KOI Menlyn Maine serves contemporary Asian food and sushi in Pretoria. The menu moves from bao and dim sum to grilled meat, curry, wok dishes, poke, sashimi and large sushi platters. It works for a quick individual meal or a group that wants to share several courses.
Prices in this guide were reviewed on 28 September 2026 against the current KOI Menlyn Maine menu. Bao costs R155 to R175, dim sum R80 to R110, small plates R95 to R195, main dishes R185 to R485, sushi platters R295 to R695, and desserts R50 to R105.
KOI Menlyn Maine prices at a glance
| Menu section | Current range | Typical portion |
|---|---|---|
| Bao | R155 to R175 | One bao order |
| Dim sum | R80 to R110 | One dumpling portion |
| Gyoza | R115 | One shallow-fried portion |
| Small plates | R95 to R195 | Starter or shared plate |
| Signature mains | R185 to R485 | One plated main |
| Wok dishes | R185 to R225 | One main |
| Salads and poke | R150 to R190 | One bowl |
| Sides | R45 to R65 | One side |
| Signature sushi | R160 to R275 | Six or eight pieces, or a selection |
| Sushi platters | R295 to R695 | Seventeen to thirty-eight pieces |
| Traditional sushi | R48 to R118 | One to eight pieces |
| Desserts | R50 to R105 | One dessert |
The old page attached to this URL used older lower prices and did not make the venue scope clear. KOI Menlyn Maine and 16th by KOI are separate restaurants. This guide covers the KOI menu at Menlyn Maine Central Square.
Bao prices
| Bao filling | Price |
|---|---|
| Crispy chicken | R155 |
| Beef short rib | R165 |
| Braised lamb | R175 |
Crispy chicken bao costs R155 with spicy mayonnaise, pickled cucumber and coriander. Beef short rib is R165 with pickled cucumber. Braised lamb costs R175 and uses cucumber raita, apple slaw and chilli oil.
Bao is a steamed bun order rather than a full grill main. It can serve as a starter for two or a light meal for one. The bun contains wheat, while mayonnaise and raita introduce egg or dairy.
The R20 spread across all three fillings is narrow. Choose by flavour and dietary preference instead of automatically taking the cheapest option.
Dim sum prices
| Dim sum | Preparation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach and cream cheese | Steamed | R80 |
| Butternut, spinach and feta | Steamed | R80 |
| Chicken and ginger | Steamed | R85 |
| Chicken chive money bag | Fried | R95 |
| Prawn siu mai | Steamed | R105 |
| Lamb pau | Steamed | R110 |
Vegetarian dim sum starts at R80. Chicken and ginger is R85, while the fried chicken money bag is R95. Prawn siu mai costs R105 and lamb pau R110.
Dim sum is designed for sharing. Two portions let a couple taste different fillings, while a table of four should order at least three portions if everyone wants more than one bite.
Steamed does not mean allergen-free. Wrappers can contain wheat, cream cheese and feta contain dairy, and prawn is shellfish. Soy and sesame may appear in dipping sauces.
Gyoza prices
Wagyu beef gyoza and roast duck gyoza each cost R115. These are shallow-fried dumplings with a richer meat filling than the basic steamed dim sum.
One gyoza portion works as a starter. Ordering both costs R230 and gives the table a direct comparison between beef and duck. Ask for separate sauces if one diner avoids heat.
Small plate prices
| Small plate | Price |
|---|---|
| Edamame | R95 |
| Prawn spring roll | R95 |
| Zucchini tempura | R95 |
| Chilli edamame | R105 |
| Crispy chicken sliders | R125 |
| Wagyu beef sliders | R125 |
| Tempura prawns | R125 |
| Chicken dakkochi | R125 |
| Crispy squid | R135 |
| Chicken wings | R140 |
| Spicy lamb riblets | R190 |
| Glazed beef ribs | R195 |
Edamame, prawn spring roll and zucchini tempura are R95. Chilli edamame is R105. The R10 premium pays for the spicy preparation rather than a larger stated portion.
Chicken and Wagyu sliders, tempura prawns and chicken dakkochi all cost R125. Crispy squid is R135, and gochujang chicken wings R140.
Lamb riblets cost R190 with soy reduction and toasted almonds. Glazed beef ribs are R195 with miso marinade. They are close to main-course pricing and can be used as substantial shared plates.
For three people, edamame, tempura prawns and beef ribs total R415. That is about R138 per diner before mains. Decide whether the table wants a shared tasting meal or individual mains before ordering several premium starters.
Signature main prices
| Main dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Tom Yum prawn | R185 |
| Red Curry chicken | R190 |
| Penang Curry duck | R225 |
| Deboned baby chicken | R225 |
| Black Angus rump | R285 |
| Chargrilled lamb rump | R285 |
| Beef ribeye | R295 |
| Grilled line fish | R295 |
| Marinated lamb chops | R305 |
| Aromatic duck | R310 |
| Seared salmon | R335 |
| Tiger prawns | R465 |
| Aged bone-in ribeye, 650 g | R485 |
Tom Yum prawn at R185 and chicken Red Curry at R190 are the lowest priced signature mains. Duck Penang Curry and deboned baby chicken both cost R225.
Black Angus rump and chargrilled lamb rump are R285. Beef ribeye and line fish cost R295, while lamb chops are R305. Aromatic duck is R310 with pancakes, cucumber, spring onion and hoisin.
Seared salmon costs R335 with lime gremolata and almond crumble. Tiger prawns are R465. The highest current main is a 650 g bone-in ribeye at R485.
Bone forms part of the ribeye weight. A R485 bone-in cut should not be compared gram for gram with boneless rump. Side dishes are listed separately, so check whether the chosen main needs rice, vegetables or fries.
Curry choices
Tom Yum at R185 is a prawn dish with chilli. Red Curry at R190 uses boneless chicken, vegetables and coriander. Penang Curry is R225 with roasted duck, peanuts and red pepper.
The peanut in Penang Curry makes it unsuitable for a nut allergy. Coconut, shellfish, fish sauce and shared equipment can matter in the other curries. Ask the kitchen for exact allergen guidance.
Steamed jasmine rice costs R45 and egg-fried rice R50. If rice is not included, a curry with steamed rice totals R230 to R270.
Wok dish prices
| Wok dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Crispy chicken | R185 |
| Chicken udon stir-fry | R190 |
| Yaki prawn noodle | R225 |
| Wok beef | R225 |
Crispy chicken costs R185 with baby corn, beans, onion and katsu sauce. Chicken udon is R190 with Thai basil, chilli and coconut sauce.
Yaki prawn noodle and Wok Beef are R225. Yaki prawn noodles include pak choy and egg. Wok beef uses spring onion, chilli, garlic and sesame.
Wok dishes are complete enough for one diner, though portion size differs by appetite. Noodles contain wheat, and soy or sesame is common across this section.
Salad and poke prices
| Dish | Price |
|---|---|
| Veg Poke | R150 |
| Grilled chicken and calamari salad | R165 |
| Salmon Poke | R190 |
Veg Poke costs R150 with Thai coconut flavours. Grilled chicken salad is R165 and unusually includes calamari, greens, avocado and wasabi vinaigrette. It is not suitable for someone avoiding seafood.
Salmon Poke is R190 with sweet soy. Ask whether the salmon is raw or seared on the current service if that matters. Poke sauces can contain soy, sesame and gluten.
Side prices
| Side | Price |
|---|---|
| Shoestring Asian fries | R45 |
| Steamed jasmine rice | R45 |
| Egg-fried rice | R50 |
| Cucumber and chilli pickle | R55 |
| Bok choi in ponzu | R55 |
| Chilli broccoli | R65 |
| Duck-fat baby potatoes | R65 |
| Garden salad | R65 |
Fries and steamed rice are the cheapest sides at R45. Egg-fried rice is R50, and vegetable sides run from R55 to R65.
Duck-fat potatoes are not vegetarian. Ponzu can contain fish and soy, while egg-fried rice contains egg. Read the description instead of judging a side only by its vegetable base.
Signature sushi prices
| Signature sushi | Portion | Price |
|---|---|---|
| KOI Salmon Roses | 6 pieces | R160 |
| New Style Salmon Sashimi | 8 pieces | R175 |
| Seared Tuna Tataki | Portion | R175 |
| Volcano Sandwich | 8 pieces | R175 |
| Firecracker Roses | 6 pieces | R175 |
| Rainbow Reloaded | 8 pieces | R185 |
| Tempura Prawn | 8 pieces | R190 |
| Rock Shrimp Prawn | 8 pieces | R225 |
| KOI Sensation | Selection | R275 |
Six KOI Salmon Roses cost R160. New Style Salmon Sashimi, seared tuna, Volcano Sandwich and Firecracker Roses each cost R175, but their portion formats differ.
Rainbow Reloaded is R185 for eight pieces, and Tempura Prawn R190. Rock Shrimp Prawn costs R225. KOI Sensation is R275 and combines new-style sashimi with rock prawn and chilli mayonnaise.
Do not compare sushi using piece count alone. Sashimi contains no rice, roses use more salmon, and tempura or mayonnaise changes richness. Read the ingredients and preparation.
Sushi platter prices
| Platter | Pieces | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo Veg Platter | 17 | R295 |
| Osusume Platter | 19 | R425 |
| Kyoto Salmon Platter | 20 | R445 |
| Omakase Platter | 38 | R695 |
The vegetarian platter costs R295 for seventeen pieces, including California, nigiri, fashion sandwiches, maki and one hand roll. It averages about R17.35 per piece.
Osusume costs R425 for nineteen pieces, mixing Rock Shrimp, Firecracker Roses, Salmon Volcano and Rainbow Reloaded. Kyoto Salmon is R445 for twenty salmon pieces.
The Omakase platter gives thirty-eight pieces for R695: Salmon Volcano, New Style Salmon Sashimi, Tempura Prawn California and Rainbow Reloaded. It averages about R18.29 per piece.
A platter can feed two sushi-focused diners or several people as a starter. Confirm raw fish, shellfish and mayonnaise preferences before ordering one shared selection.
Traditional sushi prices
| Style | Fish price | Vegetable price | Portion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nigiri | R75 | R48 | 2 pieces |
| Maki | R75 | R58 | 6 pieces |
| California roll | R118 | R98 | 8 pieces |
| Fashion sandwich | R118 | R108 | 8 pieces |
| Hand roll | R84 | R62 | 1 piece |
| Sashimi | R96 | Not listed | 3 pieces |
Salmon, tuna and prawn share the same traditional prices. Two nigiri cost R75, six maki R75, eight California pieces R118, eight fashion sandwiches R118, one hand roll R84 and three sashimi pieces R96.
Vegetable sushi is cheaper: nigiri R48, maki R58, California R98, fashion sandwiches R108 and hand roll R62. It provides a clear meat-free route, though sauces and shared preparation still need checking.
Maki gives the largest piece count at R75, while sashimi gives pure fish without rice. Hand rolls are one large cone and should not be compared with one small maki piece.
Raw seafood and allergen care
Raw or lightly seared salmon and tuna require careful cold handling. Pregnant diners, young children, older adults and people with reduced immunity may need to avoid raw fish based on professional medical guidance.
Shellfish appears in prawns, and sauces can contain soy, sesame, egg, gluten, peanuts or tree nuts. The menu also uses dairy in cream cheese, raita and desserts.
Tell staff the exact allergen and ask about shared knives, fryers, woks and preparation boards. A vegetable sushi platter can still be exposed to seafood during preparation.
Dessert prices
| Dessert | Price |
|---|---|
| Ice cream and sorbet selection | R50 |
| Baked cheesecake | R105 |
| Chocolate lava cake | R105 |
| Pineapple and ginger pavlova | R105 |
| Carrot cake crumble | R105 |
Ice cream and sorbet is R50. All composed desserts cost R105. Cheesecake uses miso caramel and vanilla ice cream; lava cake comes with berry sorbet and fruit.
Pavlova combines pineapple jam and lemon curd, while carrot cake crumble includes cinnamon ice cream and cream-cheese mousse. Gluten, dairy, egg and nuts may be present.
Budget for one diner
A light meal of chicken dim sum at R85 and Veg Poke at R150 totals R235. Bao at R155 plus jasmine rice at R45 costs R200, though rice may not be the natural side for every bao order.
Red Curry with steamed rice totals R235. Crispy chicken wok dish with fries totals R230. A rump with broccoli costs R350.
A sushi meal of salmon maki at R75 and salmon California at R118 totals R193. Adding ice cream brings it to R243.
Allow about R220 to R400 for one diner with a main and an extra. Premium steak, tiger prawns, multiple small plates or cocktails can raise the bill.
Budget for two diners
A shared dinner could combine chicken bao at R155, Red Curry at R190, chicken udon at R190 and one dessert at R105. The food subtotal is R640.
A grill dinner with dim sum at R85, rump at R285, line fish at R295 and two R65 sides totals R795.
Two sushi diners can share the R445 Kyoto platter and add two desserts at R105, producing a R655 food subtotal. The larger Omakase platter with two ice creams totals R795.
Group ordering strategy
For four people, select three small plates, two mains and one sushi platter rather than one item from every category. Edamame, tempura prawns, beef ribs, chicken curry, wok beef and the veg platter total R1,125.
That averages R281.25 per person before drinks and dessert. It also provides vegetable, chicken, beef, prawn and sushi choices. The table should discuss allergens and raw fish first.
Reservations larger than ten people should be arranged through the restaurant’s group contact. Confirm set-menu requirements, deposits and service terms directly.
Vegetarian choices
Vegetarian options include spinach dim sum, butternut dim sum, edamame, zucchini tempura, Veg Poke, vegetable sushi and several sides. The R295 Sapporo platter is the most varied sushi option.
A vegetarian meal of zucchini tempura at R95, Veg Poke at R150 and one vegetable side at R55 totals R300. Vegetable maki and California together cost R156.
Duck-fat potatoes are not vegetarian, and ponzu or oyster-style sauces can contain fish or shellfish. Ask about stocks, sauces and shared fryers.
Delivery and takeaway
Sauced curry and wok dishes generally travel more predictably than tempura, fries and delicate sushi. Fried food softens as steam gathers in the container.
Raw sushi should stay cold and be eaten promptly. Do not leave it in a warm car. Ask for sauce separately when possible and check that every platter is complete before leaving with a collection.
Delivery-platform prices and fees may differ from the restaurant menu. Review the exact branch and full checkout total before paying.
Location and venue distinction
KOI Menlyn Maine is at Menlyn Maine Central Square in Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria. It is the venue covered by this guide.
16th by KOI is a separate rooftop restaurant at Menlyn Maine Residences. Its setting, hours and menu differ. A booking at one does not automatically apply to the other.
How to read the menu before ordering
The menu works best when diners decide what kind of meal they want before choosing individual dishes. Bao, dim sum and small plates suit a shared opening. Curries, wok dishes and grilled proteins work as individual mains. Sushi can fill either role, but the quantity needs attention because a small roll and a thirty-eight-piece platter create very different meals.
Prices also move sharply between categories. A vegetable dim sum portion starts at R80, while premium seafood and steak mains reach R465 to R485. This makes it easy for two tables ordering a similar number of dishes to receive very different bills. Look at the protein, portion format and included accompaniments rather than comparing dish names alone.
The listed price for a main does not always represent the complete plate a diner wants. Some dishes already include rice or another accompaniment, while grilled meat may benefit from a separate R45 to R65 side. Confirm what comes with the dish before adding extras. This prevents duplicate rice, unnecessary fries or a main arriving without the vegetable the diner expected.
Choosing between curry, wok and grill dishes
Curry is the simplest choice for diners who want sauce, rice and a complete combination. Red Curry at R190 is one of the lower-priced substantial options. Penang Curry and the baby chicken sit at R225. Spice tolerance should be discussed with the server because a dish described as aromatic can still carry noticeable heat.
Wok dishes cost R185 to R225 and suit diners who prefer noodles, vegetables or a glossy savoury sauce. Their value depends on the selected protein and whether the serving is intended as a complete main. Ask whether rice or noodles are included instead of assuming that every wok plate follows the same format.
The grill section suits diners who want the protein to remain central. Rump and lamb rump are R285, while ribeye and line fish are R295. Lamb chops cost R305, duck R310 and salmon R335. These prices make a side and sauce decision more important: two extras can add R90 to R130 to the plate.
Planning a balanced shared table
A good shared order should include different textures and avoid repeating the same sauce profile. One steamed dim sum, one crisp small plate, one vegetable item and two larger dishes usually provide more variety than four fried starters followed by rich mains. Diners can then add sushi only if the table still needs food.
For three people, chicken and ginger dim sum at R85, zucchini tempura at R95, Red Curry at R190, chicken udon at R190 and salmon California at R118 produce a R678 food subtotal. That is R226 per person before drinks, dessert and any service charge. It combines steamed, fried, sauced and sushi choices without relying on the highest-priced proteins.
For four people who want premium dishes, beef short-rib bao at R165, tempura prawns at R145, ribeye at R295, salmon at R335, broccoli at R65 and the Kyoto platter at R445 total R1,450. The average is R362.50 per person before drinks and dessert. This calculation is a planning example, not a fixed package.
How to compare sushi value
Piece count is useful, but it is only one part of sushi value. A platter with more vegetable pieces may cost less than a smaller selection built around salmon, tuna or prawns. Signature rolls can also include sauces, toppings and richer fillings that make a smaller portion feel more substantial.
The R295 Sapporo vegetable platter contains seventeen pieces and works out to about R17.35 per piece. The R425 Osusume platter has nineteen pieces, or about R22.37 each. Kyoto offers twenty salmon-focused pieces for R445, around R22.25 per piece. The thirty-eight-piece Omakase costs R695, approximately R18.29 per piece.
These figures help compare size, but they do not measure ingredient preference or appetite. A diner who specifically wants salmon may value Kyoto more than a larger mixed selection. Ask what each platter contains because substitutions, seasonal availability and preparation can change the practical value.
Service, bookings and final bill checks
Weekend evenings and celebration periods can be busy, so a reservation is sensible for groups. Give the correct venue name when booking and keep the confirmation. If the group needs wheelchair access, a particular table type or space for a pram, raise it when reserving rather than after arrival.
Before ordering, ask about unavailable dishes and current specials. A special may be appealing, but its price and portion should be confirmed because it may not follow the ranges in the standard menu. The same applies to drinks, premium spirits and bottle service, which are outside the food totals in this guide.
At the end of the meal, check that the number of drinks, sides and repeated small plates matches the order. Confirm whether a service charge has already been added for the group size. When splitting the bill, use the restaurant’s accepted method and account for shared dishes fairly rather than dividing only the individual mains.
Frequently asked questions
How much is bao at KOI?
Current bao prices are R155 for crispy chicken, R165 for beef short rib and R175 for braised lamb.
How much is dim sum?
Current dim sum costs R80 to R110, depending on filling and preparation. Gyoza is R115.
How much is a main course?
Signature mains range from R185 for Tom Yum to R485 for a 650 g bone-in ribeye. Wok dishes cost R185 to R225.
How much are sushi platters?
Current platters cost R295 to R695 and contain seventeen to thirty-eight pieces.
Does KOI have vegetarian food?
Yes. Vegetarian dim sum, edamame, zucchini tempura, Veg Poke, vegetable sushi and sides are available. Confirm sauces and shared preparation.
Is 16th by KOI the same restaurant?
No. It is a separate rooftop venue with a different menu and contact details. This article covers KOI Menlyn Maine at Central Square.
When were prices reviewed?
They were reviewed on 28 September 2026. Seasonal items and prices can change, so confirm the current menu.
Final ordering advice
Start with one bao or dim sum portion, then choose either a main or sushi platter. Ordering several premium small plates before a full main can raise the bill quickly.
Compare sushi by style and ingredients as well as piece count. Check raw fish, nuts, soy, shellfish and spice before sharing dishes with a group.
Confirm that the reservation is for KOI Menlyn Maine rather than 16th by KOI, and review the live menu and final total on the day.
More menu images
