udging from the popularity of
restaurants specialising in Indian
dishes, it would seem that Western palettes rather enjoy the aromatic spiciness of Indian cuisine. I have yet to walk into the ever populars in Stellenbosch, Greenpoint or Camps Bay and not find running waiters squeezing between crowded tables and delighted diners.
Somerset West was recently added to this list as the new MoKsh restaurant in Victoria Street opened its doors. Being an avid fan of all things Indian, we arrived to an almost full restaurant with patrons waiting in the foyer – booking is clearly essential! Sliding awkwardly into the imported Delhi-lace chairs brought laughter and a sense of the unknown, heightening the anticipation for an all-things-new-and-fantastical experience. The scene was set by exquisite prints of the Taj Mahal on dark burgundy walls, framed by wooden rafters and non-invasive background Indian tunes.
When popping in to book earlier in the day, my eye had caught the sign over the door: Fully licenced. Thus I never thought to ask. Big mistake! They are not yet licenced (we can all commiserate knowing the ancient wheels of government turn as a snails’ pace!) – so if you are anything like my husband, you either come prepared with bottle-in-hand or you drive home to get one!
Ordering off their menu reminded me of the time in Sweets of Heaven when my dad made me pick only one! The choice is outrageously inviting – from lamb to chicken, vegetarian to fish – you name and they could possibly whip it up in no time. In the end I asked our Maitre’d, Ashok, to bring me a creamy lamb dish that wouldn’t blow holes in my façade. The Lamb Vindaloo he arrived with was superb – a delicate aromatic dish swirling in flavour and colour, its texture reminiscent of hours of preparation and tangy enough to be spicy, but nothing near the Krakotoa numbers I’ve had in other places.
Visit our website and share your food experiences – we’d love to see your opinions! I shall visit restaurants in the upcoming weeks and write a review of my Restaurant of the Month.
32 - JULY 2014
J
Restaurant of the Month
MoKsh – Authentic Indian
Dining Out