We recently had the pleasure of dining at The Pot Luck Club tucked away between Dunkeld and Rosebank – right in the heart of Johannesburg. The small-plate sharing experience inspired by Asian cuisine was dynamic, sociable, and unforgettable. We were encouraged to sample a variety of dishes, each packed with unique flavours and textures. This communal dining style not only made for a fun and interactive experience but also allowed us to explore the menu extensively, discovering unexpected combinations and delightful surprises with each plate.

As we shared our selections, the excitement grew with every new dish that arrived at our table. The vibrant colours and artistic presentation of the food enhanced the experience, making each bite a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. The flavours ranged from bold and spicy to delicate and nuanced, showcasing the chef’s skilful blend of traditional Asian techniques with innovative twists.

This style of dining is not only exciting but also promotes conversation and interaction among diners. By presenting multiple small plates, the meal becomes a culinary adventure, allowing us to explore and enjoy a diverse range of tastes.

Culinary odyssey

Our journey began with an array of starters that set the bar high. The Taco 2.0, a symphony of linefish ceviche, black bean puree, charred corn salsa, avocado, and chipotle dressing, was a burst of fresh flavours. The venison carpaccio, dressed in orange soy and yuzu with a walnut and sesame, topped with carrot crisp was equally impressive.

Next up, we savoured the fish slider, a delightful combination of a steamed bun packed with hake, drizzled with mojo dressing, and enhanced by miso mayo. The lobster soft shell taco, glazed with chipotle and served with radish cebiche, was another highlight for us. We also enjoyed crispy squid, perfectly paired with a sweet corn velouté, a spicy seafood sauce, roasted baby corn, and fresh basil leaves. The special of the day, prawns, did not disappoint either.

For more heartier dishes, the deonjang glazed short rib was a highlight, served with fragrant rice, shitake mushrooms, mirin tea, and water chestnuts, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. The smoked beef fillet, was another showstopper, expertly seasoned with black pepper and truffle cafe au lait.

Dessert was a sweet finale with the Hertzoggie, a coconut cake accompanied by apricot puree, condensed milk and lime sauce, toasted coconut, apricot sorbet, and fresh mint. The PLC sweets platter, featuring macadamia nougat, salted chocolate caramel, pate de fruits, macarons, and calamansi mochi, was a delightful way to end the meal.

Throughout the night, we enjoyed a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, including a passion fruit and lemongrass martini, lavender fake, and grapefruit blood orange sours. Each drink was a refreshing complement to the diverse and delicious dishes we savoured.

Capping off

Overall, our dining experience at The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg was a truly memorable journey through innovative Asian-inspired cuisine. The restaurant’s approach to presenting food as a fun and engaging small-plate sharing concept allowed us to explore a wide array of flavours and textures that danced on our palates. Each dish was a delightful surprise, showcasing the chef’s creativity and mastery of Asian culinary skills.

The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the excitement of discovering new tastes with each plate, made our evening an unforgettable adventure. Every bite was a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to excellence and innovation. The Pot Luck Club not only satisfied our appetites but also ignited our curiosity and enthusiasm for culinary exploration, making it a standout dining experience in Johannesburg.