A journey through the Orient

The term “Orient” derives from the Latin word oriens meaning “east” (lit. “rising” < orior  “rise”). The word for “rising” is used to refer to the east where the sun rises.

The Thai Africa Restaurant Group, one of our newest clients, is a group of fine Asian restaurants based in Johannesburg including: Kong in Cedar Square, Orient in Melrose Arch, Wangthai in Nelson Mandela Square and So Yum in Hyde Park Corner. We are working with the teams at each restaurant to help them develop their business online and their overall experience.

The restaurants take diners on a journey through Asia, introducing delicacies from Vietnam, Japan, China, Thailand and Indonesia. We’d like to give you a snapshot into each by taking you through the Orient as you hop on board the Thai express and navigate your way through these four unique and distinctive restaurants….

Our first stop: Kong in Cedar Square, Fourways

+27 11 465 7516 or +27 11 465 7469 or kong@thai-africa.co.za | Open daily: 12pm – 9.30pm

Kong offers delectable Asian comfort food and is situated in the heart of Fourways at Cedar Square. The restaurant and its team (led by Johnny Beardsley-Nel) is a perfect spot for afternoon drinks at the trendy bar, or a romantic dinner date with an extraordinary culinary experience. Speciality cocktails and an authentic Asian menu are sure to treat your senses. It is also a great venue for a function.

In February 2017, Kong had the pleasure of hosting Destiny Magazine and its February cover stars, Connie and Shona Ferguson. Read more about it.

For more follow Kong on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Stop 2: Wangthai, overlooking the iconic Nelson Mandela Square

+27 11 784 8484 or wangthai@thai-africa.co.za | Open daily: 12pm – 9.30pm

If authentic Thai cuisine is your thing, Wangthai offers a fine Thai experience in a luxurious environment in the heart of the Sandton City precinct.

Whether you are seated on the terrace or among the orchids in the private dining area, the Wangthai chefs have been hand-picked from some of Bangkok’s finest five-star hotels to indulge your taste buds. The dishes comprise sophisticated, flavoured Thai dishes that are a true artwork in themselves – a perfect combination of scented and spicy, constantly delivering in appearance and flavour. Jenny Shutte and her team will ensure that your visit is one of excellence.

Follow Wangthai on: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Stop number 3: So Yum at Hyde Park Corner

+27 11 325 5360 or soyumhp@soyum.co.za | Open daily: 12pm – 9.30pm

Situated in Hyde Park Corner, Eric and his team are on hand to offer you Asian flavours and treats. So Yum is known for its one-of-a-kind dishes and Asian style cuisine, and is particularly famous for its variety of dim sum.

Dim sum has long been enjoyed as part of the Chinese yum cha meal. Traditionally served during the day with tea, dim sum is about experiencing different flavours and textures in a sharing environment.

So Yum is the perfect spot for any occasion. #soyumdimsum

Follow So Yum on: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

 

The fourth and final spot on our Thai express is Orient in Melrose Arch

+27 11 684 1616 or orient@thai-africa.co.za | Open daily: 12pm – 9.30pm

Based in the centre of Melrose Arch, known for its urban design, buzzing in- and outdoor set-up and bustling dining, the Orient is a perfect match and a firm favourite among Johannesburg diners.

Orient (led by Gary Beardsley-Nel and his team) offers a wide range of delectable dishes from Vietnamese and Thai curries, to dim sum, to its famous Asian grills and sushi. (Orient was recently voted by EatOut as one of the greatest spots in South Africa to have sushi.)

In March 2017, Orient had the pleasure of hosting Destiny Magazine and its March cover star, Carol Tshabalala, and friends – including  soccer legends, Benni McCarthy and Siphiwe Tshabala – read more.

Follow Orient online via: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.