There is just something about spicy food that awakens the senses. To help you find your fix, we give you the lowdown on the finest spots to set your taste buds alight.
Royal Delhi
Port Elizabeth may not have the curry culture of Durban, but it can still hit the hot spot as Royal Delhi has been doing for more than 20 years. The popular restaurant sells western and Indian food, with affable host Krish Pillay now joined by his son Koshin. The Royal Delhi does a roaring trade in takeaways and, if the weather is cold and wet, it is likely to be fully booked. The mutton curry is a crowd-pleaser as is the range of Tandoori dishes that you can enjoy with sambals, mopping up rich sauces with freshly made naan bread.
Natti’s Thai Kitchen
The first Thai restaurant in Port Elizabeth still has the best food, due to owner Natti Simmons’s authentic and extremely delicious menu peppered with fresh and fragrant dishes. Be warned, though, that the tiny Thai chef’s food can be lava hot, starting in temperature with mild green curry, rising to red curry and shooting out the top of the thermometer with the aptly named “Angry” dishes. Natti’s laid-back husband Mark and the restaurant’s BYO policy add to the rustic charm.
Chingada’s Mexican Cantina
Heat-seekers may ask for the option of “el Fuego” (the Fire) to be added to their meal: a serving of Chingada’s handmade chilli relish, using a blend of Ancho, Pasilla, Arbol and Guajillo chillies imported from Mexico. There are other mouth-melting choices such as lime and chilli crumbed prawns, battered fried jalapeños and El Pollo Diablo chicken wings, served with a smoked Chipotle chilli dipping sauce. It’s wise to brief your waitron on exactly how hot you can handle, but along with its festive and unpretentious atmosphere, you will find chilled margaritas and a Corona to cool you down … Ole!
Experience it for yourself
Royal Delhi
041 373 8216
Natti’s Thai Kitchen
041 373 2763
Chingada’s Mexican Cantina
041 581 0098
Words: Gillian McAinsh
Images: iStock
