While I am a self-confessed food snob who revels in fine dining and gourmet food, I do sometimes struggle to justify paying an exorbitant price for a meal. Also, sometimes I don’t want an intricately plated dish: I just crave quick, easy comfort food. Although everyone has their favourite among the popular local franchise takeaways, there are a few spots that are not as well-known and offer just as good, if not better, takeaway fare.
My top 5 Jozi foodie finds for R50 or less
1. Mexican Fresh
Until Mexican Fresh opened in Bryanston and Craighall, there was really nowhere in Jozi where one could get fresh, delicious Mexican food. Mexican Fresh promises authentic Tex-Mex cooking, specialising in burritos, nachos, fajitas, tacos and quesadillas, all available in your choice of vegetarian, beef, chicken or prawn, made spicy or not. The jalapeño poppers (battered spicy jalapeño peppers stuffed with melted cheese and served with sour cream and salsa) are just R32 and will keep you coming back for more. Mexican Fresh is also licensed, and make a mean frozen margarita.
Contact
Tel +27 (11) 26-9911, email [email protected], www.mexicanfresh.co.za
Address
Shop 17, Epsom Downs Shopping Centre, cnr. Sloane Street & William Nicol, Bryanston
2. Fateema’s
If comfort food is what you’re after, a healthy meal just doesn’t hit the spot. Fateema’s in Braamfontein offers biryanis, curries, burgers and hotdogs, and about 10 variations of each of these. For example, you can order a chicken mayo sandwich with chips, salad, cheese or the “works”- which is all of the above. Quite often places which make delicious “street” food don’t have the best hygiene standards, but I’m happy to report that Fateema’s is absolutely spotless, with a show kitchen, so you can see exactly how your food is prepared. My meal of choice is the humble chip roll – crispy, tangy slap chips with chilli sauce in a soft roll for R16, washed down with a Coke, of course.
Contact
Tel +27 (11) 339-6106
Address
18 Biccard Street, Braamfontein.
3. Simply Asia
While Simply Asia is a franchise sit-down restaurant, its prices are reflective of a takeaway. Food is prepared by Thai chefs, resulting in authentically Thai dishes. To start, try the chicken spring rolls for R36 or the dim sum combo for R40. For mains, try their bestseller, the ba- mee prik phao noodle dish (stir fried chicken with onions, peppers, spring onions, cashew nuts, fried garlic and roasted chilli paste tossed with yellow noodles) for R56.
Contact and address
Their are many Simply Asia stores dotted around Johannesburg. Visit www.simplyasia.co.za to find the one closest to you.
4. The Schwarma Co
Situated in the heart of Norwood, The Schwarma Co is a charming Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern restaurant with a delicious menu. Try their beef and chicken schwarmas for R54, served in a pita with salad. Even if you aren’t vegetarian, the falafel laffa, at R48, is worth a try. The menu also offers a wide range of burgers and meat dishes such as steaks and ribs.
Contact
Tel +27 (11) 483-1776, www.schwarmacompany.co.za
Address
71 Grant Avenue, Norwood
5. Toni’s Fish and Chips
I wouldn’t normally drive to Pretoria for a takeaway, but there is honestly nowhere in Jozi where one can get good, fresh fish and chips. Toni’s Fish and Chips offers melt-in-your-mouth hake (served with chips or rice, grilled or fried) for R49, along with gourmet wraps. Try the hake and calamari wrap (beer batter hake, fried calamari, spinach, fresh lemon, sweet chilli, tzatziki and chives) for R55.
Contact
Tel +27 (82) 522 4867, www.tonifish.co.za
Address
902 Pieneef Street, Villeria, Pretoria
For more foodie ideas in and around Jozi, visit my personal blog: www.joziliciousblog.co.za
