Experience a collaboration of cultures and cuisines in the hustle and bustle of Durban at these authentic South African spots.

Rooftopbbq DBN (Umhlanga Rocks)

Sea views, shisanyama and good vibes are the order of the day at Rooftopbbq. Tuck into sushi platters, ribs, prawns, shianyama platters and much more. The restaurant is open from 8am to 10.30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 8am to 11.30pm from Friday to Sunday.

 

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Mali’s Indian Restaurant (Morningside)

From paneer tikka masala to spicy chicken biryani and some butter naan, Mali’s Indian Restaurant is here to satisfy your heat cravings. Mali’s is open from 12.30pm to 10pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Friday, from 12.30pm to 10.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and from 12.30pm to 9pm on Sundays.

Nkonzo’s Kitchen (Durban)

Whether you’re stopping by for a cold beer and to watch the game, for a lunch date with friends, Nkonzo’s Kitchen has you covered. Serving meals like tripe and trotters, beef stews with fluffy rice, chakalaka and cabbage salad as sides and even freshly baked bread to mop up all of the delicious sauce left behind on your plate, Nkonzo’s Kitchen has a designated spot on this list.

 

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Palesa African Cuisine (Pietermaritzburg)

From Inhloko, to butter chicken curry; from pork trotter to chicken fancy claws. Palesa’s brings you an authentic South African experience worth experiencing. This spot is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

 

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Max’s Lifestyle (Umlazi)

Sip on a cocktail or two while taking your time to decide what your reason for returning to Max’s Lifestyle would be. Would it be the mutton curry, the Inhloko, the Ujeqe or the tripe with dumplings? Whatever the reason, go ahead and add this one to the bucket list.

 

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The Joint Jazz Cafe (Durban)

The home of ‘Nyamalicious’, The Joint Cafe introduces you to an authentic South African culinary experience. Try their Phuza Platter (1/4 chicken, lamb rib, rump beef and wagyu angus beef wors), or opt for their bunny chow, or the Karoo lamb ribs with side options of corn pap, chakalaka, steamed mfino and more. The Joint Jazz Cafe is open from Monday to Thursday 10am to 7pm, Friday and Saturday 8am to 10pm and Sunday 8am to 8pm.

Shisanyama from The Joint Cafe. Image sourced from Facebook.