When you take a bite of comfort food, you’re hit with a rush of nostalgia. It could transport you back to when you were a kid, remind you of something that mom used to make, or it could just make you feel fuzzy inside. These are some of the best spots to grab a plate in Johannesburg.
Mugg & Bean
Mugg & Bean is a South African staple, famous for their rich coffee and their massive muffins. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t heard of Mugg & Bean. They’re a classic example of a Joburg comfort food spot. While their menu is diverse and changes fairly frequently, there are evergreen items that have gone unchanged for years.
It’s in their breakfast menu where the comfort truly resides. Items like the ‘South African Eggs Benedict’ breakfast and the ‘South African Farm’ breakfast are what’ll transport you to a place where you feel like nothing can stop you. We also can’t forget about their slices of freshly baked cakes, either, topped with cream or ice cream.
tashas
Tashas is one of the best comfort food spots in Johannesburg, simply because its origin is based on passionate home cooking. Tasha and her team set out to create spaces that were not only welcoming but familiar as well. If ever you’re feeling far from home and nostalgic for simpler times, we suggest pulling up a seat at Tashas.
From the classic menu, you might gravitate towards items like the Chicken Wrap, a Pesto Toastie, the Breakie Bun, or even Tashas French Toast. These delicious meals will transport you back to mom’s place and make it feel as though you never left.
The Grillhouse
The aromas coming from The Grillhouse will have you thinking back to family braais and get-togethers. Luckily, when you come to visit this steakhouse, you won’t be appointed as the designated braai master, so you can sit back, relax, and let your other senses be taken on a journey as well.
To wet your whistle a little, you might want to browse their starters section. With all-time favourites such as halloumi, calamari, or even a selection of biltong or droëwors, you’ll be primed for the main course. You’ll be able to choose from various cuts like a fillet, a rump, and even a New York Sirloin.
Fire Room
The Fire Room is the ultimate destination when you’re craving absolutely everything possible. Whenever you’re feeling like the only thing that could lift your spirits is something super niche. Their menu is comprised of standard picks like Poultry, Fish, and Beef, but then they also have Oysters, Dim Sum, and Wagyu beef.
To take it even further beyond, however, they have a signature, Sushi On Fire. That’s right, you can order from the select Sushi On Fire menu, which they will bring to your table and flame right there next to you. Choose from a selection of Prawn Rolls, Beef Fillet Nigiri, Tuna Crunch, Sushi Braai, Rock Shrimp Tempura, and many more to be flamed tableside.
Chennai Express
No meal’s heartier than one made with love and a variety of spices! Chennai Express is tucked away in the Fontainbleau Commercial Park, but don’t let that fool you. What they might lack in retail space, they more than make up for in flavour and portion size! You won’t be left wanting after ordering a full-on meal from this comfort food spot.
Make sure that when you place your order, you’re hungry. A full Chennai Express experience often looks like a handful of samosas to start, a main of boneless chicken korma, and a side of Kerala Paratha flat bread on the side to complement your main dish. After that, you won’t want to eat for the next week!
Details: 060 615 3853 | 161 Rabie Street, Fontainebleau, Randburg
We can crave comfort food for all sorts of reasons, when we’re missing home, when we’re feeling a little vulnerable, or even if we’re feeling nostalgic for the dishes of our youth. Whatever the reason, there are most certainly restaurants out there for you!