Posted on: December 6th, 2010 RLYindee’s

See Featured Restaurants.

Posted on: December 6th, 2010 RLY: Yindee’s: You could do worse

BH:***
RL:***

Average: ***

Found just off the popular Kloof street is Yindee’s, a Thai restaurant which is considered to offer some of the more authentic Thai flavours in Cape Town. Having been to Thailand, and having often longed after those wonderful flavours, BH and I decided to test the truth of this. Unfortunately GS and TH were unable to join us on this journey, but we were determined to make the most of it.

In typical laid-back Cape Town style, the restaurant is located in an old Victorian building with an unassuming entrance and atmosphere which continues into the restaurant itself. Everything about this place is casual and relaxed.

Service is chilled and friendly, but not particularly efficient, but, then again, not particularly slow either. At times, you are left feeling a little like Goldilocks trying to find the perfect balance, but in no way does this have a negative impact on your evening. Just be prepared to sit back and go with the flow.

The décor however, leaves a little to be desired as some sections or rooms are a bit sparse, remedied only by the fact that the restaurant is reasonably popular and therefore has some atmosphere created by the guests themselves. On occassion it also feels as though the restaurant were decorated by somebody who has a vague idea of what Thailand is about, without actually paying attention to the details. Either that, or they think others won’t notice the sometimes strange juxtaposition of Thai elements with other Asian cultures.

What saves this restaurant is the food. Presentation is none existent, although perhaps this can be considered true to culture, and you end up ordering by number, a pet hate of mine as I feel waiters working in a cultural restaurant should be encourage to learn to pronounce the dishes, but the dishes themselves are delicious. There are a good variety of dish options available, the flavours are well balanced and truth be told, although not perfect, they did bring back memories and hit the spot. We were even able to order a Singha beer.

All things considered, although Yindee’s isn’t going to become a frequent haunt of mine, I did enjoy my evening and I’m not adverse to going back again. Although mostly average, if you’re in the mood for a relaxed evening, with a Thai flair, you could do a whole lot worse.

Ambiance: ***
Service: ***
Food: ***½
Wine: ***
Bathrooms: **½

Yindee’s Authentic Thai Cuisine / 22 Camp Street / Gardens / Cape Town / Tel: 021 422 1012 / Email: nirun@yindees.com / www.yindees.com