The Greenstone Guide November 2017 | Page 10

10 | Greenstone dining The authentic november 2017 Thai experience Photos by Hayden Bruce Jones/Seangcha/The Greenstone Guide The Greenstone Guide recently revisited the ever-popular Saengcha Thai Restaurant in Edenvale, which is still the only place to go for true Thai flavours. T hailand’s popularity as a tourist destination for South African’s has boomed in recent years. It is a country which offers a vast range of different holiday experiences to suit all ages, and the fact that it is one of the most cost-efficient holiday destinations around also helps! For those that have visited Thailand and are looking for a venue to go to where they can rekindle those tastes and memories, Saengcha Thai Restaurant would like to welcome you to Thailand without leaving Edenvale! Experience Thailand and indulge in an evening of delightful Thai food and friendly service in a special place where you can tantalise your taste buds with mouth watering flavours of coconut, lemon grass, coriander and lime. Saengcha, pronounced ‘sang chai’, is a family business which has been trading for eleven years. In fact, they will be celebrating their 11th birthday on November 11th with a buffet, Thai dancing, giveaways of prizes and vouchers (be sure to book in advance). Saengcha means “sunshine”, the family’s hereditary name, and is a very apt description for the restaurant which is run by a brother and sister team, Wichan and Khemika (Wichan was a chef in Thailand before they moved to South Africa and set up the restaurant). Khemika loves cooking and has a passion for Thai food, and what sets the restaurant apart from many others is that she is a fully hands-on owner; she is often mistaken for a waitress or a chef as she likes to be involved in ensuring that visitors have a memorable experience every time they visit Saengcha. She explains that she is also a stickler for cleanliness and hygiene and ensures that the restaurant, kitchen and restrooms are spotless at all times. Saengcha offers authentic Thai food, and as Khemika explains, “This is real Thai food as made in Thailand, not a South African version of it.” From home- made spring rolls and satay chicken skewers for starters, through to desserts, sticky rice with mango, deep-fried battered ice cream or rice balls in sweet coconut milk, the extensive menu provides visitors with a genuine Thai experience in peaceful, serene setting. They have also recently introduced a whole new speciality menu, featuring dishes which you will not find in other Thai restaurants. These dishes take influence from the street food typically found in Isan in Thailand’s north-east region. Visit their new, updated website for more details. The 80 capacity restaurant has a real sense of Thai elegance which is accentuated by the delicious, spicy aromas which waft through from the kitchen. It is an inviting, comfortable and spacious setting for a business lunch or an evening 320-2795 / [email protected] get-together with friends and family. Judging by comments from customers, www.hmcc.org.za the restaurant is a must-visit; “Fantastic Find us on Facebook: service, outstanding food! It’s no wonder we keep coming back!” and, “Very Hillside Methodist friendly and welcoming company and fantastic food. We have tried everything Community Church and haven’t found any faults,” are two of HillSide Community Church December is coming, let’s finish this year well together. Ask God to help. Sunday Services at 9am at Nobel Primary School School Road, Modderfontein ( GPS: 26°06'29.7"S 28°08'44.4" ) Cel: 083