WHEREVER FEGO THE SUNSHINE WILL FOLLOW……
When I first visited South Africa, about 7 years ago and went to the Kruger National Park about 9 hours north of Johannesburg (by slow, painful coach drive) I actually managed to see the ‘Big Five’ all on the first morning’s safari (after having being told we’d be lucky to see one or two over the 5 days) after that there was then plenty of time to experience the local cuisine.
Initially the thing that struck me was not just how good the food was but how well the cooking was done. In fact ever since then, whenever I get invited to a large BBQ these days, I always ask first if the person doing the cooking is South African and if the answer is No – I’ll say “I’m washing my hair!”
BEST CAFÉ IN SURREY
The continuing success of the now, ‘double award-winning’ Fego Café in Cobham is therefore of absolutely no surprise to me at all. From the moment you walk in the door, you are greeted with a lovely smile from manageress Henrietta and the sun then seems to almost spontaneously come out the minute you sit down. It’s a bright, spacious, non-pressured eatery and very friendly.
Indeed on entering, you are immediately hit with a waft of the most unique, intoxicating and aromatic smells seductively enticing and engulfing you that emanate from the clearly visible kitchen quarters at the back. I always like to be able to see my food’s cooked.
OUR EXPERIENCE
My wife and I have come here for a sort of Breakfast/Lunch or Brunch, if you will, and are really struggling to decide what to eat, given that the whole Fego menu is simply irresistible. Eventually my penchant for all things Afrikanse and the belief that it was always breakfast time somewhere in the world, persuaded me to go for the full South African Breakfast, which comprises of grilled Boerewers (a bit like their version of the Cumberland Sausage) poached eggs, crispy potato cakes, Fego chakalaka (a very tasty vegetable relish) Mrs Balls Chutney (which did pretty much what it said on the jar), toasted sourdough and some added bacon….It was an absolute Tri-nation Triumph!
My wife, Alicia decided to go for what I had last time I had been there which was the wickedly tasty and spicy ‘Ranchero’ which is another total winner. Consisting of 2 poached eggs, smashed potatoes, chorizo, mushroom (which she gave to me), jalapenos, chili peppers, smashed avocado, crispy onions and relish with peppadew & coriander yoghurt.
We both then opted for a cappuccino as well to accompany it and a glass of water to offset the spice. There is an expression ‘eyes bigger than your stomach’ but we both felt that a sort of dessert or ‘Bressert’ if you will, was in order. This came in the form of what I can only describe as an almost, Biblical revelation.
DESSERT OR BRESSERT IF YOU WILL
Fego French toast! This consisted of delicious baker house brioche, vanilla custard, mascarpone cream, roasted pineapple, misa caramel and lime, with the option of adding fruit….fantastic! All I can say is if you remember the film ‘Gone In 60 Seconds’ well they might have to remake it as ‘Gone in 30 Seconds’ for this absolute gem of a textural tonsil treat.
IN SUMMARY
I look at my wife Alicia’s smiling face, then gazed around at many other contented people, scattered around a pleasantly not too, crowded café. Some either on zoom calls for work, others with young children all seemingly happy. But the major thing that strikes you the most, is actually how happy the staff all seem to be. It’s no act, either as they really do have a great team and everybody seems totally on board with all that is going on here.
It really makes me happy to see Fego doing so well, they have branches all over Surrey and beyond, the newest being just down the road in Esher and the two awards they have won for Best Cafe, ‘back to back’ at the Surrey Awards 2023 and 2024 are certainly no fluke. The award-winning café is here to stay.
The Breakfast and Brunch menu is open all day and to be honest you really could quite happily stay there all day too sampling different things from it. Alas we had to go, so waved our reluctant goodbyes as if too long-lost friends and disappeared into the late morning sunshine.
Fego it’s more than just delicious comfort food, it’s a way of life!
FEGO LOCATIONS
We ate at Fego Cobham but be sure to check out all the Surrey Fegos and follow them on social media for delicious and inspiring food reels giving you the taste from Africa and beyond @Fegouk:
FEGO COBHAM
14 Anyards Road, Cobham, KT11 2JZ
01932 860113
cobham@fegocaffe.co.uk
www.hellofego.com/locations/fego-cobham
FEGO ESHER
45 High Street, Esher, KT10 9RL
020 3011 1431
esher@fegocaffe
www.hellofego.com/locations/fego-esher
FEGO BANSTEAD
89 High Street, Banstead, SM7 2NL
01737 361711
esher@fegocaffe
www.hellofego.com/locations/fego-banstead
Also with Restaurants in Ascot, Sunningdale, Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield and Marlow!
