Prashad Cafe, the newest venture from the Maharajah family, brings its contemporary brand of pure vegan and vegetarian cuisine to the Kloof Street restaurant row.

We dare you not to drool. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Fast facts

Cost: R80 average main meal
Food type: Vegan, vegetarian and Indian
Best for: Sharing bowls of comfort curry and compassionate plant-based cuisine with a party of friends
Star ratings: Food and drinks: 4; Service: 4; Ambience: 3

Food

North Indian fare meets Durban curry on a menu that tempts, with a delicious range of breyani, korma, curry and dhalls. All dishes are vegetarian – and over half of the dishes are vegan (marked with a V, as well as GF for gluten free). Order on the spice thermometer from mild to medium and hot. However you like the heat, you can enjoy most dishes in a bunny chow, wrap, roti or bowl to share.

The butter ‘chicken’. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Start with a platter of scrumptious homemade samoosas (the sweet corn, spinach and paneer or spicy soya mince are firm favourites), papadum and chilli bites (bhaji) – with a garlic naan or filled paratha (stuffed with potato or vegan cheese) on the side. Don’t forget the spicy condiments that will tickle your taste buds – like mango pickle and coriander chutney – and enhance all the flavours. The paneer is fresh, light and sublime; the dhal is ethereal and wholesome; and the breyani is layered with authentic spices.

Don’t miss the signature ‘mock chicken’ or ‘mock prawn’ (both made from textured soya) in either a creamy coconut korma or Durban-style curry. The matar mushroom and peas in a creamy gravy and butter bean curry are also very good – and showcase the best of Durban and North Indian traditions.

The other oh-so-worth-it bites available. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

Leave space for the fabulous vegan chocolate cake and the vegan carrot cake.

Drinks

No alcohol is allowed here but chill over a delicious mango lassie, chai and masala tea, or try a trendy range of kombucha and raw organic juices.

Service

Warm, attentive and great for advice on the menu.

Ambience

Cosy and comfortable in an intimate café with laid-back vibes.

It’s a great spot for sharing, though you may not want to. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

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