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There’s no better way to celebrate Heritage Month than with a good old-fashioned South African braai. We’ve scoured the country to bring you some of the best shisa nyama spots to make your 24 September this year just as delicious as always.
Durban
Ace Butchery and Restaurant
27 Tyzack Street, South Beach
031 368 4485
Known for its generous portions and variety of meats, Ace is the perfect braai spot for those who want it all on their plates — be it fatty and lean cuts of beef, lamb, ox liver, succulent kidneys or the local favourite, Zulu chicken. Ace Butchery also isn’t shy on the extras; there are salads, vegetables, assorted curries and rice, pap, sambals and, yes, dumplings. The success of this place lies in the quality of its food and pristine preparation.
If you’re a music afficionado and want a classy yet authentic shisa nyama spot, then this is the place for you. They’re strict with their dress code – no sneakers or hats are allowed inside the premises – so don’t be surprised if you’re surrounded by suits and stilettos as you indulge in the lekker-tasting braai meat. The food selection is varied: there’s tripe, steamed bread, Cornish chicken and a variety of platters. The shisa nyama section has T-bone steak, brisket, lamb chops, pork chops, ox liver, boerewors and sticky chicken wings.
Ekasi Drive Thru
E416 Ntombela Road, KwaMashu
078 445 2008
This sidewalk café in the popular township of KwaMashu has definitely made its mark in the neighbourhood, providing kasi-style food that scores high on the palate and easy on your budget. It’s a fast food drive-through where the waiting time is reduced by Ekasi par-cooking the food and then putting it on the braai after you’ve placed your order. Owner and chef Vuyani Mbuso Ndlovu also saw it fit to include platters, which are very popular.
Max’s Lifestyle
328 Mbhe Road, Umlazi
031 906 1393
Known as KwaMax by the locals, Max’s Lifestyle is another shisa nyama spot that has put its name on the map with its variety of meats on display. You can choose from smoked chicken wings, wors, beef chuck, brisket, short rib, T-bone, ox kidney and liver. For those craving something a bit more traditional, there’s also tripe on the menu. Sides include chakalaka, pap and salsa.
Nsimbini Car Wash and Lifestyle
Cnr of Umbumbulu and Insimbini Road, KwaNkonka, Umlazi
084 031 5592
Simplicity works best for this carwash. With thatched-roof buildings and an authentic kasi setting, Nsimbini is perfectly located at a busy intersection with a taxi rank across the road, so it’s hard to miss. The affordable carwash has added to its popularity among the locals and the DJ’s playlist adds to that shisa nyama ambience we all love.
Cape Town
Adwa Café
23669 Mphandle Street, Kraaifontein
Adwa Café won over the hearts of locals because of the job opportunities it has created for the people of Kraaifontein. While no liquor is sold here, they’re perfectly situated opposite a liquor store where you can quench your thirst while Adwa’s friendly staff prepares your meat.
GQ Butchery
NY 110, Gugulethu
Not be confused with Gqudu Lounge, Gqudu Butchery – or GQ, as it’s known by the locals in Gugulethu – is ideal when you want to get your car washed while chilling with friends over a good tray of braai. Sundays are quite popular at GQ; if you want to feel the spirit of Gugs in one place, then GQ Butchery is the place to visit.
Kwa Ace Lounge
158 Phakamani Road, Khayelitsha
It would be a travesty to the shisa nyama industry not to mention Ace’s in Khayelitsha. This establishment offers a fine dining twist on braai, a variety of cocktails and an indoor swimming pool.
The secret is in the sauce – that’s what makes Maphindi’s Braai Place such a winner when it comes to shisa nyama. From the wors to the chicken wings and pork chops, everything tastes as good as it looks. There isn’t much variety when it comes to side dishes, but the vetkoek is definitely a must-order.
Rands
6 Makhabeni Road, Khaya Bazzar, Khayelitsha
081 496 7993
Rand is by far the most popular shisa nyama place in the Mother City and its vibe seems to be infectious because the crowds grow exponentially every weekend. It’s become even more than just a place to braai; Rands hosts some of Mzansi’s most popular stars such as AKA, Cassper Nyovest and Sho Madjozi — which means the music never stops and the meat never gets cold.
Johannesburg
Tourists and locals flock to this place because it’s right at the popular Orlando Towers. Sowetans come in numbers for the DJs who bring life to Chaf Pozi on weekends with jazz sounds, deep house and kwaito. Sports lovers will be grateful for all the big screens on match days and, of course, Chaf Pozi is packed when the Sowety Derby is on.
E’Socialink Shisa Nyama & Car Wash
Cnr of Mndeni Link Road & Impala Road, 1863 Soweto
073 512 1053
The winning combination of shisa nyama and carwash proves itself with this new trendy spot in Soweto. With a pub that caters for all your beverage needs and an in-house butchery with an impressive variety of meat, this place is indeed the social link that brings all Sowetans and Joburgers alike together.
Having been around for 23 years, Imbizo Shisanyama claims that theirs is an authentic African braai experience like no other. Aptly known as Busy Corner, Imbizo Shisanyama’s cuisine, ambience, African-themed décor and generous servings have certainly contributed to its longevity.
On the edge of famous Vilakazi Street in Soweto you’ll find this popular place with a braai master who serves your perfectly spiced braai meat, chakalaka and pap. It’s the winning trio on their menu and though people go there for the meat, the chakalaka is fast becoming legendary.
While taking a walk down Maboneng precinct, you might detect a wafting aroma of a lekker braai in the air. That’s Sha’p Braai, a premium braai eatery that is one of its kind in the area. They boast a high standard of braai meat, a seating area creatively adorned with up-cycled beer crates and a wide variety of tasty sides.
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