SUTRA’S RESTAURANT REVIEW: BUKHARA RESTAURANT – CAPE TOWN
Physics is an exacting science and it is true that one has to have a passion for the subject in order to become a successful physicist.
It is precisely this quest for excellence in the experience of their patrons that physicist and now restauranteur, Dr. Sabi Sabharwal of New Delhi, India, together with his Italian wife, Elana, have infused into their staff that makes the culinary experience of their customers so memorable that they always come back for more. When Sutra was invited to Bukhara Restaurant at 33 Church Street, Cape Town, the experience left the writer with heartwarming memories and a sense of satisfaction. From the moment that one is welcomed onto the unique premises with beautifully designed wooden furniture, one is treated like royalty by the extremely polite, knowledgeable and professional staff right up to one’s departure. The soothing Indian music, the candle lights on the tables with dimly lit ceiling lights, the gleaming cutlery and crockery and the rich fragrance of exotic spices creates an atmosphere of warmth and cosiness that confirms that this is one of Cape Town’s finest restaurants, offering a wide variety of speciality Indian cuisine. Bukhara boasts an extensive range of sumptuous food and beverages that caters to all tastes; all freshly prepared by its highly skilled Indian chefs whom one can see deftly working in their glass-encased kitchen that contains their authentic charcoal- fired Tandoor ovens wherein they prepare their delicious, mouth watering dishes and fresh naans and rotis.
The writer was treated to a feast of spicy papadums, sauces, chutneys, curries, dhal, rice dishes, tandoori naans, paneer tikkas, freshly-made salads and exotically made cocktails such as ‘Haiku’ and ‘Cosmopolitan’ that complemented this feast. Bukhara’s range of desserts has to be personally tasted to be fully appreciated and one has to be extremely strong-willed not to order seconds. One can then round of one’s spicy gourmet experience with their specially brewed masala chai (tea), coffee or with one’s favourite wine or alcoholic beverage from their well-stocked bar.Mr. Barney Naidoo, the affable manager at Bukhara, leaves nothing to chance as he personally ensures that he and his staff take excellent care of their patrons by, amongst others, passionately explaining the various cuisines on offer and how these are prepared. He disclosed that their ‘Butter Chicken’ is a favourite as are their ‘Paneer Tikka, Stuffed Mushrooms, Shahi Paneer’ and seafood dishes. For an unforgettable experience in authentic spicy Indian cuisine that is professionally prepared and presented at reasonable prices one may add, Sutra recommends that when in Cape Town, Bukhara Restaurant should be part of one’s itinerary.
