Thava restaurant ideal way to spice up autumn nights
NO KIDS MENU ONLY DOWNER
THE cool nights of autumn are upon us and as you contemplate where to dash out for a warm bite, I think I might have found the place.
On the corner of The Avenue – otherwise known as Grant Avenue – and Grove Road in Norwood, Johannesburg, is Indian restaurant Thava.
It was chilly outside when I went in search of a good curry, and I was mightily impressed with Thava. Despite appearing small and somewhat obscure from the outside, the Halaal venue is actually quite large.
Many tables were filled with couples and larger family groups who were out for the evening to enjoy a good meal. Security is excellent, as is the service.
It felt as though our table had its own personal butler with all the care and attention we received.
Drinks and food were promptly served.
A shared platter of Thava Kerala Paratha – a flat bread which tastes like roti but is sweeter, softer and flakier – was also a great accompaniment to our meals.
For mains we ordered lamb rogan josh and kasturi chicken.
Both were accompanied by basmati rice and kachumber salad.
The salad is a mixture of cucumber, carrot, onion, tomato and green pepper.
For their milder palates, the children had tandoor paneer tikka, which was basically the only dish on the menu that was not “hot ”. Despite this, the chicken dish was tasty.
The small pots in which your meal arrives are deceptively small but most filling.
Both adults could not finish their meals and lunch for the next day was secured.
The lamb was tender and succulent, as was the chicken and the food was hot and tasty to boot.
I abhor curry that is hot but has no flavour.
Although the restaurant was busy, tables are not too close and the idea of intimacy at each table is still maintained.
And although music was playing in the background and there was a silent TV on, the air was quiet.
The interior is beautiful, with its Indian artworks and decor, and almost has a golden hue to it. This is part of the allure, I suspect.
I am definitely making a return trip to try something I have had elsewhere, to make sure it was as good as it seemed.
Lamb and chicken are not the only menu items, because vegetarians are also catered for and there is a wide variety of seafood on the menu.
I should mention as well that there are a variety of rices, flat breads and accompaniments and, most definitely, biryani.
But for parents of children who prefer bland foods, this is not the place.
There is no children ’ s menu, and even though there are non-curry items, they are spicy and might not be to their liking.
With the weather currently turning colder, I may be there sooner than I think.