Norwood is one of Joburg’s oldest suburbs, with a diverse mix of people from various cultures around the world. With Italian roots, Jewish delis, and Middle Eastern and African dishes wafting their mouthwatering scents into the streets, this is the best place to arrive hungry.
The action is centred around the famous Grant Avenue, which stretches from Orange Grove to Houghton, and features a range of cuisines to suit the most discerning foodie. Whether you’re craving shawarma, tacos, or something new entirely, the friendly neighbourhood of Norwood has something delicious to cater to all tastes.
Schwarma Co
If I lived in Norwood, I’d eat Shawarma Co every day of my life. This would likely be disastrous for my waistline but fantastic for my mental health. The Mediterranean-Middle Eastern restaurant nestled in the heart of Norwood has an upstairs sports bar and patio and a street-level dining area that allows you to watch the ongoings of Grant Avenue while tucking into a shawarma with your entire face. Do not recommend wearing white. Find them at 71 Grant Ave, Norwood.
What to order: The chicken shawarma and stand at the window to choose the best deli options to stuff inside.
Baha Taco
The vibe of this Mexican restaurant is casual, transporting you straight to the street food legends of Cancun. You can help yourself to drinks from the fridge when it’s quiet, but what you really want is the margaritas. Tajin lines the rim of the glass, and I firmly suggest making eye contact while you indelicately lick it off. I find this gets easier the more margaritas you have. Everything is made from scratch, and they press their corn tortillas fresh to order and cook them on a comal over a live fire. They have daily specials, so look out for Tamale Thursday, Fajita Friday, Seafood Saturday, and Seafood Sunday. Find them at The Factory on Grant, 113 Nellie Rd, Norwood.
What to order: Baha Taco means Fish Taco, so that’s probably a good place to start. Do not skip the margs!
Bunnaqurs
Also located at The Factory on Grant (as many wonderful things are), I was convinced by Jay, the shop owner, that they were in possession of the best croissants in Joburg, and the pistachio cream-filled pastry did not disappoint. Bunnaqurs is a coffee shop and podcast studio, from where I am currently writing. I couldn’t find them online, so I took myself off to Norwood to explore on foot. The flat white is delicious, and I’ve been promised a new creation in the form of a Korean honey butter toast, which is like an eggless French toast situation drenched in (you guessed it) honey and butter. It’s decadent. They also have an exciting breakfast selection and crispy cheese toasties. Find them on Instagram.
What to order: The pistachio croissant and whatever Jay has to offer that day.
Teff Cuisine
If your culinary curiosity is an excuse to transport yourself around the world, you should visit a taste of Ethiopia at Teff Cuisine. Ethiopian dishes are typically served on Injera, a type of flat, almost pancake-like bread made from teff flour, and topped with a range of stewed vegetables and meat dishes to order. Teff also serves traditional Ethiopian Coffee to enjoy alongside your meal. Find them at 118 William Rd, Norwood.
What to order: Platter of the Day. It changes regularly based on what ingredients are available, so arrive with a sense of curiosity and be open to what follows.
Hokkaido
We’re on a culinary adventure in one little suburb, and our next stop is Japan. Created by an immigrant family with a strong emphasis on tradition and flavour, Hokkaido is a must for lovers of Asian cuisine. So named for the island famed for its simple, honest flavours, they offer sushi, poke bowls, and a range of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes as well as a delightful selection of dim sum. Located at 40A Grant Avenue, Norwood.
What to order: The bao buns are something special.
Shahi Khana
From Mexico to Ethiopia and Japan, we arrive at the North Indian restaurant that offers an all-you-can-eat experience every Tuesday. They serve varied vegetarian and non-vegetarian curries, starters, and naan in an authentic, casual setting so you can discreetly roll yourself back to your car when you’re done. The buffet costs R135pp, but they’re open 7 days a week. Find them at 40 Grant Avenue, Norwood.
This is undoubtedly just a taste of the varied, indulgent, and multicultural options available to discerning foodies in Norwood. A melting pot of people from around the world, this is a special nook of Joburg that brings people of all creeds together to celebrate the one thing we all love: food. Find a parking spot or Uber to Grant Avenue and pop your head into the many restaurants available to find one that feels just right - and then come back next weekend and try another.