A piece of District Six in Jozi

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A piece of District Six in Jozi

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

D6’s jaunty personality is absolutely contagious. The moment you step foot in this small, colourful Cape Malay styled joint you feel happy and utterly at home. Owners Clarence Swartland Gorlei and Romano Gorlei have recreated a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Jozi, which celebrates life in the Cape’s old District Six.

Clarence, who is also the chef, grew up in District Six until the forced removals of the 70s, and it shows up in both his food and the vibe that encapsulate the vibrant and eclectic heart and soul of the area. Everything from the décor through to the menu and Kaapse music speaks of the life and times of District Six. Family photos adorn the walls and Clarence's costume from the Cape Carnival hangs in all its blinged-out glory at the entrance to the kitchen.

The menu is quite small and consists of family recipes that Clarence has collected over the years. It features fabulous Cape Malay classics and real boerekos. Try the mince bobotie or one of the bredies – tomato or green bean. The smoorsnoek is also a firm favorite but will only appear on the menu when snoek is available.

“We’re always serving Clarence's famous lamb curry – it’s mild but we give you some hot chili on the side so that you can adjust to suit your own pain threshold,” explains Romano. “Sometimes we have Ouma-onder-die-kombers, and oxtail in a pumpkin sauce, and beryani. Denning vleis has become hugely popular and is on the menu only when we find the perfect lamb. There's always a vegetarian curry, made from brinjal or vegetable, or chickpea and sweet potato.”

And to end the meal? Cape Malay koeksisters or Clarence’s hugely popular milk tart. Heartwarmingly flavourful – a real piece of Cape love in the heart of Johannesburg.