A gastronomic gallivant
TOP SPOTS TO MEET A MATE AND GRAB A MEAL IN MABONENG PRECINCT There’s a cuisine for every taste in this vibrant part of old Johannesburg.
aboneng is sometimes a tricky place to get outsiders to visit. While it’s a beautiful, gentrified neighbourhood bringing people back to the heart of the city, people believe it’s just a bubble. Two blocks from Maboneng, Johannesburg exists the same as it always had – damp, dark and brimming with social problems.
I often hear people mention that seeing the “real” Johannesburg ruins the idealistic stamp of Maboneng.
It’s a perplexing concept. Isn’t Maboneng in its very fibre anyway the real Johannesburg? Isn’t Maboneng also more real than megasecurity complexes like Dainfern or Steyn City, which were built for billions, demanding the construction of new infrastructure?
Didn’t this urban expansion weaken service delivery in the city centre, speeding up its deterioration?
It’s funny how people bemoaning the decline of Johannesburg are often intrinsically implied in it. Their exodus created these problems, but it also created conceptual neighbourhoods like Maboneng. Their flight meant that eventually, regeneration could take place. So, dear sir and madame, you helped create Maboneng – why are you not taking pride in it by visiting more often?
I’ve used this explanation to instil a little bit of guilt in friends, and as a result, many of them have plucked up their courage and finally gone to Fox Street.
Often, the first thing that excites them are the food options. Maboneng is home to so many food options mere metres apart.
A recent trip back meant I explored old favourites, and some of the new kids on the block. So, this weekend, why not make a food stop in Maboneng?
Fox Street
It’s hot and spicy and above all, affordable. One of the best things about Mama Mexicana is that even though they offer a basic menu, everything is priced at under R60. Their nachos and chilli poppers are specialities. You won’t be forgiven if you don’t try their chilli poppers made with fiery jalapeno with a cooling cheese filling.
Kruger Street
Featuring some of the best city views, Living Room is a stay-awhile place.
Commissioner Street
If you’re a lover of the sweet stuff, this old truck morphed into an ice-cream parlour will make your heart skip a beat. It’s the perfect place to cool down – not even a Kuga could set itself on fire after a refreshing vanilla swirl.
Fox Street
Serving traditional Argentine asado, or as we know it, braai – meatlovers will rejoice. There’s a bucketload of taste-bud tantalising options, from homemade chorizo, which is lightly spiced and made with free-range pork belly, to crusty empañadas, pastry pockets stuffed with beef, sweet corn and gouda, ham and mozzarella, or chicken and spring onion. Starters are served with their famous chimichurri sauce! Food that’s not to be missed.
Soul Souvlaki Maverick Corner, 18 Albrecht Street, corner Fox Street.
This Greek restaurant/café serves fresh Greek souvlaki on demand. Pitas, lamb, tzatziki, bifteki in pita and grilled haloumi are just some of the options on offer.