Adega, Gateway

Updated: 26-01-2022

HOUSE REVIEW

When a foodie travels to Durban you’d expect that they begin their culinary experience with the type of cuisine that Durban is famous for, bunny chow for instance. But when that foodie is Indian to begin with and does not favour the infamous bunny chow then you may have a bit of a stalemate. But not to worry, Durban is not merely a cliché of bunny chow and curry, we discovered a delightful variety of cuisines on our trip there last month.

As we were staying in Umhlanga, we headed for Gateway Shopping Centre to stock up on some essentials for our self catering accommodation. Adega Restaurant at Gateway is halaal so we decided to have lunch there. They are known for seafood and Portuguese style cuisine. The restaurant at Gateway was fairly busy at lunch time. Set on an open court outside the mall their were also tables outside for thise wanting to enjoy the sunny Durban weather. We were seated inside efficiently, choosing to enjoy the aircon instead. Menus were brought and drinks orders were taken. I took in the feel of the place. It was bright and airy, with a sophisticated feel in spite of the plastic textured tablecloths overlaying the fabric ones underneath, rather like an upmarket Ocean Basket. There was Mediterranean touches in the décor and trendy cladding on the walls. Stairs led upstairs to which we were told was a Salaah area.

The menu was quite large with an array of starters that included in true Portuguese style Trinchado, Rissoles and Stuffed Calamari. We were pretty hungry and decided to forego the starters and head straight for mains. The bread basket which was offered sufficed. I was surprised though that it was served with margarine and not butter. Our platter for 2 consisted of chicken, prawns and grilled calamari served in their signature sauce with rice and chips. We wanted to try the hot version of the sauce but our waiter on learning we were not locals advised us to have the hot sauce on the side. A very good decision indeed we would learn in due course. It was served in a chaffing dish which was great because the food stayed hot and it added a little drama to the presentation. It did dominate the entire 4 seater table though. Had we been 4 adults instead of 2 and a quarter, it would have been very crowded. I finally got what all the fuss is about though. The signature flavor is delicious. The chicken and prawns were coated in this creamy, spicy, lemony sauce that you just wanted to sop up with everything. I was even pouring it over my rice and sucking at prawn shells with no shame. Not a drop was to be wasted, especially at R430 for this combo.

Taufeeq’s chicken pasta at R65 from the kiddies menu was also quite tasty and as expected too large a portion. The pasta was creamy and had their signature Portuguese flavor. I did feel the chicken in this dish was a skimpy though. He did not finish it but at least he had another meal from the leftovers.

What’s nice about their menu is their large variety. The Portuguese style adding a medley of different flavours to choose from like the Prawn Naçional – Pan-fried in bay leaves, garlic, cream and Portuguese spices served with white rice; or Grilled Cod Fish – A generous portion of cod fish topped with green peppers, garlic, olive oil, sliced raw onions, boiled potatoes and a sprinkle of olives. They are pretty expensive though, with platters on average at R300 to R600. Starters range from R59 to R106 and a good choice of desserts at about R50 each. Also note that they include a 10% service charge on all bills.

It’s not a place I’d choose to go with small kids even though it’s got a kiddies menu and it’s not somewhere you go to get great value for money, but I can tell you this….. those prawns are really worth splurging on.

Reviewed 14 March 2018