December 22, 2015

Even before we left Sydney we had a fairly good knowledge that the dining culture in South Africa is, on its own, worth the 18 hour flight.

We can confirm that, yes, you can eat at a five-star eatery for a fraction of the price of what you’d pay for in Australia.

When we told South African friends in Australia where we were going, they would stare deep into our eyes, gripping our arms as if possessed by Rosemary’s Food-Baby before saying, “You. Will. Eat. Prepare thyself!”. We didn’t really appreciate the profound truth of this until we got there.

And we’re not going to lie, the advantage of a strong dollar does mean that you’re pretty much always guaranteed to come out ahead (and more happily intoxicated than you would in Sydney).

… It also means that you will likely get up and dance in the middle of the restaurant. Call it the Bargain Boogie. (Above: Photos from Baia Seafood Restaurant and GOLD)

By far though, absolutely nothing topped Mizoli’s Meats in Gugulethu.

Our guide, Norman (more on him soon), overheard us speaking about how we wanted to taste a little more local flavour – some of the most enjoyable times we’ve had in SA were when we stepped away from the regular tourist zones. Norman was amazing at feeling out our preferences and so we trusted his intuition when he suggested a place for lunch. “Very local” he said.

So this is how we found ourselves staring at a fridge full of raw meat in the middle of a Township.

Mzoli is a one-man legend in Gugulethu. What started as a general butchery has become a world renowned barbecue joint (or braai) – frequented by not only hungry carnivores from Cape Town but Hollywood royalty, such as Matt Damon and Denzel Washington.

It seems no matter how much cash or social cache you hold, deep down we’re all equals in our love for steak.

Mzoli has nearly 50 staff and you get the feeling that his simple restaurant concept playing a large part in elevating the aspirations of the rough neighbourhood that surrounds it. Jamie Oliver would be proud (and he clearly is, above).

We ordered 3 drumsticks, 3 large pork chops, 3 lamb chops and 3 cokes for under $20. No cutlery (and you’re just going to look silly if you ask for some. There’s nothing quite so leveling as biting into something with your bare hands, so go with it).

EAT
Baia Restaurant
6262 Victoria Wharf V&A, Cape Town
+27 21 421 0935
baiarestaurant.co.za
These guys are masterful when it comes to seafood so we highly recommend saving up (although the strong Aussie dollar does mean that you’re most likely come out ahead either way) and settling in for the share platter of rock lobster in garlic butter. Amazing.

Peter’s House
14 Kloof Nek Rd, Cape Town
+27 21 424 3451
petershouse.co.za
A cute and comfortable find with a nice beatnik vibe that wouldn’t feel out of place on the hip streets of Sydney’s Surry Hills or Redfern. Make sure you ask about the Pasta Special (which includes a glass of wine).

GOLD
15 Bennett Street,Cape Town
+27 21 421 4653
goldrestaurant.co.za
GOLD prides itself on its ‘taste safari’ banquets that have a nice Cape Malay slant, which means spice lovers will rejoice. The night really comes alive when performers and singers start to make their way around the room to serenade guests. An absolute must.

Qantas offer flights to South Africa through Johannesburg and onwards across the continent with their partner South African Airlines.