The original of this now much-replicated Indian stood out as making Indian restaurants glamorous back in the day, six or seven years ago. It’s dark, heavy wood tones and slick service side-stepped the many colourful and rather chintzy “cartoon” Indian restaurants about. Over the course of time, diners have happily over-ordered here, agreeing that the quality of food is fantastic and spurred on by the smooth-talking waiters (“another few naan?”) and expensive wine list. And indeed this is not budget Indian eating, but a recent visit reassured me that the consistency is still there – the tandoor items (notably the tender chicken) and fish curry were delicious, every spice and flavour distinct. Naan excellent.
Off notes: how leaden the environment – a big room with all that wood – feels when it is not at least a third full. Curiously, also, no Indian beer available on the day: did the IPL deplete their stocks? Coffee terrible, over-extracted. The waiter was very good, but curiously sent us into the kitchen, instead of the bathroom, on our way out. 33 Church St. 021 424 0000
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I’m glad to hear the waiter was very good. The last time I was at Bukhara the service was appalling.
Well, I guess it’s relative as he did show us into the kitchen instead of the bathroom…
Had a lovely meal at Chandani in Woodstock last night. Atmosphere was quaint and authentic, service friendly and attentive and the food simply delicious. Especially enjoyed the bottle of Bon Courage Cabernet/Shiraz which complemented my murg makhani (butter chicken). Tasted the paneer palak and brinjal masala, both well-flavoured and -spiced.
I’ve read reviews which claim that it is expensive but compared with Bukhara I would say it is fantastic value. For a chicken curry, naan, rice and a third of a bottle of wine I paid R160 including tip.
The whole experience benefited from a lack of pretension which was quite refreshing. Highly recommended.