Sometimes you just don’t feel like going out. You want to sit on your couch, in your pyjamas, watch TV, and eat something divine.
Say hello to Monks.
Open all week, from 5pm – 10pm, this delivery-only Chinese restaurant is feeding hungry humans in the Cape Town City Bowl and surrounding areas. Not only is the delivery free, but they accept cash, credit and debit cards – the handiest delivery service I’ve come across.
The menu is quite small, which makes choosing easy. We didn’t have any starters, although you can have Springrolls; Hot and Sour soup; Chicken Sweetcorn soup; or Seaweed and Garlic salad each for only R20 a portion.
The main courses come in two sizes, medium (R55) or large (R65). Although during the week there are specials offering you two medium dishes and a side for R100, or two large dishes and a side for R120.
Chicken Cashew Nut, is always a safe bet. Tender chicken, fresh veg in a sweet, sticky sauce and the right amount of cashews to add crunch, without being overpowering, but it could have done with a little more seasoning, as it bordered on being bland.
The Chilli Peanut Beef was right up my ally. It was hot, salty and spicy, with juicy beef, spring onion and great big pieces of dried chilli. I can eat chillies for breakfast, so heat’s not an issue for me, but my friends said they enjoyed the kick too – it was really lovely.
Last up we tried the Monk’s Kingklip (R90) off the delux menu. Fish fillets in a sweet, sour and slightly spicy sauce, on a bed of fried onions and topped with fresh spring onion. The fish was delicious, the sauce was magical and the onions were rich and buttery. Although quite pricey, they told me it was great, and great it really was.
[menu]
I’ve heard a couple of mixed reviews about Monk’s, but in my opinion it’s convenient, it’s a welcome change to the other over-killed take-away options, and if you have the special, it’s relatively affordable. Perfect for a mid-week dinner if you don’t feel like going out and don’t want to cook. Plus, I got to do a review from the comfort of my own couch, and guys, the ambiance was awesome.
PS: If you tweet your order to @MonksChinese and @BOS, you will get free Bos ice tea with your delivery.
PPS: They also give you Chinese teabags to make after your meal. Very cute.