Welcome to Awara, Cape Town’s Newest Asian Grill Restaurant!

Hey there, foodies! I wanted to share some exciting news with you today. Bukhara, one of Cape Town’s beloved restaurants, has just opened a fantastic new Asian grill restaurant called Awara. Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to give you the lowdown on what makes Awara so special.

When it comes to choosing the perfect restaurant, there are a few key factors that I always take into account. First and foremost, the food has to be phenomenal. And let me tell you, Awara doesn’t disappoint. They specialize in Asian grill cuisine, which means they serve up some seriously tasty dishes cooked on an open flame. From succulent skewers to mouthwatering meat and seafood dishes, Awara is a haven for food lovers.

But, my friends, Awara is so much more than just a place to satisfy your taste buds. It’s also an experience for the senses. As soon as you step foot inside, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with traditional Asian-inspired elements, creating an ambiance that is both cozy and elegant.

And let’s talk about the service for a moment. The staff at Awara are top-notch. They are friendly, attentive, and always ready to go above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you have a special request or need a recommendation, they’ve got you covered.

Now, let’s not forget about the drinks. Awara offers a fantastic selection of beverages to complement your meal. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing cocktail, a glass of wine, or a crisp and cold beer, they’ve got something for everyone.

So, my fellow food enthusiasts, if you’re in search of a remarkable dining experience, look no further than Awara. It’s the perfect place to indulge your taste buds, relax with friends and family, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this exciting culinary adventure – come and join us at Awara today!

Imagine this: perched just above the hustle and bustle of Church Street’s charming open-air day market, there’s a place called Awara. It’s like the cool, hip child of the legendary Bukhara restaurant, which called this exact spot home for a staggering 25 years.

And let me tell you, Awara is all about keeping up with the times. They’ve taken the gourmet Indian dining experience and given it a modern twist. Their revamped menu offers not only the beloved classic curries that Cape Town knows and loves, but also a tantalizing array of Asian grilled tapas. It’s the best of both worlds, all in one place.

Hey there! Ever wondered what’s behind a name? Well, let me tell you a story. According to Johan Venter, the operations manager of the Bukhara Group, this restaurant got its name from a Bollywood movie called Awara, which means ‘The Vagabond’. How cool is that?

The owner, Dr. Sabi Sabharwal, named it after his father’s film. It’s all about keeping it in the family, you know? And speaking of family, you’ll be happy to hear that the owner, manager, and chefs are still the same. But guess what? They now have some new talented chefs who specialize in tapas. That’s right, they’re spicing things up!

Hey there! Have you heard about the exciting new menu? Well, let me tell you all about it. This menu is like a trip around Asia, with Indian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese flavors all in one place.

What makes this menu so special is how the food is cooked. They use open-flame charcoal grills and traditional Indian clay tandoori ovens. It’s like stepping into a whole new world of flavors and aromas!

Now, let’s talk about the dishes. You have a wide variety to choose from. If you’re into modern creations, they have slow-cooked Teriyaki Octopus and Fish Tikka. It’s a burst of deliciousness in every bite!

But if you’re more of a comfort food person, don’t worry. They’ve got you covered too. They offer classics like Butter Chicken and Lal Maas. These dishes will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.

Feeling a bit adventurous? Why not mix things up and try a combination of both? The menu is designed to give you the freedom to explore different flavors and combinations. It’s like a culinary adventure waiting to happen.

To complement these amazing dishes, they also have an extensive wine and cocktail selection. So you can sip on your favorite drink while enjoying the flavors of Asia.

And of course, no meal is complete without dessert. The menu offers seven classic desserts like Cheesecake and Chocolate Fondant. So make sure to save some room for a sweet ending to your meal.

Ready to embark on a culinary journey? Head over to our restaurant and let your taste buds travel across Asia. You won’t be disappointed!

Right now, I’ve got a few favorite dishes at Awara. Let me tell you about them. First up, there’s the Korean Chilli Chicken. It’s juicy, tender chicken with no bones, and it’s marinated in a spicy gochujang chili paste. Trust me, it’s got a kick!

Next, we have the Prawn Palak Papdi Chat. This dish is a real taste sensation. It’s a mix of crispy baby spinach, chickpeas, potato, prawns, mint, tamarind, and a creamy yogurt dressing. The combination of flavors is out of this world!

Finally, I can’t resist telling you about the Paper Dosa. These are like super-thin pancakes that are so crispy and delicious. You have two filling options: chunky prawns and guacamole or minced lamb keema and cheese. Both are incredibly flavorful and will leave you wanting more!

Now, let me fill you in on some other exciting news. Awara has recently undergone a makeover, both in terms of its menu and its interior decor. The dining area has been transformed into a cozier, more intimate space, with new seating options and even a lounge area. It’s the perfect place to relax and savor your tasty meal.

“When I think of Bukhara, I remember the vibrant orange walls and the bustling open-floor layout with tables scattered all around. But here at Awara, we wanted to create something different,” explains Venter, the mastermind behind the restaurant’s design. “We’ve divided the space into three distinct sections: a spacious lounge area with a cocktail bar vibe, a cozy main dining area, and an inviting outdoor seating area.”

Awara exudes a sense of elegance and comfort, thanks to its rich and earthy color palette. The walls, adorned in deep, velvety shades, cocoon guests in a cozy ambiance. Leather furnishings and dark wood tables add a touch of sophistication, while lush greenery brings a refreshing burst of nature indoors.

“You know what prompted us to make this change? It’s been such an incredible journey with Bukhara, and we’re truly thankful to all our loyal customers for sticking with us for more than 25 years, especially during the challenging times of Covid,” expresses Sabharwal. “We could have easily continued with Bukhara, but as a team, we were craving a new challenge, and we wanted to take our gourmet Asian concept to new heights. Flame-grilled dishes resonate with the modern taste buds, and since we’ve always excelled at grilling, we believe it’s the perfect time to put our grills front and center and create exciting new flavors.”

The Awara team is eagerly awaiting the arrival of guests at the rebranded restaurant to indulge in our signature fusion tapas. And that’s not all – we’re also offering weekday brunch and cocktail sessions. Plus, on Sundays and Mondays, we have a special three-course menu for two that you don’t want to miss.

If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Cape Town City Centre, look no further than Awara! We’re conveniently located at 33 Church Street and are open every day of the week from 11am to 11pm.

Ready to make a reservation? Simply give us a call at +27 (0)21 424 0000 or send an email to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!