Why this new Durban Indian restaurant feels less like dining out and more like coming home

While on a recent festive season break in Durban, I had the pleasure of dining at The Host, a restaurant that opened its doors last July.

I departed feeling completely satisfied, deeply impressed by the wonderfully fragrant food, and utterly charmed by the outstanding hospitality offered by Vivek Moodley and his equally welcoming team.

The Host boasts modern furnishings that create a distinctly elegant ambience. I was especially taken with the unique aesthetics, particularly the candles housed within lamp-like décor, and the striking peacock artwork. 

Notably, in Hindu mythology, the peacock is a powerful symbol of opulence and prosperity, serving as the vehicle for several deities.

“The vision behind the new décor was to create a space that feels inviting and chic, while subtly transporting guests to India the moment they walk in. We wanted The Host to feel elegant yet warm, somewhere you’d feel comfortable dining, just like you would in a beautifully hosted home,” Moodley explained. 

He continued: “This was quite a challenge because the space we took over was previously a rundown restaurant that had closed completely. We essentially had to demolish everything and rebuild from the ground up.

"That gave us a blank canvas, but it also meant being very intentional about every design choice, from textures and lighting to layout and flow.

“The name The Host is deeply personal to us. It’s inspired by the way we host family and friends in our own homes, where food is central, service is heartfelt, and guests are treated with genuine care.

"We aimed to translate that feeling into a restaurant experience where flavours, service, smiles, and warmth all come together to create something memorable.”

Every guest will find plenty on the menu to satisfy their dietary needs and cravings.

The restaurant's strong point is its team of seasoned chefs from India, all specialising in South and North Indian cuisine with a minimum of 15 years of experience.

Of course, they also cater for special requests as well.  So if you have a craving for a mouth-watering crab curry (who can resist?) or fish curry, you won’t leave disappointed. 

Moodley revealed: “Our special request options like fresh fish and crab have become quite popular with guests who love something a bit more bespoke and seasonal. 

“We don’t always have these on the standard menu every day because they depend on what’s available fresh and at its best, but when they are available - and especially when ordered in advance - they tend to be a hit.

“In fact, guests have specifically asked about the crab curry and fresh fish preparations, and we’re happy to prepare them. Just need a day or two, advance notice.”

Having previously managed a restaurant in Canada for several years, Moodley is an experienced restaurateur. He moved back to South Africa with his wife and son to be closer to his family.

Following Moodley's guidance on their most popular dishes, my friend and I started with the mushroom manchurian, chicken tikka, prawn chilli and an aloo dosa. 

For a dedicated foodie, presentation is paramount, and the dish before me was a visual masterpiece, complemented by an incredibly fragrant aroma. Despite its vibrant colour, which might suggest overpowering heat, the flavours were remarkably well-balanced and far from the misleadingly pungent appearance.

I devoured the deep-fried battered prawns, which were juicy, succulent and coated in a delicious Indian Chinese sauce. Similarly impressive were the crumbed mushrooms, which had a satisfying and difficult-to-achieve crunch.

Of course, a chicken tikka is a mandatory try. 

And it had an aromatic smokiness and was moist and tender. What really took it to the next level was the accompanying mint sauce.

Then came the aloo jeera, butter chicken and lamb pepper fry. 

At this point, it was a bit overwhelming (in the best way) as we were stuffed from the other dishes. 

It reminded me of being at a large family gathering where the food is unending, and out of appreciation for the effort, you simply have to try everything.

It was genuinely challenging to select a favourite dish. The butter chicken, for example, was an addictive treat - creamy and velvety in every mouthful.

The lamb pepper fry was divine. Served as a dry fry, it was recommended to be sampled first and truly burst with the flavour of onions and peppers. The masterful use of spices by the chefs is highly commendable, even in the aloo jeera curry.

We had initially planned to skip dessert, which featured choices such as kulfi, chocolate or vanilla ice cream, and a mango lassi. 

However, Moodley strongly recommended their signature kulfi. He was absolutely right - it was pure decadence with every mouthful. For anyone who enjoys a sweet treat, this dessert is an absolute must-try.

Dining, I often contend, is an experience that goes beyond the plate - it's about the feeling it evokes. Beyond the mouth-watering dishes we savoured, it was the sense of homeliness that elevated our visit to an exceptional experience.

This atmosphere speaks volumes about the restaurant's mandate, clearly reflected in the other patrons. They interacted with Moodley and the staff not as strangers, but as old friends catching up.

This new spot in town is a worthwhile visit, whether you're a local or a tourist. I definitely intend to return during my next visit!

Disclaimer: Please note that although the writer was a guest of the restaurant, this did not affect the content of the review.

Debashine gives it 5 stars. 

★★★★★ (Excellent / Outstanding)

Food: Exceptional - flawless execution, memorable flavours.

Service: Impeccable, warm, and highly professional.

Ambiance: Stylish, inviting and enhances the dining experience.

Value: Justifies the price with top-tier quality.