Asia has many places bringing out the best cuisines for you to enjoy. And Johannesburg is home to many of these delicious cuisines. So let's go on a culinary adventure of Asia, right here in our own city.
South East Asia
Saigon Suzy is a South East Asian restaurant that brings a unique offering to the table.
This restaurant specialises in Asian BBQ that is to-die-for. Their drink options have become a favourite choice for regulars.
The food is all about flavour and traditional dishes like dim sum, ramen and bento.
Japan
Yume Sushi brings something new and fresh to the traditional dishes that Japan has to offer. This spot is well known for their mouthwatering sushi.
Their menu is packed with flavour. We recommend that you try their dim sum, it's truly yummy.
This sushi and noodle bar is a must-visit.
Vietnam
Vietnamese cuisine can be found at Saigon. This restaurant is the epitome of what Vietnamese cuisine is about - simplicity and definition. They bring something unique to Rivonia.
Their food is packed with flavour and a wide variety.
Saigon's environment is relaxed, which also speaks to the nature of Vietnam
Indian
Lugz Indian Cuisine is an Indian restaurant that specialises in food that is full of flavour and character.
They offer signature Indian cuisine favourites like bunny chow and curry, among others. Their delicious meals burst with flavour. A favourite for many is the bunny chow, this spicy treat is a definite must-try!
Eat
Fussy Vegan
Run by a very fussy vegan with a love for food and animal activism, the Fussy Vegan in Blairgowrie has become the go-to spot for great vegan meals. Food choices include vegan mac n cheese, toasted tofu mayo (which is highly addictive), lasagna and a host of other hearty plates. The coffee also scores two thumbs up from us and is frothed with almond or soy milk. The Fussy Vegan acts as a popular takeaway spot next to the Caltex on Jan Smuts Avenue and can become quite busy during lunch hours.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/TheFussyVegan/
J's Diner
For quite some time now J’s Diner has been the talk of Blairgowrie with its tender peri-peri chicken and authentic décor and design. We all love good Portuguese food, right? Be sure to grab a table and a drink and get lost in J’s awesome menu. You will not be disappointed – not by a long shot. From gourmet burgers to classic dishes from Lisbon, it’s all here. What are you waiting for? Go get your prawn on!
Details: https://www.facebook.com/Js-Diner-455607101238940/
Patisserie de Paris
The owner of Patisserie de Paris, Paul, studied classic French cuisine in the south of France and brought fancy bistro food to Blairgowrie. The kitchen is big on sourcing top-quality ingredients and crafting artisan breads, adding a much fuller flavour to this authentic experience. The menu brags items such as croque monsieur, as well as a burger topped with camembert and preserved fig. And once you’ve filled up on proper food, you’ll have the strength to go inside and eyeball the cake selection. Was I charmed? Quite. Was I happy with my meal? Certainly. Am I going to return at some point with a little wheelbarrow to relieve Paul of his pastries and cheeses? You guessed it.
Details: http://www.patisseriedeparis.co.za/
Shop
Fruit, Flower, & Nut Market
Fancy some micro-greens? Or perhaps some Mediterranean spices? The Fruit, Flower, & Nut Market on the corner of Fir and Conrad is one of Blairgowrie's most treasured hidden gems. This fruit and veg market specialises in – as the name states – a wide variety of fruit and nuts at discounted prices.
Details: 2 Fir Cnr, Blairgowrie, Johannesburg, 2194, 011 789 3229
Randview Shopping Centre
We've all driven past the Randview Shopping Centre without knowing what's it called. That big old grey and red building with the wooden facade and clock tower on the corner of Jan Smuts and Republic is filled with hidden gems. Here you can purchase everything from cheap electronics to bao buns and dried ramen.
Details: 511 Jan Smuts Ave & Republic Rd, Randburg, Johannesburg, 2194, 011 074 8783
Do
Delta Park
Known for its Parks Runs, picnic spots and being a doggy haven, Delta Park offers 104 hectares of grass and woodlands. It also has an array of picnic benches and safe parking. Over weekends the park is frequented by mountain bike riders, runners and even horse riders and acts as an excellent lookout point, with Sandton in all its glory to the north, and the City of Johannesburg to the south-west.
Details: http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/list-of-parks-mainmenu-39/36-delta-park
Source: Liz At Lancaster Guesthouse
By Shawn Greyling
Eat
Fussy Vegan
Run by a very fussy vegan with a love for food and animal activism, the Fussy Vegan in Blairgowrie has become the go-to spot for great vegan meals. Food choices include vegan mac n cheese, toasted tofu mayo (which is highly addictive), lasagna and a host of other hearty plates. The coffee also scores two thumbs up from us and is frothed with almond or soy milk. The Fussy Vegan acts as a popular takeaway spot next to the Caltex on Jan Smuts Avenue and can become quite busy during lunch hours.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/TheFussyVegan/
J's Diner
For quite some time now J’s Diner has been the talk of Blairgowrie with its tender peri-peri chicken and authentic décor and design. We all love good Portuguese food, right? Be sure to grab a table and a drink and get lost in J’s awesome menu. You will not be disappointed – not by a long shot. From gourmet burgers to classic dishes from Lisbon, it’s all here. What are you waiting for? Go get your prawn on!
Details: https://www.facebook.com/Js-Diner-455607101238940/
Patisserie de Paris
The owner of Patisserie de Paris, Paul, studied classic French cuisine in the south of France and brought fancy bistro food to Blairgowrie. The kitchen is big on sourcing top-quality ingredients and crafting artisan breads, adding a much fuller flavour to this authentic experience. The menu brags items such as croque monsieur, as well as a burger topped with camembert and preserved fig. And once you’ve filled up on proper food, you’ll have the strength to go inside and eyeball the cake selection. Was I charmed? Quite. Was I happy with my meal? Certainly. Am I going to return at some point with a little wheelbarrow to relieve Paul of his pastries and cheeses? You guessed it.
Details: http://www.patisseriedeparis.co.za/
Shop
Fruit, Flower, & Nut Market
Fancy some micro-greens? Or perhaps some Mediterranean spices? The Fruit, Flower, & Nut Market on the corner of Fir and Conrad is one of Blairgowrie's most treasured hidden gems. This fruit and veg market specialises in – as the name states – a wide variety of fruit and nuts at discounted prices.
Details: 2 Fir Cnr, Blairgowrie, Johannesburg, 2194, 011 789 3229
Randview Shopping Centre
We've all driven past the Randview Shopping Centre without knowing what's it called. That big old grey and red building with the wooden facade and clock tower on the corner of Jan Smuts and Republic is filled with hidden gems. Here you can purchase everything from cheap electronics to bao buns and dried ramen.
Details: 511 Jan Smuts Ave & Republic Rd, Randburg, Johannesburg, 2194, 011 074 8783
Do
Delta Park
Known for its Parks Runs, picnic spots and being a doggy haven, Delta Park offers 104 hectares of grass and woodlands. It also has an array of picnic benches and safe parking. Over weekends the park is frequented by mountain bike riders, runners and even horse riders and acts as an excellent lookout point, with Sandton in all its glory to the north, and the City of Johannesburg to the south-west.
Details: http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/list-of-parks-mainmenu-39/36-delta-park
Source: Liz At Lancaster Guesthouse
By Shawn Greyling
About Nan Hua Temple
This is truly a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere. About 70km north-east of Johannesburg and just a stone's throw away from OR Tambo International Airport lies the serene and breathtaking Nan Hua Temple. This unique attraction is a non-profit organisation and the largest Buddhist temple and seminary in Africa. Translated from Mandarin, the name means "Southern Flower", which refers to the location of the temple and symbolises virtue and beauty. How beautiful is that sentiment? Here, you can join in on meditation sessions, chanting, precept ceremonies, light offerings and other events.
Photographs by Michelle Brown
Other than their glorious grounds and intricate architecture, the heart and soul of the temple is to bring serenity, calm, peace and happiness to those who visit. To spread the love and generosity they get from visitors, the Nan Hua Temple contributes to many annual donation projects, including winter donation schemes (collecting and donating blankets, food and clothes for the poor), hot lunches at schools (feeding schemes), computer donations, wheelchair donations and many more.
"Kindness should become the natural way of life, not the exception"
- Gautama Buddha
Photographs by Michelle Brown
A Must: Their Temple Tours
The temple is spectacular, so, of course, a guided tour is an absolute must. Occuring every Sunday from 13:00, there are plenty of points of interest that you'll get to experience along the way, including the Temple Gongs, the large white Temple Lions (AKA The temple protectors), the Pu Hsien Shrine, Kuan Yin Bodhisatva, the Armillary Sphere, the Stupa and more. The cost of the tour? FREE. A vegetarian lunch is served on Sundays too, at the cost of R30 per person. This makes for a lovely day out without spending a fortune.
Photographs by Michelle Brown
They Also Offer Retreats
Throughout the year Nan Hua offers retreats, during which you'll practice meditation and mindfulness techniques that can be applied to everyday life. All of your basic needs will be taken care of within a safe environment at the retreat, giving you the chance to bestow your undivided attention on finding the answers you seek and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit.
Photographs by Michelle Brown
Nan Hua meditation retreats allow you to let go of your day-to-day responsibilities, to rest and restore your energies and focus on your inner-development and spiritual growth. Meditation is a wonderful way to nurture your inner peace and creativity.
For dates of their upcoming retreats, click here.
Don't Miss Their Annual Cultural Events
The Nan Hua Temple hosts spectacular annual events that you don't want to miss, including:
- Chinese New Year Cultural Festival (February)
- Bathing Buddha Ceremony
- Ceremony of Light and Peace (September)
- New Year's Eve Sky Lantern Offering Ceremony.
These events aim to spread the joy, awareness and understanding of Chinese and Buddhist culture.
Photographs by Michelle Brown
For More Information
For more information about the Nan Hua Temple, visit www.en.nanhuatemple.org, call 013 931 0009 or email [email protected].
Also, don't forget to follow them on Facebook.
Photographs by Michelle Brown
What Is It?
The Chinese New Year rings in on 16 February 2018 and to celebrate this auspicious occasion, don't miss out on this night market. The Sheds @1 Fox will be hosting a Chinese New Year Market to join in on the celebrations and welcome the Year of the Dog.
When Is It?
Saturday, 24 February 2018 from 17:30 - 21:00.
Where Is It?
The Sheds @ 1 Fox, 01 Fox Street, Johannesburg CBD.
How Much Is It?
Entrance is FREE.
For More Information
For more information about this market, visit www.1fox.co.za. Also, check them out on Facebook.
As South Africans, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to the variety of food we can chow down. From the old pizza place around the corner to Moroccan food in Maboneng, we have our mouths full of the good stuff. Now before you shrug Saravanaa Bhavan off as just "another Indian restaurant" in Joburg, I would like to stop you with a "hey, buddy, his is South Indian food, ya goof".
With that said, it's good to note that there is as big a difference between North and South Indian cuisine as there's between a chicken and a duck. The ingredients in both regions are similar but the difference comes in the cooking methods and mixtures... and the fact that the south is predominantly vegetarian. Yup. Vegetarian food enjoys widespread popularity in the south of India – and that is where one of the largest vegetarian chain restaurants was born.
Hold my hand and let me walk you through the wonderful world of good vegetarian food... and yes, there is such a thing. The menu at Saravanaa Bhavan in Rivonia is packed with delicious dishes. Patrons can expect mini-idlis (fermented rice dumplings) immersed in delicious lentil gravy garnished with ghee for starters, a wide selection of dosas (massive Indian pancakes) with delicious fillings for mains, and for dessert they have the most velvety ice creams, Falooda (made from mixing rose syrup, vermicelli, sweet basil seeds, and pieces of jelly with milk) and fruit salads in town.
The menu is massive with an extensive list of different veggie curries, a Chinese wok (yup) and lovely treats made in their clay oven. In fact, this restaurant is so South Indian that their entire kitchen comes from that region. Another interestingly South Indian thing is that all the plates, cups, spoons, forks, knives, etc. are similar to those you can find when eating at a restaurant in India. They also recently included a juice bar where you can enjoy 100% apple, pineapple and mixed juices... oh, and they have madras coffee. If you don't know what that is then you're in for a treat. You can also find them on UberEats – just remember to be in the 3km radius of the restaurant to order from them.
All in all, it's a hit and a half. If you like authentic Indian food or struggle to find a lekker vegetarian restaurant, then make sure to pay Saravanaa Bhavan a visit.
Here's a little video I shot of the chef at Saravanaa Bhavan making a dosa.
By Shawn Greyling
Have you been to Saravanaa Bhavan in Rivonia? Let us know what you think of it in the comments section below. Sharing is caring, so show those vegetarian friends of yours this cool review.
What Is Rosetta’s About?
Inspired by the legacy of the ancient Rosetta Stone, the décor within the bistro pays tribute to this famous artefact and inspires guests with simple yet quality cooking and ingredients, generous helpings, impeccable service, and unique food and beverage offerings that will tantalise any palate.
Rosetta’s Has Three Different Areas
Area #1: The Outside Area
The outside area is a relaxed bistro space, complemented by a deli-style display featuring a wide selection of freshly made Artisanal breads, paninis and cakes, along with an ice cream station, milkshake station, and a waffle and pancake area if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth.
For quick bites or snacks-on-the-go, passersby have an opportunity to savour delicious ready-to-eat items. Upon walking into Rosetta’s, early risers and late diners are met by a 24-hour bistro that serves an à la carte, quick service eating menu with a selection of down-to-earth comfort foods. Signature items include Philly Beefy Cheese, Peri-Peri Chicken Livers, Wood-Fired Pizzas and Chicken Tikka Mayonnaise Sandwiches.
And, for those who need a coffee fix, the bistro has introduced a brand new coffee concept, BLACKSMITH Coffee. BLACKSMITH Coffee believes in transforming the youth’s potential into opportunities. It crafts beautiful coffee blends from certified Fairtrade farms in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda, and in doing so promotes social change, job creation, and skills development.
Area #2: The Central Space
The central space can be opened in four directions, and offers the flexibility to expand the outside area into a larger seating space, or can be opened up completely into the main restaurant space. Alternatively, the space can be closed off for private functions and conference groups.
Area #3: The Main Area and Kitchen Concept
This area encapsulates the buffet, the banquette seating, and the freestanding table seating. The presentation of the buffet in the kitchen area serves a variety of cuisines from around the world and gives diners the opportunity to enjoy excellent food at reasonable prices.
The kitchen chefs prepare the majority of the dishes right in front of guests while working to present seven distinct culinary speciality sections in the restaurant. These sections include:
- A Harvest Table with a selection of salads, mezze’s, cold starters, sushi, soups and an Artisanal bread station.
- For meat lovers, the Rotisserie, Roasts and Grill section features mouthwatering ribs, boerewors, chicken wings, whole chicken and beef topside with sauces and accompaniments.
- The Comfort dish section will see diners tuck into venison, tripe, traditional stews and casseroles, creamed spinach and other hot vegetables.
- The Mediterranean Station features a bevvy of grilled prawns, deep fried calamari, island style seafood, a pasta station and pizza expertly prepared in a wood-fired oven.
- For something a little spicier, the Pan-Asian station showcases mouthwatering Thai curries, North Indian curries, samosas, Indian pickles, a Chinese Wok station, sweet and sour pork, Beef Chow Mein, and Chinese spring rolls.
- Dining at Rosetta’s is truly a family affair with a Kiddies Station that includes a mini selection of hot dogs, beef burgers, pizza, chicken burgers, cheese grillers, and macaroni and cheese.
- To round off the dining experience, a generous sweet selection at the Dessert Station will see diners satisfying their sweet tooth with cheesecake, bread and butter pudding, chocolate Swiss roll, freshly baked cakes, soft serve ice creams, pancakes and waffles.
Whether it’s a quick breakfast, business lunch, or family feast, Rosetta’s Bistro, Restaurant & Kitchen offers an impressive, modern dining experience that won’t break the bank.
Rosetta’s Bistro, Restaurant & Kitchen Opening Times
Rosetta’s Bistro, Restaurant & Kitchen is open at the following times:
- Breakfast – weekends – 07:30 to 09:00 – R100 per person
- Lunch – Mon to Sat – 12:00 to 16:00 - R160 per person (includes bottomless soda or wine)
- Dinner – Mon to Sat – 18:00 to 22:00 – R225 per person (includes bottomless soda or wine)
- Sunday Lamb Roast Lunch – 12:00 to 16:00 – R190 per person (includes bottomless soda or wine)
- Children 0-3 eat for free, 4-5 years get @25%, and 6-12 years get @50%
- Winners Circle members qualify for discounts
Make a Reservation Now!
To book your table at Rosetta’s Bistro, Restaurant & Kitchen, you can call them on (011) 928 1367, email [email protected], or visit Emperors Palace’s website at www.emperorspalace.com.
Venison Meatballs With Baby Eggplant
When the gloomy weather steps on to the plate our tummies automatically crave hearty food - that's exactly why this venison meatball recipe made the list. These babies paired with baby eggplant is sure to hit the spot when the weather takes a dip. Don't worry, we'll take any excuse to snuggle up and eat this dish any day.
Beef & Spinach Cannelloni
The Italians perfected comfort food, so don't be too surprised if pasta makes it on to this list more than once. This creation not only boasts a perfect pairing of ground beef and spinach but calls for not one, not two but three cheeses to be used. Cheese is good, especially if it's good cheese, right?
Pork Fillet Strips With HoSin Sauce, Beans And Broccoli
We all love Chinese food. Heck, we all need good Chinese food in our lives at least once a month. What better than sticky pork strips served with beans and broccoli? Don't you even dare pull your nose at broccoli. Those tiny trees take months to grow and they taste amazing. They are one of our favourite veggies. Besides, they are super healthy - and complement this dish tenfold.
Classic Chilli With Apple Salsa
The legend behind the origins of chilli con carne is that during the 1700s cowboys in California would all huddle up next to the fire on cold winter nights and toss all sorts of ingredients into a big pot and hope for the best. The result is something we all love and indulge in each chance we get. This recipe goes well with a bonfire. Just saying.
BBQ Chicken And Pineapple Grilled Cheese Sandwhich
Welcome to the best grilled cheese you have ever had. You're welcome. There's not much to say about this but WOW! Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the steam rising off that BBQ chicken and pineapple creation you just made. It smells good doesn't it? Tiny smokey scents mixed with the sweet and tangy of the pineapple. Do you notice the cheese oozing out on the sides? Yum!
Indian Bothi Gosht
What kind of list will be complete without including some amazing Indian food, right? Here's our top pick for Indian comfort food. Pair this puppy with a blanky and maybe some hot cocoa.
Chocolate Cake In A Cup
This recipe takes five minutes to prepare and three minutes to bake. You can literally make this in the time it takes you to run a bath. Besides, what's better than snacking on chocolate cake out of your favourite coffee mug?
Bacon & Blue Cheese Fusilli Pasta With Roasted Baby Tomatoes
We all love blue cheese. Sure it's a bit smelly and looks weird but ooh, it goes well with pretty much anything. That is why we've paired it with bacon and roasted baby tomatoes. This goes well with red wine and cuddles. If you're single, don't worry because pillows don't judge your eating habits anyway. Besides, it's comfort food for the win. Always.
Praline-Pecan French Toast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and thanks to this French toast recipe it's become way more important. Praline-pecans for the win. Here's your chance to win a few hearts with this gourmet recipe.
Super Chocolate Milkshake
Yeah, yeah, technically it's not food but, chocolate, again. That's reason enough. Besides, you can warm it up and dunk rusks in it or something. There, we've just turned milkshakes into a meal.
What are some of your favourite comfort foods? Let us know below!
If you are looking for a place that serves authentic sushi then Miyako Sushi is definitely the place for you. This little gem is discreetly tucked away near the Woolworths in Green Village Shopping Centre, but is well worth looking out for. Miyako Sushi is known for their generous sushi portions, which are fresh and presented beautifully. The menu at Miyako Sushi has plenty of options to choose from such as the prawn tempura, the salmon sushi lunch box and the beef chow mein.
Have you been here? Rate and review your experience below!
Tony's is a Chinese take away restaurant and sushi bar. Their food prices are friendly on the pocket and their food quick to deliver. The menu comprises of traditional chow mein, chow fan and Thai food dishes. Plus Tony's uses Kingklip for their fish dishes, which is a great option. Their sushi menu is quite vast and is sold at a reasonable price. Also, Tony's stocks Chinese beer which is rather refreshing and on half price on Sundays.
Have you been here before? Rate and review your experiences below!
Dong Sheng is sushi place whose menu is small and specific, and most importantly, cheap and affordable. Like most Asian-inspired menus, theirs consist of sashimi, maki roll, nigiri, california roll, salmon platter, soup, chow mein (fried noodles), chow fan (fried rice), and vegetable, chicken, prawn, beef, pork and duck dishes. What's better about this small eatery is that on Wednesdays and Saturdays they have a ‘buy one, get one free’ special on all their sushi. And patrons can enjoy their meals with a lovely glass of wine. It makes for a good place to get a quick fix or order a take away.
Have you been here before? Rate and review your experience below!
Rejoice Sushi Bar is a Chinese restaurant that specialises in anything Asian and sushi-related. The décor is clean and bright which creates an inviting atmosphere. Customers have the option to sit in or place orders for take away. Their menu includes soups and spring rolls as appetisers, rock prawns and a "Vegas roll" (which is a big sushi rice bun wrapped with tuna and crab sticks), a healthier option of 15 vegetarian pieces, including their dragon rolls and an option of raw tofu, plus a black plate special in which one sushi buffet order yields a return of two plates... how awesome is that?
They also have a limited wine list available. The sushi bar is constantly stocked up and offers a variety of fresh sushi. And their sushi conveyer belt is a good way to keep patrons entertained while enjoying their their food.
Have you been here before? Rate and review your experience below!
Sing Fei is an authentic Chinese eatery situated on the busy paths of Jan Smuts Avenue. The menu comprises of everything Chinese: from the starter platters to spring onion crab to crispy sweet and sour pork, as well as the prawn/chicken with cashew nuts. The place is also a firm favourite amongst locals and tourists.
Have You been here before? Rate and review your experience below!
Known for being the best Chinese spot in the north, Yung Chen is a well-favoured restaurant for a quick Chinese bite. Their menu offers traditional Chinese food, for both vegetarians and meat lovers. Options range from the spicy salt and pepper tofu or the egg foo yung for vegetarians. Meat lovers can enjoy authentic chicken/beef chow mein or sweet and sour prawns, as well as chicken black bean with rice. Yung Chen's food is fresh and reasonably priced, and placed in a comfortable setting.
Have you been here before? Rate and review your experience below!
Lai Lai Garden is a Chinese restaurant based in Montecasino and a favourite among many Chinese food lovers. With a wholesome menu, Lai Lai Garden serves traditional Chinese food and they also cater for vegetarians. If you are into the three-course-meal-type-of-dining, Lai Lai has the perfect menu for this. With amazing starter, main, and dessert options, one can really not go wrong. For drinks, its only traditional to have your meal with an aloe drink. However, should you choose to drink something else, there is a range of wine and drinks to choose from.
Have you been here? Rate and review your experience below!
I drove past the other day and decided I just had to go in to grab some lunch and take some photos so I could give you an inside view of this little nook.
This is the 'authentic' looking sign at the entrance. A nice vintage English feel with the obvious references to Westminster in London.
I liked the bright colours of Yung Chen Chinese take-away. I ordered a sweet and sour pork, which was OK but the noodles looked like they were the focus.
This place was closed but I loved the classic barber-stripes design!
View from the outside of Modo Mio. Cool tent look.
The warm wooden look from inside Modo Mio. They do Italian, specialising in pizza, pasta and risotto and a little bird (the owner) told me you have to try their signature seafood pasta!
Address:
339 Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall Park