Neighbourhood News Update: 08 April 2022

CATCHING UP WITH CHEF MMABATHO MOLEFE, EMAZULWINI

The traditional childhood favourite dishes of chef Mmabatho Molefe have seen her Emazulwini Restaurant at Makers Landing win African Restaurant of the Year at the 4th annual Luxe Restaurant Awards. We sat down with the esteemed chef to get to know more about her and her business.

Tell us about Emazulwini Restaurant?

Emazulwini, which opened about 18 months ago, is a modern Zulu-inspired restaurant that seeks to celebrate Nguni cuisine and South African ingredients. We are just a small 10-seater space and are still testing whether the idea works.

How do you feel about your award win at the Luxe Restaurant Awards?

We travelled to the awards ceremony in Johannesburg mostly to meet industry players that I have engaged with online, and we just happened to win an award. However, I am now a little anxious because people might come to dine with higher expectations.

What is your favourite dish?

We recently launched our summer menu, which is dedicated to my parents. It is a seven-course set menu, starting with mielie breadsticks with sweetcorn dip and parsley mayo, and includes dishes such as vetkoek with house-made chicken polony, and white cheddar Catalan, and corned beef tongue with tomato puree. The chicken neck mousse tartlet looks so cute, that is my personal favourite. Dessert is fermented maize porridge.

Who inspires the way you cook?

My mother, Sindi and Chef Ryan Cole who I worked under at Salsify at the Roundhouse.

Visit Emazulwini at Makers Landing, in the Cape Town Cruise Terminal, open Thursday to Sunday. You can also follow the restaurant on social media and book your food experience here.

What’s on in the neighbourhood:

10 April 2022:

  • Waterfront Summer Tango Social Series – Pierhead Deck
  • Mustang 58th Anniversary Hang Out display – Clocktower
  • SUP Waterfront Cape Town Dash – Battery Park

15th April:

  • Galileo Open Air Cinema – Movie: The Rocky Horror Picture Show – Battery Park. Book now.

Please click here for more details on our events.

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