Shahi Khana

G1 and I picked the perfect place to eat out on a chilly night in Jozi!

Shahi Khana is a well-established family run restaurant in Norwood.   Warm décor, rich colours and appropriate background music set the scene for an authentic Indian cuisine evening.  By chance, we happened to visit on buffet Tuesday’s when you can sample a variety of their famous dishes from 18:00.  From what I can gather, it looks like “dad” runs the restaurant whilst two “sons” act as head waiters and “mum” cooks in the kitchen.

Each dish is well prepared and spice-infused flavours are carefully considered to compliment the main ingredients.  For the more adventurous taste buds, extra sauces are on hand.

Starters consisted of SAMoosa’s, deep fried potato patties, dumplings, chilli bites, tempura and pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes and other vegetables.  Warning:  if you are on a low carb diet, stay away! 

Carb lovers starter

With mains (in which I had healthy scoopings of paneer* masala and bean and pea salad), we were given slivers of warm, freshly made butter naan – the perfect accompaniment.

*Paneer = an Indian cheese that’s an excellent source of protein for vegetarians

We also made some room for vanilla nut ice-cream for dessert.  Just one scoop – more than enough to satisfy our craving.

Aromatic basmati rice & paneer masala

Thumbs up – Variety.  Good pricing.  Great for take aways.  “Franchises” within Johannesburg each having their own flair and style of Indian cooking.

Thumbs down – additional waiters have difficulty assisting customers at times.