Restaurant review – Cindy’s Fresh Produce

A change is as good as a holiday so instead of doing a restaurant review this week we are looking at a takeaway outlet.
Cindy’s Fresh Produce in Umhlali is an institution with the local North Coast community and Cindy is known as the curry queen of the North Coast – for good reason.
Part of the enjoyment of the Cindy’s experience is buying traditional Indian fare from a fresh produce store and café in a quaint village steeped in history.
I grabbed a couple of friends for a quick lunchtime bunny last week and the first thing I want to mention was that the price for a 1/4 mutton bunny, 1/4 bean bunny, mutton breyani and a chicken curry and rice with four drinks came to only R137 – great value for money.
You can’t expect to get gourmet here – the outlet is local and rustic and strictly takeaway with no sit-down facilities. We opted to sit outside by our vehicles using the tailgate of a bakkie as an impromptu table.
The food was great. I battle a bit with spicy food but Cindy’s curries have the perfect balance, so don’t be put off thinking that it’s going to be hot. The mutton was on the bone, which is the way it should be, as it adds such flavour. My only concern was that the mutton bunny was oily.
The Breyani was to die for, with enough to have some leftovers for dinner. The bean bunny is still one of my favourites and the chicken curry was just as good.
If you are looking for local cuisine Cindy’s is the perfect option. Besides the takeaway she sells fresh homegrown vegetables and a smorgasbord of homemade pickles and reserves.
Her hot mazavaroo is a real experience – it is hot enough to make your eyes sweat. I would love to know what the scoville rating* is on it! All in all it’s an awesome one-stop shop!
8/10 for great takeway food.