Mohavi Fourways: A beautiful setting that’s still finding its flavour

As a frequent Joburg restaurant-goer, I must admit there’s a growing sense of fatigue with the city’s dining scene lately — new spots seem to pop up every other week, often with great aesthetics but food that doesn’t quite live up to the hype.

This ongoing debate isn’t new, so when another restaurant was brought to my attention, I was curious but cautious. The highlight? It’s managed by Kudakwashe Dhliwayo, the former manager of Roar Sandton, now heading up Mohavi Restaurant in Fourways. That alone was enough to get me out of the house for a proper experience. Mohavi is a Thai-tied brand that fuses Southeast Asian cuisine with familiar South African flavours.

The setting

Tucked between Witkoppen and Kingfisher Drive, Mohavi shares a space with a wellness spa. The location is beautiful and serene, neutral, calming interiors and a warm, welcoming hostess set the right tone from the start.

The menu

The menu is huge, in my opinion, too big. While it’s mainly Thai and Southeast Asian, you can see clear local influences in dishes like the Thai Chicken Wings, Crying Tiger Wors, and the various curries.

We initially planned to try the brunch and bubbles special, but plans changed, and we ended up having lunch instead. I ordered the steamed bao buns and tempura prawns to start. The portions were generous, but the execution fell short; the bao was slightly dense rather than fluffy, and the prawns, while fresh, were overly tart and lacked balance.

My friends had mixed experiences. The Thai chicken wings were flavourful and well-received, the ribs were tender and tasty, but the prawn pot stickers were underwhelming and bland.

The food also took a while to arrive, which slightly dampened the experience, especially since the restaurant wasn’t overly busy at the time. The staff were friendly, though, and tried their best to check in during the wait.

For my main, I had the grilled salmon with jasmine rice and vegetables. While the presentation was okay, the dish desperately needed a sauce; it was quite dry. Thankfully, my friend’s crispy pork dish came with a sauce that surprisingly complemented the fish when I tried it. The other two dishes at the table, curries and lamb shank, were clear winners and packed with flavour.

Tempura prawns steam bao buns. Photo: Sandisiwe Mbhele

Thai chicken wings. Photo: Sandisiwe Mbhele

Baked cheesecake with berry compote. Photo: Sandisiwe Mbhele

Given the size of the menu, I’d suggest making it more compact and focused, perhaps highlighting bestsellers, signature Thai dishes, and their sushi selection. It would streamline the kitchen’s workflow and help guests navigate the options more easily.

The sweet spot

Dessert was, hands down, the highlight of my meal. I had the baked cheesecake with berry compote, and it was absolutely delicious, creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced. I practically inhaled the whole slice.

Mohavi definitely has potential. The team took feedback constructively and seemed genuinely committed to improving both the food and service. A few refinements and a tighter menu could make Mohavi a standout on the Joburg dining map.

And here’s my tip: make a day of it. After lunch, I visited the wellness spa on the same premises and was treated to a back and shoulder massage; it was heavenly (and way too short!). The spa is larger than expected, complete with a steam room, salt room, and custom affordable package options. I’m already planning to return with my mom for a full spa day.