Raasoie’s back and better
Relocated restaurant now the place to be, writes Weekend Post news editor Angela Daniels
THE first thing that greets you when you walk into Raasoie’s new premises is the fragrant smell of spices – and the fabulous view. Known for its excellent food Raasoie, which recently moved from premises in Walmer to its beachfront location, had attracted a rather bad tag for slow service and sometimes very long waits between courses.
This, however, seems to be one of the biggest improvements the move has brought with it.
The food is still as tasty as ever but the service has picked up pace and was near perfect on our visit earlier this week.
Now located in the Dolphins Leap complex in Humewood the new space is also tasteful in its minimalist design.
A lovely little bar is also tucked away near the back of the restaurant.
I imagine a few chairs will soon be added to the bar area, something that was missing this week – a necessity I would think for those wanting a casual drink while waiting for a table.
On to the food.
The starter menu is a little sparse for those who are not too keen on potato with almost every option potato-based.
Instead, my husband and I both opted for the chicken samoosas – three for R22.
Tasty, and a far cry from the oil laced corner cafe variety, they went down a treat. The pur (pastry) was light and tasty and the filling nicely spiced, with just perhaps a little salt needed to make them perfect. Three samoosas as a starter is rather substantial leaving me wondering how I would manage a main course.
When it comes to curry I generally opt for lamb, the hotter the better but in an effort to broaden my horizons I chose the kadai prawn curry, one of the pricier items available at R115.
This tempted my husband into trying something similar – the chicken and prawn curry which costs R105. Those eating at Raa- soie should remember that side dishes are ordered separately.
My husband and I shared a basmati rice at R20, which was more than sufficient for two.
The serving was, in fact, so generous I was able to take some home with me to go with the cur- ry I could not finish that night. The portions are quite ample. Both curries were a delicious blend of heat and flavour.
The chicken in the prawn and chicken dish could have been a little more tender but other than that we found the food every bit as good as it has always been.
Fully sated from the starter and the main we opted to skip dessert.
The options available, however, are also very reasonably priced.
I am not sure what the owner has done to up the service, which was somewhat lackadaisical in the past.
Whatever it is, it works – we were seated, promptly given menus and had our drinks order placed in no time at all.
Our waiter, Jeffrey, was friendly but not too obtrusive.
There is nothing flashy about this restaurant but no bells or whistles are needed as the food, and now the service, speaks for itself.
We will definitely be back to try some more of the sumptuous fare on offer especially now that one of the best curry houses is complimented by a view of some of the most beautiful beaches in the Bay.
The restaurant review visit was paid for by the newspaper and unannounced.
‘ There is nothing flashy about this restaurant but . . . the food, and now the service speaks for itself
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