SIM SIM

At シムシム, Middle Eastern flavours from Egypt and Saudi Arabia sit naturally alongside Vietnamese noodle dishes. This Nerima eatery offers halal-friendly food in a relaxed setting. Spices bring fragrance and depth without making the dishes overwhelmingly hot, leaving room to savour the ingredients and their aromas.

One of the house standouts is Shim Shim Chicken Pho, an original dish inspired by Egyptian chicken kaju. Its rich broth combines sesame paste with aromatic spices, ready for silky pho noodles. The velvety, full-bodied broth pairs with tender chicken for a depth of flavour that can be hard to find elsewhere.

For a substantial rice dish, Saudi Arabia’s traditional kabsa is an appealing choice. Basmati rice is cooked with vegetables and halal meat in a tomato-based mixture, fragrant with spices. Its gentle aroma has no chilli heat and is sure to whet the appetite.

Bread lovers can try samsam, the house take on an Arabic-region fried bread, baked in the oven, or a bánh mì filled with ingredients in crisp bread. Samsam is crisp and fragrant on the outside, soft and chewy within—well suited to scooping up a rich paste or the sauce from a stew.

The compact dining room has both counter and table seating, making for a relaxed meal whether stopping in alone for lunch or coming for dinner. The drinks include distinctive options such as Lebanese Almaza beer and arak, as well as sweet-and-sour tamarind juice. Together, they bring a touch of the feeling of gathering around a table while travelling.