It is summertime in Durban and there is a buzzword on locals’ lips – one that is as sizzling as a local summer. Derived from the Zulu words for ‘hot’ (shisa) and ‘meat’ (nyama), Shisanyama is far more than meat grilled over an open flame.

It is an authentic celebration of Kasi (township) life, and is best enjoyed in the company of friends and family.

The perfect Shisanyama should be served with generous helpings of conversation, laughter and the clanking of glasses – as you and your friends toast to the winding down of a busy year and share your dreams and aspirations for the one ahead. Top it off with some great music and you have the recipe for an unforgettable Shisanyama experience.

Part of the fun is selecting the meat cuts you wish to tuck into before they are spiced and braai’d over the open flames.The prepared meat is served in platters, to share from, along with pap (refined maizemeal porridge, similar perhaps to polenta) and traditional sheba (a delicious tomato and onion accompaniment (there are many versions of this sauce, which is sometimes spiked with fresh chilli to add even more ‘shisa’ to the Shisanyama experience).

 

Other popular side dishes include chakalaka (a spicy vegetable relish), dombolo (dumplings) bread and coleslaw.

There are a number of fashionable restaurants and lounges in and around Durban, each offering a unique spin on the Shisanyama experience. 

 You can opt for a traditional fireside meal, or a more sophisticated affair, if you are in the mood to dress up and dazzle.

Many of these spots are famous not only for their excellent flamed-grilled fare, but for the live music and entertainment they offer.

Uhuru afrique Food

996 Zazi Road, Clermont

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Mon – Sat: 9am to 3am

083 697 0130

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baphiwesthe@gmail.com

Nuz Vegas Lounge

Phambili Road, Umlazi

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Mon – Thu: 9am – 8pm Fri & Sat: 9am – 2am Sun: 9am – 12am

072 281 0068

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nuzvegas@makinvests.co.za

Tate’s Kasi Grill

433 North Road, Mvuzane, Clermont

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Mon – Thu: 7:30am – 8pm Fri & Sat: 7:30am – 10pm Sun: 7:30am – 12pm

083 246 5634

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admin@buhlebekhaya.co.za

Metro Gents Lounge

B277 Dhekani Dlamini Street, Umlazi

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Mon – Wed: 10am – 10pm Thu: Ladies Night 10pm – 12am Fri & Sat: 10am – 12am Sun: 10am – 10pm (12am in season)

031 906 6546

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metrogents755@gmail.com

Comfort zone jazz lounge

48 Madondo Road, Clermont

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Fri – Sun: 2pm – late

061 319 6314

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steve@thecomfortzone.co.za

under the moon exclusive lounge

B277 Dhekani Dlamini Street, Umlazi

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Mon – Thu: 9am – 10pm Fri & Sat: 9am – 2am Sun: 9am – 12am

031 519 0841

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gideon@phungulainc.co.za

Legacy meats

A1068 Sihle Mooli Road, Umlazi

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Mon – Thu: 8:30am – 5pm Fri & Sat: 8:30am – 8pm Sun: 8:30am – 5pm

078 519 8453

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hlopeclive@yahoo.com

classique braai lounge

Shop 24, Oxford Centre, Hillcrest

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Mon – Thu: 11am – 10pm Fri & Sat: 11am – 12am Sun: 11am – 10am

031 765 1107

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admin@classiquebraailounge.co.za

Cafe skyzer

96 Gardens Drive, Chesterville

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Mon – Thu: 9am – 12am Fri & Sat: 9am – 2am Sun: 9am – 12am

031 765 1107

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blessm@skyzer.co.za

max’s lifestyle

31328 Mbe Road, Umlazi

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Mon – Thu: 7am – 8pm Fri – Sun: 7am – 12pm/late

031 906 1393

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www.maxslifestyle.co.za

Eyadini Lounge

3 Peace Road, Umlazi

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Mon – Sun: 7am – 12am

031 906 1395

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www.eyadiniumlazi.co.za

Artizen Lounge

106353 Street, KwaMashu

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Mon – Thu: 10am – 10pm Fri & Sat: 10am – 2am Sun: 10am – 12am

082 970 7475

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afrizenlounge@gmail.com

one & only

E943/44 Sidiya Road, KwaMashu

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Wed & Thu: 10am – 8pm Fri – Sun: 10am – 2am

082 964 3289

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dineotshabs@gmail.com

Durban pride

2nd Floor, Galleria Mall, Amanzimtoti

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Mon – Thu: 7am – 10pm Fri & Sat: 7am – 2am (holiday season) Sun: 9am – 12am

081 043 2967

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bookings@durbanpride.co.za