Flavor infusion: Epsom Thai Fusion Cuisine decorated in black and white offers intimate dining with delicious and varied dishes.
Honestly, there’s nothing exciting about hearing that there’s a new Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant in Johannesburg. Mainly because it’s a popular concept in the city with restaurants like Chopstix in Melville and Momo Kuro and Chunky Chau in Rosebank.
You can almost guarantee that sushi, chow mein and prawns will be on the menu, making it difficult to come up with an unusual signature restaurant. Epsom Thai Fusion Cuisine in Bryanston strikes an interesting balance between offering the norm and unique flavours.
The design of the restaurant is simple. There is an outdoor dining area with a small table, white chairs and an umbrella for shade and the indoor area is also quite small.
Not sure if it creates intimacy or not, but I have to give Epsom props for making sure the area doesn’t feel stuffy. There is also a bar that features a selection of bottles of wine, whiskey and bubbly which showcases a great range of drinks.
However, it’s the hearty food, crafty plating and great service that steals the show. The menu is not all Asian and includes bone marrow, lamb cutlets, beef fillet and curry variations.
There is something for everyone. The food is served in a modern black-and-white stone that highlights how the food is well prepared.
The key to every meal is an artistically crafted mix of ingredients you wouldn’t expect. For example, sashimi is made with salmon, sesame seeds, jalapeno and, surprisingly, onions, and served with ponzu sauce, ketchup and typical Thai sauces. An unusual but fresh and delicious combination.
Good for: A relaxing evening with delicious food. The intimacy of the restaurant makes it a great place for a relaxed yet refined dining experience that focuses on great food and drinks. What’s great about Epsom Thai is the tapas menu which is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy a variety of food together.
this message: As a starter, try the screaming geisha shooter. Prepared with oysters, vodka and delicious tomato juice, slightly savory and fragrant. It is served in a glass that gives it a cheeky edge. Try the Thai lamb chops as a main dish. They are grilled to perfection, succulent and tender, made with Thai Epsom’s secret sauce and served with vegetables or chips.
Signature of bev: Phuket cocktail made with whisky, blue curacao, pomegranate, lemon juice and soda water has a strong rich flavor with the sweetness of refreshing and energizing syrup.
You will like this eatery if: Do you like Southeast Asian cuisine but with a twist? The cuisine at Epsom is inspired by traditional Asian cuisine, but has been uniquely crafted with a variety of ingredients to create unexpected flavors.
That Friday atmosphere: Expect the unexpected. Meals are prepared with a variety of ingredients, providing an unpredictable dining experience. You never know what flavor to anticipate with each dish. Good for another new Thai restaurant in Joburg.
Premises: Epsom Downs Shopping Centre, corner of William Nicol and Sloane Street, Bryanston, Sandton