When Simply Asia is just simply Asia

Here’s to another after holidays late post….I can’t lie I was really looking forward to the opening of Simply Asia Avondale, considering it was quite the talk amongst foodie lovers for a while. I didn't make it for opening night but best believe on day 2; I was comfortably seated in one of their booths by seven o’clock.

The welcome was great or it just could have been the over-enthusiastic staff still enjoying their first few week of service. 

After ordering refreshments, it was time to get down to some real business and I was definitely taking no prisoners. I needed to know what all the fuss was about and what they had to offer; so I eagerly delved into their menu – I loved that they have little parts designated to understanding the Thai culture and types of dishes all throughout the menu. Someone please take me to Asia!!!!!

The handy number codes for the meals were a lifesaver because we could hardly pronounce the names of the dishes – but that doesn't mean we didn't try – this made for a good laugh.

Most of the dishes on the menu are fiery hot dishes but you can choose the intensity of how hot you want it to; which is great for the wimps I guess. – Good thing for me I've always loved a little fire. I challenge you to try it hot.

I can’t say much about the atmosphere though because it was a bit off–it was quite a chilled setting, bordering on boring. Perhaps I was just looking too hard for more.

We ordered Kyew-teow geang khew-wan gra-prao pesto (tongue twister – you needed the exercise anyway LOL) – In English that’s - [Thai Green Curry Pesto Noodles] – these are yellow noodles in fragrant green curry. This was by far one of the tastiest dishes I have tasted all year. The pesto, tomato and stir-fry flavours explode in your mouth- leaving you longing for more – long after you've left the building. It was that good.

Another dish I had been longing to try was their chicken green curry [Geang Khew-Wan] made with lashings of coconut milk, green curry sauce wokked with broccoli, cabbage and basil leaves. Sounds delish right? After all the excitement the dish personally failed to measure up. It was simple, well prepared but not a blow you away kind of dish.  Kind of reminded me of high school, when you have a crush on someone and by chance you end up bumping into each other; one thing leads to another and you’re now in convo terms, then you realise they aren’t what you expected. Still cute though but not the personality is a nah. A lust that never amounted to much. (A sad day indeed)

I will however give credit were it’s due; the plating up was fast – in less than 10 minutes we were enjoying our meals. A thumbs up if you ask me, I hate to wait too long – especially when you can’t wait to dig in. Kudos to the chefs who are actually Asian – impressive! Perhaps that was the only highlight of my Asian experience– one of those oh, interesting moments and then it was gone.

For sweet tooth lovers the dessert menu includes Kluey thod [Fried bananas], Po pia chocolate [chocolate spring rolls], Cake ma proa [coconut cake], and Thai chocolate brownies. Give them a try….

The food was good and that’s just about it. Will I be rushing to dine at Simply Asia again? Not likely.

Simply Asia can be found in the Western Cape, Port Elizabeth, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and Botswana.