Where, in Johannesburg, can you take your fussy vegetarian daughter, your carnivorous boyfriend and your discerning son – and still fulfil your need for the ultimate prawn curry; all without overlooking a car park or breaking the bank?
Thava, situated on The Avenue, Oaklands is a fairly recent discovery that I now think of as my upmarket local (my downmarket local being The Radium). The food is, quite simply, sublime. And the very clever tapas menu means you can have a taste of many dishes, allowing a satisfying sense of gluttony without causing bodily harm.
The dosa – a gluten free, dhal based, light-as-a-feather pancake filled with chicken khorma – is a particular favourite; as are the heavenly vegetable patties. The tandoori line fish had my son grinning and cooing like a contented tourist and my boyfriend still reminisces fondly about the lamb rogan josh with mint and coriander raita (sheer heaven). My daughter is determined to return as often as it takes to enjoy every combination of all eleven of the vegetarian curries and the various starters.
And that prawn curry, fragrant with tamarind and coconut? Well that was my motivation for writing this review.
But all these culinary delights would mean little without the right location. I don’t know about you, but I strongly object to eating while inhaling car fumes. I also dislike having to trawl through a clanging, gleaming shopping mall to find the comfort of food.
Thava is situated at the quiet end Norwood; where Grant Avenue becomes simply ‘The Avenue’. While the interior of the restaurant offers a combination of contemporary and classical Indian style (which blends well with the beautiful carved beams; a legacy from the previous occupant) the best tables are on the enclosed balcony, where you overlook window boxes, trees and suburbia. It’s all delightfully welcoming, pleasing and uncluttered. There is also plenty of parking and a dedicated car guard.
Another bugbear of mine is tiny tables – the curse of shopping mall and pavement establishments – upon which glasses, side plates, cellphones and napkins all vie for a space. Thava has spacious, linen draped tables perfectly proportioned for platter after plate of sambals, sauces, breads and courses. This makes for a most relaxing dining experience, one which you’re reluctant to see the end of; which can only be good for business.
I’m trying to think of something negative to say, but all I can come up with is that, while the headwaiter is splendid, a couple of the other waiters are a tad inexperienced and not entirely comfortable speaking English; but somehow this serves only to add to the charm.
011 728 2826
Philippe said,
February 11, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Dear Shelagh, my name is Philippe and I am the consulatnt for Thava. I would like to thank you very much for this review and invite you to continue blogging about us and other establishments since this is th only true reflection of our progress. It is important to us that our clients which are the true critics of our restaurants give regular and genuine feedback. Next time you visit give a call on 083 449 5833 and I will try and be present. Keep it cooking Philippe
shelagh said,
February 12, 2011 at 9:59 am
You are an excellent gardener.
We must go to this restaurant. Funny thing, they had a really nice stall at the Devali celebrations in Newtown if I recall and I made a mental note to visit.
shelaghf said,
February 12, 2011 at 11:25 am
Thank you kindly, ShelaghS.