Picture a cute Portuguese restaurant on a little side street in Lisbon or Porto, complete with the friendly service you'd expect from an authentic neighbourhood café. Then stop imagining it, because in Kensington, Johannesburg, you can experience the real thing. Pastelaria Princesa is a Kensington-based restaurant at which you can be introduced to the very best that Portuguese cuisine has to offer. As a realtor with their finger on the pulse of the Kensington area, Seeff takes a closer look at what's on offer.
A brief introduction to Portuguese cuisine
Portuguese people love good food and while the culinary traditions of their neighbours, such as the French and Italians, may be better known, Portuguese fare should not be overlooked. From meat and fish to bread and baked goods (think mini egg tarts that melt in your mouth), the secret behind Portuguese cuisine is simple ingredients that are impeccably prepared. You can look forward to fresh, wholesome flavours and dynamic blends of herbs and spices when you visit a Portuguese restaurant like Pastelaria Princesa. When it's time for dessert, the Portuguese will delight you with their assortment of cakes and pastries.
Certain areas of central Johannesburg, like Kensington and nearby Turffontein, are well-known for their Portuguese heritage. Pastelaria Princesa is just one of the restaurants in this area offering South Africans the chance to experience the taste of Portugal.
What's on the menu?
If you're sitting down for a meal at Pastelaria Princesa rather than grabbing some essentials at the deli on the go, you can enjoy a wide array of mouthwatering meals that includes grilled quail, Princesa hot dogs, sirloin fillet and homemade Portuguese sausages. If you've come for breakfast, you can put together a platter of breakfast creations or choose the ingredients for your lighter-than-air omelette. You'll be glad to know that you don't need to speak Portuguese to order from this menu - English translations are provided for every item.
A wide array of sandwiches, croissants, salads and petiscos (snacks) round off the menu, and those new to the world of Portuguese cuisine can expect to be amazed by dishes like Francesinha (sliced bread loaf filled with steak, spicy sausage and ham, smothered in cheese) and Pastelaria Princesa's special Francesinha sauce.
When it comes to dessert, one of our firm favourites is the signature Molotoff, which is a Portuguese dessert made from egg whites, covered in custard and almonds and topped with a sweet caramel sauce.
A shop and deli designed with great taste in mind
If you're keen to try out some Portuguese cooking at home, then Pastelaria Princesa is a great place to buy the ingredients you need. They stock a wide range of authentic Portuguese olive oils, different flavoured vinegars, cheeses and more.
You can also place your order for bespoke birthday cakes at Pastelaria Princesa - let the team help you create an unforgettable celebration for your loved one's birthday.
What some of Pastelaria Princesa's visitors have had to say
You only have to look at the reviews on Google to see how popular this Kensington-based restaurant and deli is. One visitor comments that the pasteis da nata (Portuguese custard tarts) are the best she has tasted outside Portugal - and that they are well worth making an hour's round trip for since she doesn't live in the Kensington area.
Pastelaria Princesa's Portuguese rolls are also described as "the best in town" and in the opinion of another reviewer, the carne asada (roast beef) is unbeatable. In the words of a third reviewer, "the food is always very tasty and I love how much Princesa reminds me of being in Portugal".
Johannesburg's Kensington is an area with much to offer - from outstanding Portuguese cuisine to fantastic real estate. Contact Seeff to find out more about what Kensington can offer you and your family.