When in South Africa, one should dine in a restaurant that represents African cuisine. This rationalization led me to Lekgotla (In Sandton, Johannesburg, S.A.), which translates to “meeting place” in Tswana. Located in Nelson Mandela Square, Lekgotla prides itself on serving a fusion of exotic foods for a true taste adventure.
Lekgotla’s menu is varied and interesting with signature dishes such as the Whole Line Fish (that feeds two or more people) baked in embers and brushed with lemon and spices. Additional menu items include Ethiopian Coffee Steak marinated in coffee and spices, Ostrich Fillet steaks, Grilled Mozambican Prawns and Oxtails.
The experience began with a glass of Nederburg Ltd. Ed. Twenty Ten Sauvignon Blanc, a smooth wine with a ripe citrusy nose coming upon a pleasant finish that lingers after the last swallow.
The Village Chicken Salad appetizer was an enticing and aesthetically pleasing dish with heavenly flavors wafting from the stark white plate. Rich with mixed greens, char-grilled chicken, Lekgotla’s special blend of spices, avocado and summer vegetables topped with a sweet balsamic dressing, it was as gratifying to gaze upon as it was to eat. This salad was a meal in itself.
Another appetizer, the Smoked Franschhoek Trout Salad, was artfully prepared with the smoked trout wrapped around quail eggs and served with large capers, whole grain aioli and salad greens. While not a hefty plate, it did prime the mouth for the entrée to come.
The Zanzibar Chicken, a menu staple, was braised in a heady chili tomato sauce with fragrant spices. Sweet Potato Chips—resembling potato cakes encrusted with toasted almond bits—was almost as big around as the chicken breast and was served as a side. One bite of the chicken and my mouth experienced dual sensations. First came the sweet—ooooh!—then came the hot---aaaah! Unfortunately, the chicken was not as tender as it should have been and I found myself doing a bit of sawing to cut it.
While not particularly a South African specialty dish, the Chicken Wing & Beef Rib Duo was a sticky sweet concoction that resulted in perpetual finger licking. A side of Lekgotla Chips completed the simple but tasty plate.
Dessert was staring us in the face—literally—as the waitress magically produced a tray of delectable treats from which to choose. The Baklava was calling my husband’s name, while the Bread & Butter Pudding taunted me with the mysterious addition of dark chocolate sauce. Easily, the winner of the dessert contest was the Baklava, which was better than average but not wholly spectacular. The pudding was middle-of-the-road but still edible.
Visually, Lekgotla was a stunning place to be. The African décor throughout gives the restaurant a unique character and the dining room was very comforting and inviting, albeit a bit chilly. Overall, Lekgotla is deserving of a second visit, if only to sample other menu items that are representative of African cuisine.
Lekgotla
2196 Nelson Mandela Square
Sandton, Johannesburg, S.A.
Phone: 011 884 9555
E-mail: info@lekgotla.com
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