As winter settles over Cape Town, The Silo Hotel unveils a sumptuous new thali menu at The Willaston Bar — an inspired small- plates offering that brings a bold flourish of spice and warmth to the season.
The thali menu, available from 3pm daily, invites guests to choose any four dishes for R425 — a curated yet flexible experience that encourages mixing, matching and sharing. It’s an elevated, spice-forward adventure designed for sociable dining, with dramatic views across the city to match. Whether you’re a local or simply passing through, the panoramic outlook from The Willaston Bar is as much a part of the experience as the food itself — absolutely stunning and endlessly Instagrammable.
“We’re not trying to educate anyone about traditional thali,” explains Executive Chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert. “It’s more about celebrating the spirit of it — warmth, abundance, generosity — while remaining true to our own style.”
The result? A carefully honed collection of small plates inspired by Cape Malay heritage, Northern Indian traditions and Southeast Asian flair. The menu is the culmination of months of experimentation with textures, flavours and spice blends — crafted to suit both the adventurous palate and those seeking something comforting and familiar.
While there are many standouts, a must-try is the Chaat Masala Cashew Mix — a perfectly balanced, moreish snack with a angy kick of spice. For something more indulgent, highlights include the vibrant, earthy Swiss chard; the golden, addictive crispy cauliflower; and the gently warming Methi chicken, rich with fenugreek.
There’s also a dreamy Kerala fish curry, full of depth yet delicate enough not to overpower the fish, and the prawn biryani, which Veronica counts among her personal favourites. Think layered spice, fragrant rice and just the right hint of heat. Other dishes include paratha with smoked aubergine raita;, chicken kebabs with pickled shallots;, and buttermilk chicken pakoras with spiced spinach yoghurt — all ideal for pairing with a glass of chilled white or one of the bar’s curated craft gins.
The entire experience feels both cosy and chic — a culinary hug, but with serious edge. Whether you’re seeking heat, complexity or simply something new, this is the perfect way to warm up from the inside out.
Bookings are essential via Dineplan, and yes, non-hotel guests are welcome. The thali menu was launched in July 2025, just in time to savour winter in true Cape Town style.
