We’re privileged to live in such a culturally diverse country with so many food varieties. We have kotas, mogodu, bobotie, shisanyamas and of course, anytime is a good time for milktart. So, take the taste tour with us as we venture through Soweto on a cultural taste tour and tell you where you can get the best of the best, and what you’ll find where.
1947 on Vilakazi Street
Craving good ol’ mogodu, oxtail and malva pudding with a side of stunning Soweto views? Then 1947 on Vilakazi Street should be your first stop on this cultural taste tour. Aptly named for being located on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, this restaurant aims to combine South African flavours with sophistication and a taste adventure. Oh, and don’t forget the wine that complements each dish. Open on Tuesdays till Sunday from 12pm until 10pm, be sure to book your table so you don’t miss out.
Details: 7156 Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto | 011 258 4463 | [email protected]
CHAF-POZI
Next up on the taste tour has to be CHAF-POZI. Did someone say shisanyama? Yes, please! But we would advise that you only tuck in after you finish your adventures at the Soweto Towers (barf bags not included and all). CHAF-POZI is located at the base of the Soweto Towers, and they definitely know how to do a shisanyama. And the best part? You can choose your own meat and then sit back, relax, have a cold one and wait for the braai masters to do their thing. Open from Wednesdays till Sundays from 11am till late.
Details: Cnr Chris Hani & Nicholas Street, Soweto | 081 797 5756 | [email protected]
Disoufeng Pub & Restaurant
Time for a quick sho’t left to Shinkhova Street. Well, we say quick, but you may end up here for days at the Disoufeng Pub & Restaurant. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, a quick snack or even a boardroom for your next business meeting, they have it all. And while you’re there you can also get your car washed or rent a room! Disoufeng Pub & Restaurant also have many events, like their Annual Black & White Toast on 26 April and African Cuisine Mondays every Monday. Visit their website for all the details of these and other upcoming events or to buy your tickets, and to find out about all their other services.
Details: 3166 Shinkova Street | 076 520 2074 or 061 370 6102 | [email protected]
And Fries Soweto
Once you make it out of Disoufeng, you’ll likely want a snack for the road. In which case, we definitely recommend stopping in at And Fries Soweto. Why is it called And Fries Soweto you may wonder? Well, it’s simple. Good food And Fries (Soweto), of course. Get chicken wings or a chicken burger (or both) with fries, or you can get the loaded fries with chicken bits already in them. Either way, whatever you order, there will be fries. You can also follow them on Instagram to stay up to date on all things chicken and fries (obviously).
Details: 752 Elias Motsoaledi Road, Soweto
Smokeville
Last (for now) but certainly not least, is Smokeville. Here, you’ll find all the smoked meat your heart can desire. From smoked ribs to wings to pork neck and even eisbein. Smokeville has it all, and don’t worry if you can’t decide. There are smoked platters with a bit of everything for you to enjoy. There’s even a pork-free platter for those who don’t eat pork. The drinks menu is just as varied, with soft drinks, juices and even shooters. You will be spoiled for choice, that’s for sure! There’s bound to be something for everyone at Smokeville and you can follow them on Facebook for all their updates and upcoming events.
Details: 881 Motlana Street, Soweto | 011 982 1001 or 067 241 0602
We highly recommend you take the tour for yourself. After all, the best way to experience a place is through its food and we sure are lucky to live in a country with so many diverse tastes. Let us know how you enjoyed the taste tour or if there are any places we should add to this taste tour.