The options for eating out in Grahamstown are somewhat limited. One tends to find oneself going to the same places again and again and there is a limit to the number of burgers and quantities of continental cuisine one can consume before one starts getting a sense of déjà vu.
The options for eating out in Grahamstown are somewhat limited. One tends to find oneself going to the same places again and again and there is a limit to the number of burgers and quantities of continental cuisine one can consume before one starts getting a sense of déjà vu.
Last night, however, I was reminded that there are other options, when I ate with two companions at Ruantai at 7 New Street. I had, quite frankly, forgotten it was there.
My first encounter with Ruanthai was when it was in Bathurst, and I thought it was well worth the drive of 40-odd kilometres to eat their food.
This was my first experience of eating at the restaurant in Grahamstown. I had been asked to take some pictures of dishes at the restaurant, so off we went.
We elected to share three dishes and ordered a Thai red prawn curry, stir-fried calamari with fresh basil and chilli, and stir-fried vegetables with a sweet-and-sour sauce. Steamed jasmine rice was served on the side. When the food arrived, my first job was to take pictures of each dish.
It is a well-established fact that one eats with one’s eyes first – and the dishes looked the part. The red prawn curry was colourful and there was no shortage of prawns, which made my heart go pitty-pat. It was very flavoursome, spicy and not overly hot.
One thing I have learned over the years is that there are some chefs who think a good curry has to give you third-degree burns – this was not the case here.
I am a real fan of calamari, and the stir-fry calamari was very well received by all three of us diners – one of whom is an accomplished chef. The combination of calamari and basil was successful and the dish was, without a doubt, the favourite of the evening.
The sweet-and-sour vegetable dish provided a different taste experience. For dessert, I had the Thai ice cream chocolate cake, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I would rate this as the best culinary experience I have had in Grahamstown in a long time. The chef in our party indicated a desire to return to the restaurant again, citing the quality and freshness of the food and ingredients as being of a very high standard. And the popularity of the restaurant and its take-away offerings only confirmed our general opinion that the food was a very good example of Thai cuisine.
Many of the meat dishes on the menu also included a vegetarian option, substituting Tofu. People who require gluten-free meals will also be happy with the options available.
This bill for the evening came to R243.20 – far from expensive for three people. We took our own wine, as the premises are not licensed.
Sometimes cooking can be a hassle. I am pleased to add Ruanthai to my list of restaurants which not only provide me with a pleasant place to eat, but also a source of healthy and fresh take-aways.
Space is limited, so it is wise to phone and book your table ahead of time. Their number is 046 622 6788, and they’re open lunchtimes and evenings.
