Awara Restaurant: Bringing Indian and Modern Asian Flavors to Church Street

I have to tell you about this amazing restaurant I discovered recently called Awara. It’s located on Church Street, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Before Awara, there was another popular restaurant called Bukhara that served the best North Indian cuisine in Cape Town for more than 25 years. But Awara is like a breath of fresh air, bringing new life to the space.

Awara is a place that combines the best of both worlds. It still has all the things we loved about Bukhara, but with a modern Asian twist. They offer a wide variety of tapas, cocktails, and street-food snacks. It’s like getting the best of Indian and Asian cuisines all in one place.

Oh, and did I mention where the name Awara comes from? It’s actually from a famous Bollywood movie called “Awara” that was made in the 1950s. The owner of Awara, Dr Sabi Sabharwal, is actually the son of the director of that movie. So, you can see that this restaurant is steeped in history and has a personal touch.

A New and Exciting Experience

As I ascend the stairs, Church Street’s hustle and bustle fade away. Awara beckons from above, a hidden oasis waiting to be discovered. I push open the unassuming doors, and the moment I step inside, I’m transported to a world of exclusivity.

The interior of Awara is an artful blend of sophistication and intimacy. The dim lighting casts an enchanting glow, while the sleek decor envelops me in a cocoon of deep green, black, and gold. The opulent marble floor adds a touch of elegance.

A feast for the senses

The sight inside the glass-walled kitchens is absolutely captivating: a mesmerizing burst of flame in the curry section, fiery embers on the grill in the tapas section, and a bustling hive of activity in the tandoori kitchen. Here, chefs Vikas Paul, Jagdish Chand, and Narad Muni skillfully oversee their respective sections. The main curry section of the menu offers the same exceptional expertise and quality that we’ve always admired in Bukhara. It features a wide selection of our beloved classics, such as murg lababdar (chicken tikka in a rich tomato and onion gravy) and nihari gosht (slow-roasted lamb curry infused with fennel and ginger). Of course, we also offer a delightful array of rice dishes, bhajis, and naan breads to accompany your curry feast.

Experience the thrill of street food, tapas, and cocktails

I couldn’t believe my luck when I stumbled upon this fabulous restaurant. The menu is like a journey through the exciting flavors of modern-Asian cuisine. What sets it apart is that it offers a unique multi-cuisine format, where dishes express their cultural roots rather than trying to blend them together in a forced fusion. It’s a dining experience that keeps you on your toes, as each dish arrives at your table as soon as it’s ready.

To start off, I decided to wake up my taste buds with some explosive flavors. The pani puri was a burst of palate-waking goodness, with its crispy puris filled with tangy tamarind water. And the prawn palak papdi chat was a fantastic combination of chickpea-battered fried spinach leaves, prawns, tomatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind. I loved how the crispy spinach leaves acted as delicious spoons to scoop up the finger-licking prawn popcorn.

Next, I dived into the world of grilled delights. The Korean chilli chicken arrived at my table on a sizzling grill pan, sending waves of tantalizing aromas in the air. I wrapped the tender chicken in lettuce leaves, creating little flavor bombs in each bite. The teriyaki octopus was a graceful delight, perfectly cooked and accompanied by a zingy wasabi mayo dressing. And for something more substantial, I indulged in the tandoori-style cooked malai broccoli dipped in chickpea flour, a mouthwatering fusion of flavors and textures.

This restaurant truly understands how to celebrate the diverse and exciting cuisines of Asia. It’s a place where each dish tells a story, taking you on a culinary adventure like no other. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this is the place for you. Come and explore the magic of modern-Asian flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Have you ever tried a tantalizing cocktail menu with inventive concoctions like Kerala Dreams (spiced rum, tamarind, ginger, and lime) or the Masala Old Fashioned (whisky, bitters, and garam masala)? It’s the perfect complement to a tapas menu bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors.

But wait, there’s more! There’s a new dessert in town that will satisfy your sweet tooth: Awara’s caramel cheesecake flan. It’s velvety smooth, incredibly rich, and oh-so-creamy. This delectable treat was inspired by a dessert that the owners fell head over heels for in Brazil.

If you want to make the most of your experience, I recommend arriving early to enjoy the cocktails and tapas. Grab a seat on the wraparound balcony, which puts you eye level with the lush trees along Church Street. It’s like a breath of fresh air in the heart of the city.

Let me give you some details about this place. They are open from Sunday to Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays, you can stay until 11 pm. If you need to get in touch, you can reach them at 021 424 0000 or awara@bukhara.com. You can find Awara at 33 Church Street in Cape Town.