Roti and Chai Durban is the delicious restaurant that turned a timeless pairing into a whole experience

Roti and Chai Durban: There are some words that snonymously belong together. Fish and chips. Bread and butter. Salt and pepper. Some pairings come and go with trends, while others feel as though they have always existed side by side. For us, roti and chai are one of those timeless combinations.

Roti and Chai Durban

Coincidentally, Durban is also home to a restaurant called Roti and Chai, which has become one of our favourite places to eat whenever we visit the city. It’s the kind of place that perfectly captures the comfort, nostalgia and warmth that these two simple words evoke.

So why do roti and chai belong together so perfectly? Roti on its own is already incredible. There’s something satisfying about tearing into the crispy, flaky layers and hearing that gentle crackle before taking a bite. It has that perfect balance between crispness and softness, and somehow every piece tastes just a little bit different.

The best way to have it is in tandem with chai (tea). Much like dunking a biscuit into tea, you dip the roti into a warm cup of chai for just a moment, allowing it to soften slightly. The spices from the tea soak into the bread, creating a completely different texture and flavour. Suddenly you’re tasting buttery roti infused with fragrant cardamom, cinnamon and tea. It’s comforting, nostalgic and, honestly, just incredibly delicious. Yum!!!

Roti and Chai have taken that feeling and built an entire restaurant around it. The menu offers a variety of Indian comfort food. You’ll find an extensive selection of curries ranging from mild to spicy, alongside their signature roti wraps that can be customised with plenty of different fillings, making it easy for meat lovers, vegetarians and just about everyone in between to find something they’ll enjoy.

Because we don’t get to Durban very often, we almost always order our favourite: the Tandoori Naan Wrap. The naan is soft and fresh, the tandoori chicken is crispy and tender, and everything comes together in a simple, no-nonsense combination that just works

On one of our visits, Aliasgher decided to try the Schezwan Fried Rice. As someone who loves fried rice, he had high expectations, and thankfully Roti and Chai delivered. Their version arrived served in a traditional Indian clay pot, packed with so many flavours and just the right amount of spice. It was comforting, filling and something we’d happily order again. Of course, you simply can’t visit somewhere with chai in its name without ordering a cup. Whether you’re pairing it with your meal or enjoying it afterwards, we’d definitely recommend adding one to your order.

At the moment, Roti and Chai only has locations in Durban and Johannesburg. This is then the perfect excuse to plan a weekend trip to one of our neighbouring cities. After all, good food has always been one of the best reasons to travel.

Bookmark this for your the next time you’re looking for where to eat! Want more food recommendations, both in and outside South Africa? Follow us @afor_adventures or subscribe to our food & travel blog – always honest, always helpful.