Nestled between the famous Morris Isaacson High School, where thousands of youths started their march against Bantu education 34 years ago, and the popular Oppenheimer Tower, is Roots Restaurant and Gallery, a Soweto joint that captures the essence of township life. 

Owner Reggie Makhetha brags that his award-winning eatery is the only one in Soweto with a professional art gallery.

It’s worth the visit. Before eating, enjoy cocktails in the swish lounge area or on the deck, where you can see a slice of Soweto’s outdoor life. Culture vultures can wander around the gallery taking in works by local artists.

Hungry? The menu offers substantial African fare, such as oxtail served with a choice of samp or pap, or rice and veggies of the day; or authentic mogodu (tripe) prepared the traditional way. 

If you’re an enthusiastic eater, use your fingers and chow down on a tshisa nyama platter, which is heaped with braaied chops and wors and served with pap, atchar and salad.

For the sweet tooths in the house, the homemade ginger pudding will satisfy any sugar cravings.