We recently indulged in an unforgettable culinary journey at Kashew Restaurant in Sandton, situated within The Catalyst Hotel – a sleek and modern retreat for both business and leisure travellers alike. The restaurant features a stylish 190-seat space decorated with local artwork, presenting a unique and contemporary take on dining.
The menu at Kashew is a delightful fusion of wholesome dishes prepared with a modern twist. For starters, we savoured the mac and cheese bombs – deep-fried macaroni loaded with mature cheddar and parmesan cheese, served with a smoky tomato sauce and sour cream. The spicy chicken livers, served with flatbread, were utterly delicious, while the smoked salmon salad with avocado, feta cheese, mixed greens, dill, and a lime dressing was not only visually stunning but also hit all the right notes.
Moving on to the mains, we were blown away by the flame-grilled tomahawk steak, which came with perfectly crispy French fries. The grilled Asian salmon, served on a bed of Bok choy, broccoli, red cabbage, carrots, and mixed peppers, was exquisitely prepared and melted in our mouths, enhanced by a lime and honey soy sauce. The Kashew shisanyama, complete with pap, chakalaka, wors, and grilled lamb chops, was another standout dish that left us craving for more.
For dessert, the Kashew kisses – caramel peanut ice cream drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with peanut brittle – was a heavenly treat. The mixed spice malva pudding with vanilla custard was equally delightful and beautifully prepared.
Kashew also offers an impressive selection of cocktails and mocktails. We enjoyed the Bramble virgin, a refreshing blend of simple syrup, cranberry syrup, lemon, and blueberries. The Piña Colada, made with pineapple syrup, coconut milk, lemon, and cherries, was another excellent choice.
We also had the opportunity to chat with Damion Govender, the head chef, who has been at the helm of Kashew for the past six months. With an impressive culinary background, including stints at various Marriott properties, Fire & Ice, The Oyster Box, and Thaba Echo Hotel, Chef Damian brings a wealth of experience to the table.
He cited that since its inception in 2020, Kashew has been delighting guests with a menu driven by a passion for fresh, modern, and locally sourced cuisine that caters to discerning palates.
“Our salmon dish, for example, is designed with health-conscious diners in mind. To stay ahead in Sandton’s vibrant culinary landscape, we continually update our menu. In the next few weeks, patrons can look forward to a new light menu that is affordable and features tantalising options,” said Govender.
Overall, our dining experience at Kashew was exceptional. The combination of innovative dishes, a vibrant atmosphere, and attentive service makes it a must-visit destination in Sandton. We can’t wait to return and explore more of their culinary delights and sample their upcoming lighter menu offerings.