Shisa is just the spot for authentic African fare.
If you love authentic African food, then Shisa African Restaurant is definitely a place you need to check out. Situated in the Port Elizabeth Harbour, the restaurant has secured a steady clientele since officially opening in August.
With its unobstructed view of the harbour, Shisa does not only deliver on the food, but also has stunning vistas and an easy-going vibe. Owners, Zoliswa Majodina-Nkosi and her husband, Sbusiso, are originally from Cape Town. They saw a vacant building while visiting a friend at the harbour and immediately made enquiries with Transnet when they got back to the Mother City.
The couple did some research and realised there was no place offering shisanyama or authentic African cuisine in the area. So they came up with an idea for a restaurant that serves both and submitted a proposal to Transnet, which was accepted.
They are now well known for their much-loved African dishes such as umngqusho (samp and beans) with tripe, pap and lamb stew; and umleqwa (free-range chicken) served with dumplings. Shisa African Restaurant also has a super seafood platter as well as salads.
If you visit on a Sunday afternoon, you will also be entertained by jazz powerhouse Asanda Mqiki and her band on the deck.
The restaurant with its glass panelling and sleek, modern decor is the perfect hangout for friends who have busy work schedules but have that longing for some proper African home-cooked food. But who has the time nowadays to prepare these hearty, slow-cooked dishes? Shisa makes it so easy.
My favourite was the samp and beans with tripe. It’s not often one gets to eat this food away from home, and the tripe was beautifully soft and delicious.
For a taste of home, to make new memories or simply to see what authentic African cuisine is all about, Shisa African Restaurant is worth a visit. Kids’ meals are also available.
Experience it for yourself:
Shisa African Restaurant
073 343 0457
facebook.com/shisaafricanrestaurant
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
