There is a gem of a restaurant in Fish Hoek that serves the most divine Asian food in the Cape. It’s called Shin Thai and next time you’re in the mood for some sushi, sweet and sour beef, chicken chow mein or Thai green curry, you have to drop in. Personally, it’s my favourite restaurant in all of South Africa, largely because the food is unbeatable, but also because the owner, Lisa, is one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. On your second visit (and you will go more than once, I can pretty much guarantee it), you will be greeted as old friends, and by your sixth time you’ll know all about her dogs and cats at home.
My significant other and I go at least once a week; Friday’s is our unofficial takeaway night. The prices are reasonable, the menu vast and the portions generous. We also have our favourites. Dear other almost always has sweet and sour beef (with noodles). He doesn’t even have to order it anymore; Lisa just asks him if he wants the usual. Sometimes he’ll mix it up with Phad Thai or a black bean ostrich stir-fry. I try to keep it more varied with veg Teriyaki, cashew nut stir-fry and Indonesian curry, but my absolute favourite is the veg Thai green curry.
It’s the perfect blend of chilli, green curry and coconut milk and the broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beans, baby marrows and cabbage are full of flavour. It’s excellent with plain steamed rice, but even better with coconut rice. The Thai red curry is also delicious, but it is very hot, so be warned. If you’re looking for a special treat, the Coconut Prawn is out of this world (and my mom’s favourite).
The average price of a vegetarian meal is R45, steamed rice is R10 and noodles R15. Beef will set you back around R55 and seafood around R65. In addition to the noodles and steamed and coconut rice, you can also choose between egg-fried rice, garlic rice (very garlicky), and glass noodles. Takeaways are cheaper than sit-down meals, but I highly recommend you stay to enjoy the full Shin Thai experience. The décor is delightfully Oriental and you can enjoy Asian beer and sake and a range of teas from India and Turkey as well as China. And, the restaurant is directly opposite the beach, so you also have a great view of False Bay.
Lisa also has an amazing lunch time special: three courses for a mere R59. I recommend the Tom Ka soup, Thai Green Curry and deep fried banana and ice-cream.
It doesn’t matter if you like your food spicy hot or extra mild, Shin Thai has something for everyone. And very happily for vegetarians, almost all their dishes have a veggie option, so there are virtually no limits. Forget your franchises and silver-spoon dining rooms get down to Fish Hoek and get some authentic Asian food in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
Details:
Shin Thai Restaurant
Beach Road
Fish Hoek
021 782 3406
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
