Why the chicken crossed the road

THIS is a tale about a budding bromance between Hezron

Louw and Andrew Leeuw, which started in a taxi and led to the establishment of one of Johannesburg’s best gourmet street food joints.

Sumting Fresh was founded in 2012 and I first encountered them at the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein, drawn to their stall by their highly-spirited chants.

“I got two, I got two, I got two like Desmond Tutu,” the staff shouts melodiously, as my order for two Chicken Goujon is ready to go. “Bumb da cheese up,” they add, as I request extra Parmesan.

The chants at Sumting Fresh are as much a part of their food as their technique and flavours are.

“In the tradition of street food vendors around the world, we started with our signature chants and catchphrases to draw customers in.

“It also keeps our crew’s spirits up during long hours,” says co-founder Leeuw – whose stint on Ultimate Braai Master South Africa exposed him to the art of ingenuity under pressure.

Sumting Fresh is now also a favourite fixture at The Fourways Farmers’ Market on Sundays, and has grown its exposure on social networking, especially Instagram.

I was initially winging it when I ordered their #Wingmanwings at Neighbourgoods: gourmet gets greasy with four deep-fried buttermilk chicken wings, corn on the cob, sweet chilli, Parmesan and fries.

This time, I had the Bugatti Burger: #Beforethechicken with a 100% beef gourmet patty stuffed with avocado and all its glory, tomato, mozzarella and fries.

Next, I had their unrivalled Gua Bao: #Kowpow with two Taiwanese steamed buns, crumbed deep-fried, de-boned chicken thigh and sriracha sauce.

Their jam jar cocktails and mocktails are amazing, the iciest, most refreshing, cleanest flavours.

Tuck in, whether it be at one of Johannesburg’s artisan markets, or Norwood, where you’ll find a bricks and mortar Sumting Fresh.