With Korean barbecued chilli chicken, Indian palak paneer and Japanese teriyaki octopus all on one menu, “fusion” is indeed the right word to describe Awara’s unusual approach to Asian cuisine. Add a hint of Capetonian flair and you’ve got a pretty amazing night out.
The chic space in Cape Town’s city centre used to be Bukhara, a well-known restaurant in fine dining circles. Still under the same management, Bukhara just underwent a rebranding, complete with a new name and menu to celebrate their growth and progression.
The idea at Awara is to dine tapa-style, common in many Asian and African countries where the whole table shares various different dishes. Encouraged by beautifully crafted cocktails, conversation flows heartily as families, couples and friends settle in for an experience, not just a meal.
Some of the fan-favourite starters to kick you off include pani puri – an Indian deep-fried dough snack – and cos salad with chickpeas and beetroot. Then, once your appetite is properly wakened, move on to a feast of grilled tapas like lamb kofta and chicken satay; or stick to your guns with one of the classic main dishes like grilled beef steak with mushroom miso or prawn curry.
To make such a diverse menu work, Awara has three different chefs who are each responsible for one style of cooking: head tandoori chef, Narad Muni; head curry chef, Vikas Paul and head tapas chef, Jagdish Chand.
The restaurant’s interior has been revamped too and the space is divided into three sections. A cocktail lounge serves as the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks, the main dining area where the magic happens, and outdoor seating, perfect for the balmy summer evenings to come. The muted tones and soft lighting lends an elegant air to the interior, dark wooden tables and spunky plants.
Awara is located at 33 Church Street and is open from Monday to Sunday, between 11am and 11pm..
To make a reservation contact +27 (0)21 424 0000 or email [email protected].
For more information visit www.bukhara.com.
Pictures: Supplied
