A restaurant inspired by the rich flavours of Indian cuisine has opened in Groenkloof Plaza, Pretoria.
Founded by Paul Christie and Miki Milovanovic - the duo behind the Doppio Zero chain of restaurants - Modern Tailors: Ambassador’s menu features a diverse array of dishes inspired by the vibrant street food of Mumbai and the evocative heritage of Durban Indian cuisine.
Commenting on the restaurant's opening, Christie said they are delighted to introduce the brand to Pretoria diners.
“We are delighted to introduce the Modern Tailors brand to Pretoria diners with the opening of this remarkable restaurant. It’s a great privilege for us to be located in Groenkloof, and we have gone all out to create beautiful interiors and a welcoming atmosphere that diners will love,” he said.
Christie also noted the restaurant’s stylish interior which he said showcases a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and traditional aesthetics reflective of Indian cultural heritage, creating a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.
“A trend we have observed is that diners are seeking unique experiences. When people go out to eat, they want more than just a meal; they want to be entertained, engaged, and amazed.
“We offer a truly memorable experience in a setting that is elegant, exciting, romantic, and authentically vintage. We want diners to be captivated by every detail - from the ornate menu design to beautiful crockery and evocative, nostalgic pictures on the walls.
“Everything they see, hear and taste has been thoughtfully created to transport them to the colourful vibrancy of Mumbai,” he said.
When it comes to food, the restaurant’s menu boasts a wide array of dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
From fiery gunpowder chicken wings to creamy pistachio kormas and tandoori prawns, there’s something to satisfy every palate and preference, with vegetarians amply catered for.
“We make classics like chicken tikka masala and lamb rogan josh beautifully, but I also love playing with flavours.
“One of my favourite dishes is a pan-fried black Angus sirloin with spiced ghee, garlic cloves, and curry leaves, drizzled with an Indian-style chimichurri. And vegetarians will delight in our Sri Lankan brinjal, butternut, and potato curry in a creamy turmeric and coconut sauce,” said executive chef Jessica Munisamy.
“We want this to be more than just a restaurant; it is an experience within itself. We invite guests to relax and immerse themselves in the captivating allure of the setting while enjoying the delicious feats of food on offer,” added Christie.
Other great restaurants that you can try in the Gauteng region if you find yourself craving Indian food are Ghazal and The Classic India.
Ghazal
Ghazal is also one of SA’s finest Indian restaurants and won the Leisure Options Best of Joburg Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Indian Restaurant” from 2010 to 2016.
Established in 2002 by owner Jimmy Gill, the restaurant offers spectacular North Indian cuisine coupled with stylish décor, superb service, and a warm ambiance in two locations in Johannesburg – Melrose Arch and Bryanston.
Whether you are in the mood for beautifully flaky samoosas, aromatic chicken curry, creamy paneer korma, warmly spiced prawn masala, or lamb vindaloo simmered with fragrant spices, they are primed to sort your spice cravings.
Located: Shop 2, Melrose Arch, 3 Crescent Dr, Birnam, and at Shop 28, Coachmans Crossing, Peter Place, Sandton.
The Classic India
By visiting “The Classic India”, you will be able to sample the authentic characteristic flavour of north Indian cuisine. It is not about eating out – but the experience itself. The restaurant specialises in a variety of rice dishes.
Their basmati rice is a popular Indian plain steamed rice, which when combined with saffron makes a lovely saffron rice dish. They also offer a variety of speciality Indian bread to choose from.
Their naan bread is cooked using unleavened flour, in the traditional clay tandoor oven which gives each serving a delicious authentic flavour.
Located: Trichardts Road, Boksburg.