The Indian Chapter with Prim Reddy carried off the honours for Best Indian Eatery at the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries in the Western Cape on Tuesday night. This year’s winners were chosen by means of a two-step process. All user reviews from the period 1 October 2016 to 30 August 2017 were used to create shortlist of restaurants. Then, our critics set out to put the front-runners through the gauntlet. The winners are a result of a composite rating; 50-50 users to critics.

The cuisine at Prim Reddy’s Indian Chapter. Photo supplied.

Here’s why you should pay The Indian Chapter in Bloubergstrand a visit.

From the readers:

Bev Moss-Reilly
Consistency is certainly the key for The Indian Chapter! As a regular patron I know that I am always guaranteed a quality meal. Prim Reddy had it reddy – made to start! A known name and celebrity drew people to this once-empty restaurant when it was Passage to India! However, her personality is not something that she has ridden on. She has the finest flavours that are so fragrant and so well put together and she is a hands-on owner – that is always a key to success. I have seen her restaurant grow so much so that one has to now reserve a table. Her prices are excellent and her waitrons offer a good service. It’s a real favourite for me and my spouse, especially that Indian food is one of our real favourites…

A post shared by Satyendra (@heyitsmesatyendra) on Jan 27, 2017 at 9:16am PST

Stefanie Kisten
Had a great meal with my dad this evening. Very professional staff and a great atmosphere… Would definitely recommend it for someone looking for a delicious curry!

A post shared by Sarah (@saartjied) on Sep 15, 2017 at 8:10am PDT

Adriana Roos
Having been to India, I have high curry expectations and the Indian Chapter’s Lamb Rogan Josh and Butter Chicken didn’t disappoint. It took me all the way back to the 11pm-dinners I had in the bustling Mumbai streets. Generous portions, excellent rotis and naan breads together with authentic flavours set the Indian Chapter high above the rest. The service and atmosphere are delightfully comfortable. Go hungry!

View more user reviews on The Indian Chapter listing.

From Eat Out critic John Maytham:

Food


The imported tandoor oven is an important part of the kitchen – without it, you wouldn’t be able to order what must be a contender for the best garlic naan in the country. We order a starter platter of lamb, chicken and fish kebabs done in the oven and served off the skewer. They are all delicious, as is the onion bhaji. There’s a wide variety of meat, fish and vegetarian main dishes, which can be served anywhere between mild and devilishly hot, depending on your preference. The lamb madras is full of tomato-based tastiness with an accompanying slow burn and the lamb pieces beautifully tender. The chicken breyani is a mountain of aromatic loveliness. There is also a good selection of exotic Indian desserts.

The Indian Chapter in Bloubergstrand. Photo supplied.

Drinks


The wine list is small and those available have a fair mark-up. There’s a good selection of local commercial beers, and the occasional appearance of beer from the sub-continent.

Service


Prim and her partner, Penny, hold the service together with broad smiles and lots of efficiency. It’s like being at a large family gathering. The belly dancer performance on Fridays can slow the service a touch.

The excellent naan. Photo supplied.

Ambience


The two rooms are known as Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 and share an inter-connecting kitchen. Chapter 2 is more modern, whereas Chapter 1 has just the right amount of Indian kitsch.

And…


If you order a plate of the hottest dish on the menu and finish it, you get to wear a ceremonial turban for the rest of the evening. You’ve been dared.

Eat Out reviewers dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Click here to read our editorial policy.