Epsom Thai: A Unique Fusion of Flavors in Johannesburg

Hey there! I want to tell you about this awesome place called Epsom Thai in Johannesburg. It’s this Thai restaurant that offers a really interesting mix of different flavors. I recently had the chance to try their food, and let me tell you, it was amazing!

When you walk into Epsom Thai, the first thing you notice is the vibrant atmosphere. The place is filled with colorful decorations that create a warm and inviting ambiance. The staff is also incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home.

Now let’s talk about the food. Epsom Thai is all about fusion cuisine, which means they blend different flavors and cooking techniques from Thailand and other parts of the world. It’s a unique take on traditional Thai food that creates an explosion of tastes in every bite.

One dish that really stood out to me was their Pad Thai with a twist. Instead of using the usual rice noodles, Epsom Thai uses udon noodles, which gives the dish a heartier texture. And the combination of flavors with the sweet and savory sauce, crunchy peanuts, and fresh bean sprouts was simply divine.

Another dish that blew me away was their Massaman Curry. They take the classic Thai curry and infuse it with aromatic spices and tender chunks of beef. The result is a rich and flavorful curry that is absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Finally, I have to mention their dessert. I tried their Mango Sticky Rice and it was a true delight. The ripe mango paired with the sticky rice and sweet coconut cream was the perfect end to a fantastic meal. It was the ideal combination of flavors and textures.

So, if you’re in Johannesburg and looking to treat yourself to a unique dining experience, I highly recommend checking out Epsom Thai. The fusion of flavors and the warm atmosphere make it a must-visit. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

I have to admit, there are so many Thai and Asian restaurants in Johannesburg that it’s hard to keep track. Some of them come and go like the wind, while others become regular hotspots. But the ones that catch my attention are the ones that claim to be fusion, promising a whole new world of flavors. Unfortunately, most of them fall short and just end up tweaking a few dishes on the menu.

However, when a friend recently mentioned a new Thai fusion spot in Bryanston, I was a little skeptical. Especially when they said it was located in Epsom Downs Shopping Centre – not exactly the trendiest location.

But I decided to give it a shot and see for myself what this place had to offer. And let me tell you, it completely shattered my expectations.

When I heard about Epsom Thai, the newest Thai fusion restaurant in Joburg, I couldn’t wait to check it out. The owner, Mamane Moeketsane, took a bold step by opening the restaurant last December. Mamane and the head chef, Bongane Tshabalala, have truly outdone themselves with the diverse and extensive menu they have created.

What really caught my attention, though, was the fusion aspect. So, I sat down with Chef Bongane to discuss it further. As someone who has already proven himself in the culinary world with successful ventures like Ukkō and White House on Nicol, Chef Bongane is the perfect person to lead the way at Epsom Thai. “I wanted a place where I could showcase my adventurous side without any limitations,” he explained when we started chatting. And from just a quick glance at the menu, it’s clear that he’s living up to that vision. In fact, even non-Thai cuisine enthusiasts will find something to enjoy, with options like roasted bone marrow and tapas.

When I asked Chef Bongane what sets his fusion creations apart from other similar places in town, he explained that it’s the passion he pours into each dish. He combines classic flavors with a modern twist to create his own unique style. And let me tell you, he really succeeds in creating something special.

As I glanced at the menu again, I couldn’t help but notice that they offer oysters. Seeing my interest, Chef Bongane suggested trying the Screaming Geisha Shooter as an appetizer.

This appetizer is made with freshly squeezed tomato juice, vodka, and a dash of oyster essence. It was a fantastic way to kick off the meal, and I was all in! The tomato juice complemented the briny and slightly metallic taste of the oyster, but it was the vodka with its slightly bitter flavors that truly completed the starter for me.

I couldn’t believe it when Chef Bongane shared his latest creation with me. It was a new starter called the Jimmy Katsu – spicy California Rolls topped with spicy jalapeno mayo and a deep-fried katsu oyster. I was intrigued. Who wouldn’t want to try two starters?

The idea of deep-fried oysters was completely new to me, and I was eager to expand my culinary horizons. When the dish arrived, I realized that Bongane had taken the opportunity to experiment and push the boundaries.

At first glance, the Jimmy Katsu looked like an ordinary California Roll with something on top. However, with the first bite, I discovered a whole new world of flavors. The deep-fried oyster brought a deliciously earthy taste that was perfectly balanced by the spicy kick of the mayo. Every mouthful was an exciting combination of textures, with the crispiness of the oyster contrasting with the smoothness of the cucumber, avocado, and rice.

After trying out two of Epsom Thai’s delicious starters, I quickly realized that fusion cuisine was more than just a trendy phrase at this restaurant. As I sat down with Mamane, we delved deeper into the concept behind this new eatery. Mamane, an Environmental Scientist by trade, shared that she had ventured into the world of food in 2020, starting an online food service brand during the lockdown.

‘I’m a true food enthusiast who is always seeking new and delightful flavors,’ she confided in me. With the overwhelming number of Thai takeaway joints in Joburg, Mamane wanted to offer something more than just tasty dishes – she wanted to create a complete culinary experience. That’s how Epsom Thai came into existence, with the belief in perfect harmony at its core.

As I sat at the table, ready to continue our discussion, my mouth began to water in anticipation. Chef Bongane appeared with a wide grin, carrying a plate with my main course. The sight of the Thai Lamb Cutlets, smothered in a secret teppanyaki sauce, made my taste buds dance with delight. It was the perfect fusion of flavors, a harmonious marriage of simplicity and experimentation.

Now, let’s talk about that sauce. It was the star of the show, a key player in this culinary masterpiece. With its smoky, molasses-like sweetness, it perfectly complemented the slight gaminess of the lamb chops. Each bite was a delightful journey, as the flavors melded together in perfect harmony. It was like a symphony on my palate, with each note unveiling a new taste sensation.

As much as I tried to pry it out of Chef Bongane, the secret recipe remained just that – a secret. But he did offer a few tantalizing hints. He mentioned that the sauce might contain dark soy sauce and toasted rice, along with other mysterious ingredients. It was a combination that seemed impossible to replicate, a secret closely guarded by the chef.

So, my advice to you is this: if you ever have the opportunity to try these Thai Lamb Cutlets with the secret teppanyaki sauce, seize it with both hands. It’s an experience that you won’t want to miss. Let your taste buds be transported to new heights, as you savor the delicate balance of flavors. Just remember, the recipe may be a mystery, but the taste is pure magic.

Epsom Thai completely transformed my perception of Thai food in Joburg. It made me realize that sometimes we need to revisit things we think we know so well. And even though it’s located in Epsom Downs Shopping Centre, the incredible flavors from the Jimmy Katsu dish make it all worth it.

Here are some details about Epsom Thai:

– Location: Epsom Downs Shopping Centre, Bryanston

– Operating hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (closes at 9:00 pm on Sundays)

– Contact: +27 10 006 6247

Take a look at the pictures taken by Ryan Enslin!

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