As per the name, Mugg & Bean is a great spot for a cuppa joe and a nibble. Located right in the middle of bustling Sandton City, it’s a popular, perpetually-packed place that reflects the energy of the mall.

Since M&B is a nationwide chain with consistent menus, decor and service, you always know what to expect when you eat there. The food runs to hearty soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and wraps, which M&B customizes and makes their own. It’s also a coffee house, so naturally the drinks menu is impressive. If you tried a different beverage each time you visited this place, it would still take you weeks to get through the whole list.

I ordered the club sandwich, to which M&B added a little twist: chicken mayo salad. Unusual, but tasty, and so large that I was only able to eat half. It came with an even bigger — and delightfully fresh — salad, whose sheer size dwarfed the sandwich. I had leftovers for two days.

My companion tried the satay sampler platter, one of the smaller platters available on the menu. He was not as satisfied as I was, since the meat was overcooked beyond belief, the veggies were soggy and also overcooked, and there was too much dipping sauce relative to the tiny amount of meat on the skewers. And the meat seemed to be deep fried, which was odd. But it was, filling, and Banting-friendly (for those who are into the low-carb thing).

The service here is friendly and fast — we got our food within 10 minutes of ordering, and the waiter was polite and prompt when it came time to pay the bill. The prices are reasonable as well, considering the amount of food you get, with a lunch for two averaging about R200.