-winning Chef Irfan Malek.

As the seventh edition of the El Gouna Film Festival unfolds in the Red Sea city, Char opened its doors on Monday October 28th amidst Egypt’s cinematic milieu, welcoming some of the region's biggest stars, including Youssra, Hala Shiha, Gihan Elshamashergy and Tara Emad, amongst others.

A fresh new concept, Char invites diners to explore a flamin’ hot blend of flavours that celebrates the best of both Japanese and Egyptian cuisines, while reinventing them entirely. At Char, the menu is far from ordinary, featuring fusion dishes that are unlikely to be found elsewhere in Egypt. From ‘Sasami’ (ie, chicken breast) skewers and beef tongue slices to classic rib-eyes and lamb chops, Char takes pride in showcasing a variety of meats cooked to perfection. 

A standout feature of the restaurant is its commitment to a zero-waste approach, ensuring that every ingredient is utilised to its fullest potential and reflecting a dedication to sustainability.

Yet the food is not the only appetising aspect of Char. The interior design beautifully complements the culinary ethos, combining traditional Japanese elements with modern touches. Intricate wood inlays and floral decorative motifs with golden accents lend subtle elegance to the décor, while a painted ceiling in rich red hues serves as a striking focal point. 

Warm hidden ambient lighting softly illuminates the space, while crimson and blue tabletops create a vibrant contrast against the raw grey stony walls, grounding the restaurant in a natural, minimalist aesthetic. Glowing Murano cat figurines are thoughtfully placed throughout, adding a playful touch to the overall environment.

For those in search of a distinctive dining experience with an atmosphere that is undoubtedly one of a kind, one should not look further than Fanadir Marina’s Char, and catch it while it’s fresh and hot.