Fast facts

Restaurant Name: The Indian Bay Leaf Restaurant

Address: 57 Mint Road, Fordsburg, Johannesburg

Contact Number: 011 492 0868

Average price of a main course: R90

Opening times: Monday to Sunday 10am to 10pm

Corkage fee: None, strictly halaal

Parking: On the street

Food type: Indian, Pakistani and Chinese

Best for… A filling lunch or an affordable dinner.

Food

The restaurant proudly serves Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese dishes, with an impressive variety of over 150 menu items. If you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, you might pick up a bunny chow or something from the fast food section, like a steak shawarma, but make sure to take time for the multitude of intricately spiced meals.

While adding crispy samoosas to the table is a staple starter, the delicate warmth and texture of the potato-filled aloo paratha isn’t to be missed. Mix and match main meals for the table, like the hearty, flavourful chicken karahi with a generous portion of juicy mutton biryani. The dishes are all spiced in their own unique way, with a variety of textures and mild, medium or hot spice levels offered.

Given the generous portions, you likely won’t have much space for dessert, but try to fit in some kheer rice pudding.

A dish prepared and served at The Bay Leaf. Image sourced online.

Drinks

This strictly halaal spot has all the non-alcoholic drinks your heart desires, including a moreish avocado milkshake. Lovers of lassi will be able to find the sweet, salt and mango varieties of the yoghurt-based drink, including in a jug size. Make sure to sip some milky masala tea after your meal to end it on a warm note.

Service

Thoroughly welcoming, yet you won’t feel crowded. The staff are quick to step up, will think ahead about your needs, and are happy to make suggestions from the wide menu. There are always several staff members at hand that will take notice and jump in at any time.

Ambience

The restaurant’s decor is unassuming yet interesting. Warm colours and decorative elements, like the blue and red swirled wallpaper, are matched with a TV for watching sport. This is an unpretentious yet welcoming space, where you could easily bring a larger family around a standalone table or slide into a booth for a long chat over a quiet meal.

Seating at The Bay Leaf Indian Restaurant. Image sourced online.

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.