After its relocation last year from a more casual venue to a new location at Gateway, Greedy Buddha boasts an upmarket look to accompany its vibrant south Asian menu. Eat Out critic Nikita Buxton heads to Umhlanga for a post-shopping tapas and cocktail feast.

Sweet roast pork with noodles at Greedy Buddha. Photo supplied.

Fast facts

Price: R80 to R159 on average for a main meal
Serves: Modern fusion food with a South East Asian twist
Best for: Tapas-style dining with friends or a sneaky bite after a shopping spree
Parking: There is ample parking at Palm Boulevard as well as at Gateway
Star ratings: Food 4, service 4, ambience 4

Food

The Asian-inspired menu at Greedy Buddha features both tapas and main dishes, with classic flavours as well as more experimental combinations. The tapas portions of soup, served in tiny espresso cups, are a great way to start the meal. On our visit, we sip on a vegetarian laksa, which is packed with spicy flavours and a hint of coconut.

A sushi-style salad at Greedy Buddha. Photo supplied.

Dim sum lovers can delve into potstickers and wontons filled with prawn and chive, butternut and feta, or a personal favourite, the beef and fresh chilli version.  The Ducking Fantastic platter is also ideal for sharing. Peking duck is shredded at the table, allowing diners to assemble their own pancakes with accompaniments of cucumber, spring onion and a sweet and salty hoisin sauce. The duck is a touch on the dry side but delicious once it’s drenched in the flavoursome sauce and bundled into a light pancake.

The Peking duck pancakes at Greedy Buddha. Photo supplied.

Other highlights include the crispy pork belly that’s roasted and served with smoked potato purée, the sticky twice-cooked pork ribs, and the hearty prawn- or beef-topped Malaysian Bang Bang noodles with chilli and Asian pesto. There’s also the signature pan-seared line fish, lamb loin chops, and chicken, pork or beef burgers for picky eaters.

Another tapas noodle dish at Greedy Buddha. Photo supplied.

If you can find room for dessert, tapas size sweets might include a citrus and coconut parfait with chocolate soil and sweet candied orange or a decadent chocolate brownie with Amarula foam, white chocolate mousse and fresh mango.

Drinks

There is a good wine list with some reasonable options, but the popular choice here is the cocktail selection. The Buddha G&T is a refreshing recommendation, made with Tanqueray gin, lemon essence, fresh lime, mint and tonic.

The bar at Greedy Buddha. Photo supplied.

Service

The Greedy Buddha staff are knowledgeable, attentive and able to offer some great suggestions if you’re having trouble choosing from the menu.

Ambience

The newer location boasts a stylish, cosmopolitan interior with sleek finishes and twinkling lights. The cocktail terrace has a view of the shopping centre across the way; fairy lights and palm trees add a touch of warmth to the outdoor space.

The terrace at Greedy Buddha. Photo supplied.

And…

Be sure to keep an eye open for the great lunch specials. Currently, diners can choose anything from the menu, including tasting menus, and receive 20% off the bill.

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