Somewhere you just have to go and see for yourself is Chunky Chau!
It’s like walking into an Instagram-able indoor playground … all high-cushioned bar chairs and oversized golden yellow chesterfield couches, a peacock theme with a gorgeous seven-metre-tall deep teal wallpaper.
The dining area circles a massive Chinese clay pot with a whimsical kumquat tree. And the space is filled with deep rich colours and touches of greenery throughout.
The playfulness continues through to their Tea Bar where the signature cocktail menu is based on exotic black fruit tea infusions, served with colourful garnishes in Chinese teapots and small little sake cups. We ordered the White Peach with red berry cha, an easy drinking cocktail with sweet notes and a citrus undertone. The teapot keeps your drink ice cold and sipping out of the small cups allows for sharing.
The food focuses on the five taste sensations… sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami, and the menu is packed with pan-Asian fusion cuisine.
Here, you should let your palate go on an adventure with the tasting of Omakase boxes, where you leave it up to the chef to select his top picks of small plates, sushi & sashimi, mini salads, nibbles and parcels, all served on small dishes placed inside a wooden box … it’s a fanatic mix and match of the very best offerings at Chunky Chau.
Or try a light summer salad that doesn’t bore your taste buds … like the Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad.
As for owner, Mr Chau … some of the staff describe him as a friendly smiling Buddha that walks in and gives off great energy.
It’s fun. It’s swanky. And it’s certainly unique. You’ll find Chunky Chau on the piazza at the Firs Centre in Rosebank. The restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday from noon until 10pm and Sundays from noon until 5pm.
Details: chunkychau.co.za
