After eating so many flavoursome meals in Durban during the annual Indaba I returned to Hermanus with an appetite for spice.  Its winter after all and there is a need for heat.  The following Hermanus eateries should be tried to spice up the palate.

Tikka Palace has been around for a number of years and has moved to the centrally located Village Square building opposite the Old Harbour.  They are not licensed but are fine with diners bringing their own wine.  Dishes are served in individual bowls perfect for sharing.  The menu is extensive and the staff helpful in guiding patrons to their happy spice spot.

Chicken livers peri-peri or Pollo Diavola is a favourite at Tapas.  My favourite for sure. Listen to live music on Fridays while you dip a piece of crusty ciabatta in the spicy sauce.  Finger licking guaranteed. A big bonus is that Tapas stays open late and has an excellent local wine list.

 

The Cape Malay Curry on the Fusion Cafe menu hit the spot.  The curry is perfectly made with balanced spiciness and nicely presented in a tri-legged cast iron pot.  Scooping ladles of flavour onto the basmati rice and wiping the plate clean with a bit of naan bread had me making plans for a follow-up visit.

 

Col’Chaccio’s has a few spicy options.  There is an aptly called Inferno that serves peri-peri prawns on pizza.  I opted for the safer Mogul that had butter chicken, yoghurt, coriander and crispy bacon bits also on pizza base.  Integrated spicy tanginess with the freshness of yoghurt and herbs satisfied is a combination that is hard to beat.  As a bonus you can order this to-go or delivered for the convenience of indulging at home.

Walking through town and in need of a nibble?  Pick up some crispy samosas at Village Food.  Owner AB is well known and all dressed up in his white overcoat to serve clients with a quirky comment. Situated in the middle of town Village Foods provides a quick, spicy snack that won’t disappoint.

What to drink with spicy food?  Fruity, aromatic dry white wines or lighter styled reds.  We tried a Creation Viognier, Bosman Family Vineyard Weisser Riesling and a Felicity Pinot Noir with our meals.  Both worked perfectly. Newton Johnson also produces an Albarino and La Vierge has a Riesling which are rumoured to tempt spice.  With variety being the true spice of life there are enough spicy dishes to try in Hermanus.  From samosas to Malay curries or even as a topping on a pizza. Hermanus can certainly spice things up.