Fast facts

Food type: Bistro fare

Average price of a main course: R120

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 8am to 9pm; Sundays 12noon to 9pm

Parking: Secure parking on the Tourism Centre premises.

Food

Kassava is a small but dynamic restaurant in the town of Hoedspruit, Limpopo. It’s the home of co-owners and cousins chef Stuart Masube and host Tawnada Muzeketwa, both of whom recently relocated from their culinary careers in the food-centric Franschhoek to start their great big food adventure in the ‘slowveld’. Kassava’s food philosophy is simple but effective: to create a menu that supports and empowers local vendors and farmers, sourcing only the best produce.

Kassava prides themselves on really coaxing out the maximum flavour and texture from each ingredient. Every element on the plate is carefully considered to stand alone but also to come together as a fully balanced dish. This is shown on every plate, from the famous Zamalek braised brisket (perfectly sweet, savoury and sticky) to the highly popular slow-roasted and succulent pork belly pasta.

The techniques rely heavily on making dishes from scratch and using slow-cooking methods, deeply layered sauces and quality ingredients, all executed with skill and seasoned experience. It’s simply a must-visit, especially on your next trip to Kruger Park!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kassava Cafe Hoedspruit (@kassava_cafe)

Drinks

As the bistro is quite small, the wine list is limited but pleasing.

Service

Kassava is home to a small but incredibly dynamic, helpful and passionate team. With an open-plan kitchen manned by three chefs at any given time, the energy is exciting and the smells are delicious. The welcome is warm and the drinks are cold; waiters are enthusiastic and eager to please. Do keep in mind that this is a small town in the ‘slowveld’ – dishes are prepared from scratch to order and may require some time.

Ambience

As you walk in you’re greeted by the chef, the waiter and the bar staff with big smiles and open arms. The booths gleam with rich emerald green velvet, complementing the dark wood of the tables. A vibrant red coffee machine hums in the corner and the exterior is open to more seating under the shady trees.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kassava Cafe Hoedspruit (@kassava_cafe)

Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.