There are some restaurants that begin as business ideas. Others begin as memories. For Mathew Abraham, the inspiration behind Thava was never just about opening a restaurant or even expanding to opening five restaurants with the newest located at Emperors Palace. It was about recreating a feeling.
That feeling traces back to Kerala, the lush southern Indian state affectionately known as God’s Own Country. A place of coconut groves, canals and spice-laden kitchens, Kerala is where Mathew’s love of food first took root. Meals were never hurried. They were gatherings. Long tables, layered aromas, generous portions and the unmistakable warmth of people who believe food is meant to be shared.
“Kerala is a meeting place of cultures and faiths, and you can taste that diversity in the food,” says Abraham. “My love for cooking comes from my mother, whose recipes still guide our menu today. Many of our dishes were shaped through long calls back to India, making sure every flavour stays true to where it comes from.”
Years later, living in South Africa, Mathew (an engineer by trade) realised how rarely that experience translated onto restaurant plates. Indian cuisine was easy to find, but the soulful, home-style flavours of Kerala were not. He wanted to change that. Not with a fine dining concept or a polished culinary experiment, but with something honest, welcoming and deeply rooted in tradition.
That idea became Thava.
The first restaurant opened in Norwood, Johannesburg, quickly earning a loyal following. Diners returned not only for the bold, layered flavours their Indian-born chefs created but for the atmosphere: unpretentious, warm and unmistakably authentic. It felt like visiting someone’s home. It felt real. Word spread. Tables filled. A second restaurant followed in Ballito on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, where holidaymakers and locals alike embraced the same comforting flavours and generous hospitality.
Now, the story continues with the opening of Thava at Emperors Palace, the newest chapter in a growing family of restaurants that remain firmly anchored in their roots.
Set within one of Gauteng’s most vibrant entertainment destinations, the new Thava brings its signature spirit to a broader audience while staying true to the values that built its following. The menu celebrates the breadth of Indian cuisine, from fragrant curries and slow-cooked stews to bold tandoori and masala dishes, all crafted with fresh ingredients and layered spice. A standout feature is Thava’s distinctive Indian tapas concept, designed for sharing and exploration, allowing guests to sample a variety of flavours in tasting portions. Meals are rounded off with traditional Indian sweets or speciality coffees, creating a dining experience that is both generous and memorable.
While the setting may be grander with artefacts adorning the rich red walls, the heart of Thava remains unchanged. Every detail, from the menu to the mood, reflects Mathew’s original vision: food that feels personal, spaces that feel inviting and an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
For Mathew, the opening at Emperors Palace is not about expansion for its own sake. It is a the opportunity to share a piece of his heritage with more people. A place where, along with his team, they are honour where the journey began while continuing to evolve. And above all, it is a restaurant that reminds diners that the most memorable meals are rarely the most complicated. They are the ones filled with flavour, warmth and a sense of belonging.
With its newest home at Emperors Palace, Thava invites diners to step into a story that began thousands of kilometres away, yet feels immediately familiar. A story told through spices, shared plates and the unmistakable comfort of food made with heart.
For more information about Thava Indian Restaurant, visit our website.
Where you will find Thava: Inside Emperors Palace, Jet Park, Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni (Close to the D’Oreale Grande Hotel passage)
Open daily 12pm – 10:00pm
