Marigold, Franschhoek’s first authentic Indian cuisine restaurant, opened its doors on 8 December 2016. The opening coincided with the launch of Heritage Square, a proud new addition to the Leeu Collection portfolio.
The brand new restaurant offers a feast of exotic flavours that will delight any gourmand. Marigold’s small-plates menu is inspired by the aromatic and spicy North Indian cuisine. Look forward to rich, fragrant curries and flavourful biryanis with succulent meat dishes that are cooked in a charcoal tandoor.
Seasoned chef Vanie Padayachee hails from Durban and was most recently a part of the Le Quartier Français culinary team. She has been integral in the opening of various restaurants as well as a cooking school in South Africa.
“My style of cooking is influenced by the rich diversity of South African culture and I have experience at tempering and blending spices,” says Vanie. “My recent visits to India to experience the culture and cuisine first-hand has broadened my knowledge-base and brings an authenticity and tangible reference of its origins to Marigold’s menu.”
To begin your meal consider a selection of Indian savoury appetisers before enjoying one of the restaurant’s signature main dishes. The layered rice Biryanis offer a delicious and complex level of flavour, while the curries offer something for everyone – delicious vegetarian options, tender chicken and slow-cooked lamb. Enjoy succulent prawns, line fish, chicken or beef kebabs cooked to perfection in the charcoal tandoor. Each dish is accompanied by a variety of traditional Indian bread, rice, salad and raita.
The interior, with its exposed brickwork, timber flooring, bold geometric wallpaper and African inspired fabrics offers banquette-style seating for 60 guests. Slatted dividers offer privacy, yet maintain the feel of a magnificent feast.
The restaurant also has seating outside in the Heritage Sqaure courtyard for a further 20 guests. Leeu Collections’ iconic signature statue of a lion by acclaimed sculptor Jop Kunneke is the focal point of the courtyard. The lion is a reference to Leeu Collection’s founder, Analjit Singh, as “Singh” means lion in Sanskrit (“leeu” in Afrikaans).
Marigold, located on Heritage Square, 9 Huguenot Street, will be open seven days a week for lunch from 12h00 to 15h00 and dinner will be served between 18h00 and 22h00 (although times might change during the quieter season).
