Johannesburg residents are in for a treat as the hot Thai restaurant - Simply Asia - opens its doors at the Appleby’s Market on Hans Strijdom Drive in Randburg.

After huge successes around the country, the multiple award-winning Thai restaurant chain has opened another franchise in Johannesburg to bring patrons ‘up top’ a fresh new alternative of authentic Thai flavours in an über-trendy setting.

The restaurant, a traditional “Thai Food and Noodle Bar” style eatery, is perfect for the Jozi crowd. It is geared towards the modern city slicker with a fast-paced lifestyle that wants healthy, hearty and flavoursome food in a flash. Simply Asia’s belief in simplicity, affordability and ease, with a whole lot of style, together with following the Thai values of health, freshness and purity, is its draw card and is sure to become a favourite of all Jo’burg diners with a love for the Orient.

Good food is however only part of the Simply Asia experience. Says franchisor Chaiphorn Lekcharoensuk (better known as Mr. Chai): “Thai food is consumed not only for nourishment or to satisfy ones hunger – it’s a form of art, a topic of conversation, a source of pleasure and a reason to enjoy the company of others.”

Simply Asia offers diners exactly this with a choice of sit-in or take-out options where friends and family can enjoy pure food together.

The super sleek interior of the Randburg store incorporates natural woods and browns spiced up with contemporary designs in red, white and black. The atmosphere is warm and vibrant and there’s an airy feel to the dining area that oozes calmness. To the other side of the open kitchen, a cocktail bar can be found that is perfect for the more buzzing after-work-drinks-and-catch-up-with-friends crowd.

Only the freshest ingredients and exclusively imported Thai spices make their way into the kitchen where the skilful chefs, trained in Thailand, conjure up fragrant and spicy creations that smack of Asia. The menu is a real delight with offerings of scrumptious starters like prawn tempura, crispy sweet corn, chicken satay skewers, and a variety of spring rolls, fairly priced between R22 and R25 per portion. Don’t forget the ever popular and tantalisingly spicy tom yum soup. The starters will only leave you wanting more and the perfect portions allow you to have the space to enjoy the main course.

For mains, diners can choose from a superb selection of fresh traditional Thai dishes to suit every tastebud, including a whole host of vegetarian options, seafood and delectable noodle dishes. All main options are simply delicious! Try the “Geang Phed Nua”, beef red curry with rice or the “Pad Thai Goong”, a serving of traditional Thai noodles, stir-fried with prawns and bean sprouts for a taste sensation that will have you in awe. Don’t forget the “Gai Pad Med Prik-Phao”, chicken stir-fried with cashew nuts and roasted chilli paste, served on a bed of rice; and the “Ba Mee Nua Pra-Ram”, succulent beef simmered in a spicy peanut sauce served with yellow noodles which are other highlights on offer – affordable at only R45 – R59. In keeping with the style of simplicity, the somewhat unpronounceable dishes on the menu are coded, allowing guests to simply order by number. The dish numbered 607 is packed with flavour and simply divine!

Co-franchisees of the Randburg store, Chai Lekcharoensuk, Rina and Matthew Beetge, and Frank Currie, are always out to please and will ensure your Simply Asia experience is … simply memorable.