A restaurant presenting time-honoured traditional Nguni dishes has made the Conde Nast Traveller’s (CNTraveller) Best Restaurants in the World 2023 Hot List.
Chef Mmabatho Molefe
Emazulwini Restaurant serves contemporary Zulu and Nguni dishes in a swank setting, with Chef Mmabatho Molefe setting at Makers Landing on the docks near the V&A Waterfront.
With a menu that changes every season, CNTraveller noted that rarely in South Africa do people sample contemporary Nguni cuisine, and ‘Though the dishes are served fine-dining style, there’s absolutely nothing pretentious about the experience and the waiters are bright and friendly.’
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The interior is also locally inspired, with the decor including pieces from local designers like Thabisa Mjo and Ashanti Design.
‘Diners can expect elevated riffs on homey meals like vetkoek (fried dough) with chicken polony and fried chicken, as well as amasi (fermented milk) ice cream with whey jellies and caramel,’ CNTraveler added.
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With Chef Molefe’s presentation of simple dishes like butter-basted ox liver or samp and beans now garnering international recognition, it will change how people view traditional dishes.
Chef Molefe said that people tend to be prejudiced towards offal and she wanted to show people that if you treat it right, it can taste just as delicious as any cut of meat. She also seeks to promote nose-to-tail dining so that is why it is important for her to champion this sustainable way of eating.
‘I am telling my story; my interpretation of what Zulu food is,’ Molefe said. ‘I hope people embrace it for what it is. We hope to elevate ordinary dishes to the exceptional.’
Pictures: Emazulwini Restaurant
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