The buffet at Jeera. Image courtesy of the restaurant

After Jeera was highly commended at the 2015 Eat Out Best Everyday Eateries, Nikita Buxton set off to Suncoast Towers Hotel in Durban to try some of their fiery and authentic Indian cuisine.

Fast facts

Price: an average main will cost your R160
Serves: curries, tandoori and a buffet
Best for: an authentic South Indian curry
Parking: there’s ample parking around the casino and hotel, but be sure to check whether there are any events in the area as it can get very busy in season.
Star ratings: Food: 4, service: 4, ambience: 3

Food

The South Indian cuisine at Jeera is packed with flavour, showing that chef Sandren Govender certainly knows his way around a brilliant curry. Using the chef’s secret signature blend of exotic and aromatic spices, the offering includes a range of classic Indian dishes with a bit of Durban inspiration. The large menu boasts curries, grills, tandoori dishes, Indian breads and a selection of vegetarian options.

To start, try the crispy and satisfying puri patha. Madumbi leaves (yam leaves, which are similar to spinach) are layered with chilli paste, rolled and steamed, and are served between two fried puris (unleavened deep-fried Indian bread) with lemon and fresh coriander. The chilli bites are also a delicious appetiser: these fried golden morsels are made with chickpea flour, jeera and ginger, and come served with sweet chilli, honey and dhania dipping sauce – extremely moreish.

A plate of spicy delight at Jeera. Image courtesy of the restaurant

For mains, the curries and tandooris are a highlight. Seafood lovers can dive in to the prawn curry with plump queen prawns simmered in a seafood curry sauce of signature spices. The butter chicken is a firm favourite, too, with a silky gravy and tender chicken bites. The hearty curries are served with a roti and a choice of pilau, jeera or basmati rice.

For something a little spicier, tuck in to the tandoori selection (cooked in a charcoal oven), which are served from 6pm to 10pm. The chicken tikka option is vibrantly red thanks to its blend of spices, packing a serious punch. Try this with a portion of crisp, masala-spiced chips or an extra garlic naan bread. Dishes are served with a gold platter of colourful sambals including beetroot yoghurt, pineapple, chilli, raita, pickled onion and chutney.

The desserts are very simple; the sweet meats selection is a must.

Drinks

There’s a decent wine list with some options to pair with the curries. There are also non-alcoholic options. A refreshing booze-free shooter of mango lassi is offered upon arrival.

The interiors at Jeera. Image courtesy of the restaurant

Service

Warm and friendly. They will also gladly explain everything on the menu in detail.

Ambience

Jeera is simply decorated with pops of gold and red. The high ceilings and large lights lend a more hotel-dining feel.

And…

They have a brilliant buffet for R245 that offers a range of curries to try as well as sides and sweet desserts.

Have you spiced up your life at Jeera at Suncoast Towers Hotel in Durban? Let us know what you thought by writing a review.

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