Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
A taste of Thailand in the city
Foodies rejoice - Kitima extends its tradition of culinary excellence to the Cape Town CBD
décor, which is in fact all rather posh, the welcome was typically Thai and our evening there just fabulous.
We went on a chilly Monday night, and our waiter Zeitsman warmed things up from the start, kicking us off with delicious cocktails (a Hendricks Gimlet at R82 and a Strawberry Rose Martini R75), and continued the attentive, but not intrusive service throughout.
The food was, quite simply, to die for.
I immediately went for the popular Golden Secret to start (R52); three prawn and veggie dumplings beautifully steamed with delicious dipping sauce.
I couldn’t resist a taste of my partner’s choice either; the Goong Sai Mai (R65), or three golden prawns wrapped in shredded Kataifi pastry, accompanied by a sweet plum sauce.
Gorgeous… both choices, in appearance and taste.
On to the mains, and I just couldn’t get past the duck. There are so many enticing choices that a return trip is already in my diary.
There is roast duck and crispy duck (both R170), but I chose the latter. Crispy and succulent, it was deboned and sliced, and accompanied by their homemade duck sauce and pancakes, along with spring onions, cucumber and carrots.
The sauce could easily have been slightly sweet for me, but I loved it.
My partner, who is as besotted with Thailand, went for her old favourite – Phad Ka Phrao, stirfried chicken with basil (R89). You could also choose the prawn, lamb, ostrich or beef option, with prices up to R115.
In Thailand my guest always received her fried egg on the rice, so asked for that, and got it.
She was pretty silent as she devoured it all.
We couldn’t leave without a taste of dessert. So we shared a coconut creme brulee (R55), which was the perfect soft, smooth and delicious ending to our “trip to Thailand” right here in the Mother City.
Worth mentioning is that Raya Kitchen has a winter special which offers diners a real value-for-money choice of two courses for R185, three courses for R230, and four courses for R265.
There are options within those set menus and you’re sure to find something you like.
With two glasses of sparkling wine and our cocktails, our bill totalled R688 before a well-deserved tip was added.
Kitima in Hout Bay has become something of a legend among diners, winning an endless array of awards, top ratings and rave reviews.
The fact that it’s all being replicated – bar the sushi menu – in the CBD is exciting and I have no doubt that Raya Kitchen will notch up its own set of awards and a loyal following.