As part of our Restaurants In Johannesburg series, we're proud to take you on a culinary tour of African cuisine in and around the great city of Johannesburg. Let's get started, shall we?
Sakhumzi
Best known for their delicious tripe, Sakhumzi is a definite must try the next time you find yourself in Soweto. Aside from getting a full Soweto experience at the restaurant, their menu is full of authentic African cuisine that will have you going back for more! To top it off, if you love wine with every dish, you're sorted! Be sure to check out their Wine-Wednesdays.
Chaf Pozi
If you're feeling for shiza nyama, a cold beer, and a vibrant atmosphere with township music to set the tone, then Chaf Pozi is definitely the place you need to go. Also located in Soweto, you won't have a more authentic South African experience than this. Some of the menu goodies you can look forward to including chicken livers, chakalaka, pap and gravy, and even traditional dessert!
Roots Restaurant and Gallery
Connect to your roots and indulge in some beautiful art at the Roots Restaurant and Gallery. You can look forward to live performances/ entertainment, a cigar and wine lounge, arts and crafts, and more importantly authentic, delicious African meals. From single meals to platters and buffet options, there's something suited for anyone and everyone's taste preferences.
Nambitha
Located on the famous Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Nambitha is one of the most popular African eateries in Soweto. Serving soul food while offering catering services, conferencing and venue hire as well as buffet bookings; no matter what the event is, you're guaranteed a delicious plate of satisfying African cuisine with a touch of a la carte menu options.
Mandela Family Restaurant
Owned by Winnie Mandela, the Mandela Family Restaurant, also located on Vilakazi Street, serves classic Soweto bunny chows with chips, breakfast sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips, garlic and cheese, and processed meat – all with an African touch. It's the perfect venue for a quick bite or casual dining with family or friends.
Hombaze African Cuisine
Forget about the long trip to your home base and just visit Hombaze located in Parkmore, Sandton for traditional African cuisine that will impress even your gogo. Offering quality and healthy food paired with exceptional service you won't want to go anywhere else. Hombaze is also rated as one of the top African cuisine restaurants in the country so give it a shot.
The Roving Bantu Kitchen
A thing of legend, the Roving Bantu Kitchen is a small setup ran by passionate individuals. The menu is small but is always fresh and wholesome, cooked in-house with love and fresh ingredients. The Roving Bantu Kitchen serves up Afro-soul food. Patrons can expect to find mogodu, peanut and coconut chicken, cow heels, and samp and beans on the menu. Vegetarians and vegans are also catered for. Try Sifiso’s African risotto, a combination of samp and beans cooked long and slow with pork hocks.
Little Addis
Little Addis on Fox Street is a must-try food experience. Serving their famous meat and veggie combo injera platters as well as several traditional Ethiopian delicacies, Kassa’s kitchen serves up delicious and hearty meals from Tuesday – Sunday. Little Addis has become a flagship meeting point in Maboneng Precinct with Kassa still preparing all of the dishes himself and a regular list to be proud of so come on over and have a cup of coffee with Kassa when you are next in the area!
Know other great African cuisine restaurants not mentioned above? Let us know below!
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
Sakhumzi
Next time you find yourself in Soweto, Sakhumzi is a must-try. Trust us. Aside from getting the full Soweto vibe, their menu has authentic African cuisine that will have you craving more, and all to the beats of township music. In addition, wine lovers, you're sorted! Be sure to check out their Wine-Wednesdays.
Chaf Pozi
If you're feeling for shisa nyama, a cold beer and a vibrant atmosphere, then Chaf Pozi is definitely the place to go. Located in Soweto, you won't have a more authentic South African experience than this. Look forward to chicken livers, chakalaka, pap and gravy and even traditional dessert, served up on platters at your table!
Roots Restaurant and Gallery
Connect to your roots and indulge in the beautiful art at the Roots Restaurant and Gallery. Enjoy live performances/entertainment, a cigar and wine lounge, arts and crafts and delicious African meals. From single meals to platters and buffet options, there's something suited for everyone's taste preferences.
Nambitha
Located on the famous Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Nambitha is one of the most popular and long-standing African eateries in Soweto, offering classics like mogodu (tripe), samp and umngqusho (samp and beans). In addition to their a la carte menu, they offer catering services, conferencing and venue hire, as well as buffet bookings. No matter what the event is, you're guaranteed a plate of soul food.
Mandela Family Restaurant
Owned by Winnie Mandela, the Mandela Family Restaurant on Vilakazi Street serves classic Soweto street food like kotas filled with mince and polony, chips, breakfast sandwiches, burgers, fish and chips, garlic and cheese, and processed meat – all with African flair. It's the perfect venue for a quick bite or casual dining. Bring your family and friends!
Hombaze
Forget about the long trip to your home base. Visit Hombaze for traditional African cuisine that will impress even your gogo. Find quality and healthy food with exceptional service. You won't want to go anywhere else. Hombaze is also rated one of the top African cuisine restaurants in the country, so give it a shot.
By Cleopatra Shava [assisted by Neo Sesinye]
Know other great African cuisine restaurants not mentioned above? Let us know below!
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.