Chubby Lee Debuts With an Asian Menu Crafted by Global Chefs

Chef Lee has one instruction: come hungry.

Chubby Lee is Lake Town, New Cairo’s brand-new Asian cuisine spot, having opened this November after years of deep-dive research, recipe testing, and fine-tuning a space that mirrors the energy of modern Asian dining in Cairo, co-founder Salma El-Said said.Chubby Lee’s menu leans on collaborations with international chefs who helped carve out its identity - a lineup built around standout ramen, donburis, sandos and more, all tailored for Egyptian palates without losing the soul of the originals.

The Grilled Salmon Donburi lands as a warm bowl stacked with grilled corn, avocado, a light sweet-pepper salsa and nori sheets that crackle the moment they hit the steam. The Brisket Melt Sando goes full indulgence, packing tender brisket with wasabi mayo, pickled red cabbage and a hit of iceberg for crunch. Then there’s the Chicken and Mushroom Noodle bowl, a slurpable mix of fresh handmade noodles, soft mushrooms and thin ribbons of lemon skin that subtly brighten the whole dish. “Our menu is a major point of pride,” El-Said said. “It’s been crafted in collaboration with exceptional international chefs whose expertise helped us create a distinctive, high-quality dining experience. Their creativity and craftsmanship are reflected in every dish.”

Every plate goes through a meticulous routine - broths simmered for hours, vegetables cut to exact specs, proteins marinated and cooked with almost scientific timing. With a mix of imported essentials for authentic Asian flavour, fresh imported proteins and local produce, Chubby Lee is trying to balance authenticity with Cairo’s tastes, and so far, El-Said said, they’ve managed to land that sweet spot.Inside, the space leans into the same mood the food sets. White couches edged with red run along the room, giving it that slightly retro, slightly glam feel. Sleek wooden tables and matching chairs with clean white cushions keep everything neat without feeling stiff. The lighting stays low and moody, casting just enough shadow to make every corner look like it’s holding a secret.

Chubby Lee plans to roll out seasonal specials and continue working with international chefs, something El-Said sees as central to their place in Cairo’s dining scene. With luck, more branches will follow, turning Chubby Lee into a go-to Asian food destination across the city.

Chubby Lee does not take walk-ins. Reservations are available through their Instagram.