tastes of the city

A guide to Durban’s best cocktails, curries and sizzling shisa nyama on the hottest weekend of the year

If you’re in town for Africa’s greatest horse race this is where to go and what to eat

MORE than 50000 international, national and regional visitors will head to Durban for the Vodacom Durban July next Saturday and with R150m said to have been pumped into Durban’s economy when last year’s event was on, you can bet all hands are on deck.

While there’s an endless array of places to visit and food to sample, we sadly could not include them all. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of the city you’re visiting, these are our suggestions:

SIP ON A SEA VIEW

What better way to experience Durban’s warm winters than with a cocktail in hand and ocean views?

Panorama Bar,

Southern Sun Elangeni and

Maharani

Overlooking palm trees and crashing waves that lap at Durban’s golden shoreline, Panorama is the perfect spot to sip on a cocktail. Try the Whiskyjinga with apple juice and honey and the Tall Tanq, a type of G&T. Both are R90. Call 0313621300

Lighthouse Bar

The Oyster Box

The perfect place to watch the sunset is on the terrace that looks on to the beach and the uMhlanga lighthouse. Try their signature uMhlanga Sling (R105) or non-alcoholic Ginger Rock Shandy (R70). There’s also a gin menu (from R90). Call 0315145000.

Moyo

uShaka Marine World

Set on the end of pier, this actually overhangs the ocean. They have a broad selection of cocktails, but try the African Sunset, with Spiced Gold rum and peach schnapps muddled with fresh strawberries, mixed berry purée and fresh limes. Prices from R55 to R95. Call 0313320606.

Lucky Shaker

uMhlanga

Nominated in the top 10 Best Cocktail Bars for Middle East & Africa for this year’s Tales Of The Cocktail Spirited Awards, Lucky Shaker is the perfect spot for a night out. Try the Mexican Wave: tequila, orange juice, vanilla, cucumber, dry vermouth, lime and pineapple. R50 to R95. Call 0845672565.

Surf Riders Café

Fancy a fish bowl or piña colada slushy? Or a Spanish-style G&T cocktail with garnishes of chilli and orange or watermelon and basil? Visit Surf Riders, and sit beachside with panoramic views of Durban’s golden mile. Cocktail prices start at R59, but the bigger, shareable fish bowls are R179. Call 0627477037.

SOME LIKE IT HOT

What’s better than tucking into a Durban-style curry in winter?

Mumbai Meals

Sydenham

From street food, like crisply fried panipuris brimming with savoury, spicy and tart fillings to dosas, and kebabs prepared in a tandoor oven, Mumbai Meals has an extensive menu. The family owned business

imports all their spices from India and fresh ingredients are bought daily. “The main aspect of meal preparation is making the curry pastes. We prepare them every second day and don’t freeze them. This is done to maintain quality and flavour,” says head chef and manager Manik Ramchandani. Choose from curry, lamb rogan josh, a succulent lamb stew, or tender chicken in a spiced curry sauce served with naan bread brushed with garlic and butter. Vegetarians will also be delighted by the variety on offer – try the paneer tikka masala, a marinated cheese served in spiced gravy, and creamy dhal makhani. Chaat menu prices start at R30-R35, main meals from R73 to R250. Call 0312075786.

Jeera

Suncoast Casino

If you’re looking for a taste of delicious Indian food with flair, look no further. Dishes are prepared using the freshest ingredients and the chef’s signature blend of exotic and aromatic spices – jeera, meaning “earthy” and “warm”, reflects this. From classic to contemporary Indian food with a twist, the menu offers flavourful curries, grills, tandoori dishes, Indian bread, a number of vegetarian options, and truly decadent desserts. For seafood lovers, try the Millionaires Curry (R245), an absolute feast. If you have a sweet tooth, try their kheer (rice pudding) with coconut cream (R45). From R45 to R245. Call 0313147878.

Gounden’s

Restaurant and take away in Umbilo When it comes to generous portion size and authentic and tasty flavours, Goundens is where it’s at. Satisfy monster curry cravings with mutton, chicken, fish or mince curry or dig into kebabs or chops chutney. But be sure to also try their bunny chows, that overflow with gravy and come with tangy vinegar chilli, onion and grated carrots. From R49 to R70. Call 031 205 5363.

CaneCutters

Glenwood

Also known for their award-winning bunny chows, this Durban-style curry restaurant serves up some of the city’s best and most authentic Indian curries. Served with rice, roti or in a hollowed-out half loaf of bread, you can pick from a selection of dishes, including butter chicken, roti rolls with curry fillings, Cornish chicken or even trotters and beans. For dessert, try their deluxe soji served with cream and almonds. R24 to R99. Call 031 201 1603.

Oriental

Galleria Mall in eManzimtoti and The Workshop in Durban Central Authentic Durban bunny chows, curries, tandoori platters and veg options galore. Mutton curry is prepared traditionally with Eastern spices and comes with rice and sambals. For dessert, try the Bombay Crush milkshake with soaked subja seeds and falooda. Meal prices R60 to R220. Call 0319041516.

TSD Ultra Lounge Bar and Restaurant at Umgeni Business Park

Plump prawns in a rich tomato chutney studded with green chillies and generously ladled into a soft hollowed-out loaf of bread and finished off with sprigs of dhania, this bunny chow goes beyond the mainstream Durban bunny chow. Call 031 579 5235.

MAN, FIRE, FOOD

Sizzling meat licked by flames, fluffy pap and spicy chakalaka – shisa nyama is the quintessential South African experience.

Randerees Braai Foods

Sherwood

Savoury wafts of sizzling meat billow from this suburban garden restaurant. Randerees, “the traditional and spit braai specialist”, is halaal and has a menu filled with sausages, wors, loin chops, chicken wings and juicy braaied shish kebabs and chicken boti, all served with roti, lemon wedges and chilli sauce. Order takeaway, or sit down and enjoy food fresh from the coals. Braai packs from R80 to R485 (12 chops, six sausages, five lamb ribs, five chicken wings, six rolls and chips). Call 0312077307.

031 Shisa Nyama

Berea

A chill spot serving mouth-watering local cuisine. Tender meat options range from pork, sausage and steak to liver, ribs and brisket. Portions come with pap, ujeqe (steamed bread) or dumplings with chakalaka. Platters R90 to R350, depending on the meat and size. Call 0312012896.

Cafe Skyzer

Chesterville

Style, class, taste and ubuntu, with live bands, top-class DJs and quality food make this the perfect setting for your ultimate township experience in Mkhumbane, one of the oldest, most historical and cultural areas of Durban. From curries to baskets and platters of meat with sides of salads, prices ranging from about R120 to R220. Call 0713893390.

The Joint Jazz Café

Sausages, marinated chicken and chops braaied to perfection are paired with sides like charred onions, Afroslaw, African spinach with roasted peanuts and delicious green salads… This restaurant is on the promenade and has picturesque sea views. Enjoy your shisa nyama with the excellent range of craft beer on tap. Prices start at R45 for platters and go up to R280. Call 031 332 0805.