Spice is the spice of life - Shayona

It's an interesting fact that if it wasn't for spice there would be no whiteys in South Africa. The Cape was initially colonised because Jan Van Riebeck decided he needed to stop and take a slash on his way to India to get some spices to take back home to Holland. So it stands to reason that in a nation that spice changed forever the curry is a popular eating option. Another reason for this is that Indian culture, having been a part of SA since the 1800s, is indivisible from South African culture (just look at how mango Atchar - a traditional Indian pickle, is part of the staple diet of many South Africans whether black, white or brown).
Located on Mayfair's Church Street (a strange name for an area not exactly famous for being Christian), Shayona makes some of the best Indian soul food in Joburg, and it's also completely vegetarian. It is the perfect restaurant for those who, like me, struggle with choices - the deluxe lunch comes with three different curries as well as atchar, raita (a yoghurt sauce), rotis, samoosas, popadoms, rice and they even throw in dessert. They are justifiably famous for their paneer (Indian cheese), their rotis and naan breads. They also have the best selection of 'sweet-meats', the traditional Hindu dessert snacks usually served on Diwali, that money can buy (the real best selection is probably in some aunty's kitched).  

Shayona - 72 Church Street, Mayfair. Tel: 011 837 2407.

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