Just off Second Avenue and Kenilworth Road, there’s a vibey square packed with cool restaurants, a corner store and even a tattoo parlour. Wrapped around the corner of the building, there’s a space that my partner and I started calling the ‘cursed corner’. No restaurant that’s opened there has lasted. Until now.
Also read: The ultimate guide to spending a day in Kenilworth/Harfield
Sigree Indian Cuisine is the latest inhabitant on this vibey block and has quickly become one of the go-to curry spots in the Southern Suburbs. Its recipe for success is simple: serve the real makoya.
Speaking to the owner, Poonam, her pride and passion beam. She moved to South Africa with her husband after he received a job opportunity. She quickly realised that, while we have many amazing eateries serving curries, most of what we get here has been westernised.
A powerful entrepreneur, Poonam did some major market research. She named two places in Cape Town that are on the right track when it comes to dishing authentic Indian food, but nothing quite like home. Her home. A gap in the market.
It’s risky business challenging something as popular as a Butter Chicken or Korma, but Poonam’s Sigree is doing so deliciously.
The menu is extensive and on it, you’ll spot a couple of old favourites. But these curries are different. You’ll be comforted by the familiarity of the general flavour profiles, but surely taken by surprise when it comes to elevation and execution. There are some standout signature options as well.
The restaurant is located on a corner, but no corners are cut when it comes to the quality of ingredients. No cheap substitutions, no mass production, no nonsense. This is real India on a plate. And people have been spotting the difference.
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A couple seated next to us travelled from East London just for the dosa. Also from India, the gentleman said that the journey to Sigree was shorter than a plane ride across the world. Now we’re excited.
To start, we went for the Onion Bhajiya. The best we’ve ever had and the highlight of our evening. The portions are generous and served with the most scrumptious mint and coriander sauce. Give me a bucket of these!
Nobubele, a fantastic waitress, recommended the Lamb Bhuna Gosht. It’s packed with fresh ginger, is surprisingly light and seriously delicious. A must-try. The Lamb Korma, with its velvety almond sauce, is decadent perfection. Whatever you do, don’t skip on the Laccha Paratha (also the best we’ve ever tried). It’s both flaky and chewy – the best way to lick your bowl without actually licking it (although we did anyway).
Another recommendation is the Allepey Fish Curry: a southern dish of kingklip cooked in turmeric and freshly ground spices. That’ll be my next adventure. Or the Goan Fish Curry, celebrating coconut and mango. Or both.
From Paneer Makhani and Chicken Vindaloo to Lamb Rogan Josh and Prawn Butter Masala – there’s a curry for every Capetonian. Biryanis too. How you eat, and what you eat it with, is up to you. Rice, naan, mild or extra hot. Sigree takes exceptional care of every guest.
We were too stuffed to think about dessert, but Poonam lovingly offered us a teaspoon of her homemade, saffron and pistachio ice cream to try. If you can, don’t attack too many Onion Bhajiyas. It’s worth leaving room for. A special menu item is the traditional Lassi drink: mango, strawberry, salted or sweet.
Sigree has a fully loaded bar, beers on tap, and lekker drinks specials. Curries are reasonably priced too – especially considering what you’re getting. They range between R85 and R185, with rice.
Sink two, get one free:
Enjoy your meal at the very un-cursed eatery, located at 122 Second Avenue, or order something to take home. Pickup, Mr D, or UberEats. Bookings at www.sigree.co.za.
A few customer reviews:
- Most authentic Indian (South and North) you will have in Cape Town.
- Delicious food and very friendly owners and staff.
- Best Pani Puris and Dosas in Cape Town!
- What a little gem of a restaurant. This must have been the best lamb vindaloo curry I have had in Cape Town. The staff are pleasant and friendly, vibe is laid back… but that curry was spot on the money. Will be back for more.
- Never ever have I ever tasted anything as amazing as the Lamb Rogan Josh and Chicken Tikka Masala. My taste buds were just sent to heaven.
Details:
- Location: 122 Second Avenue, Kenilworth
- Website: www.sigree.co.za
- Plenty of veg and vegan options.
- Full menu.
Looking for more? Here’s our ultimate guide to curries in Cape Town:
Picture: robyn_inthe_hood / Instagram
