A world of variety at Mi-vami and Senhor Calisto’s

For less than R200, two people can enjoy a filling meal made with fresh ingredients and served with a smile.

On arrival we were greeted with a warm and friendly smile when Ayanda Ntshangase took us through the extensive menu of the two establishments and recommended some of the specials and her personal favourites.

Although a friend of mine had recently recommended I try a Mi-Vami shuvarma, raving about their amazing flavour, I was excited to finally sample what I was told would convert me into a regular.

I, however, let Zintle order one as it was her first time eating one and I opted to try Ayanda’s recommendation of hot peri-peri wings, spicy rice and a Greek salad.

With a choice of beef, lamb or chicken, Zintle opted for chicken in her shuvarma and, under the guidance of Alfred Mncube, she was taken through the many options to fill her pita bread. She went for humus, red cabbage, spinach, egg plant and fried onions, and had it topped off with tzatziki. She ordered a combo which came with a generous side portion of chips and a can of cool drink.

“It was my first time having a shuvarma and I enjoyed it! I love the fact that I get to decide what to put in my pita. I’ll definitely be coming back to try more of the dishes on the menu,” said Zintle.

My spicy rice and hot wings, accompanied by the Greek salad, can be shared by two people who aren’t too hungry, as I ended up taking home most of my meal.

I opted for mild rice and was happy with my choice, as the hot wings are not for the faint-hearted.

Thankfully the feta helped to calm my tastebuds and I used my dressing as a cooling dip for my fiery and flavourful wings.

The rice I was served was a fluffy Basmati, infused with flavours that were both citrus and mildly spiced to perfection.

If your palette is a little more reserved than some of the items on offer, the menu at Mi-Vami does include classic favourites such as burgers, salads, toasted sandwiches and ribs, while Senhor Calisto’s offers chicken burgers, prego rolls and side orders of pap and gravy.

Strict vegetarians can enjoy a falafel and vegetarian burger from Mi-Vami, while pescetarians can sample the seafood on offer from Senhor Calisto’s. For the little foodies in the family, both restaurants offer extensive kids’ menus.

Being a fan of all things spicy, especially hot wings, I have added Senhor Calisto’s to my growing list, and I will definitely make a return for that shuvarma in the near future. SN