Roving Bantu Kitchen

Without any doubt, this is Johannesburg's most authentic African eating place. Roving Bantu Kitchen Treks is cozy, lively and beautiful. And yes, uncle Sifiso is such a down to earth simple and pleasant host. Based on my experience, I gladly recommend this spot for those seeking a true, rich and sweet taste of Africa's music, food and a magical African atmosphere.

Guys, what a wonderful experience my family and I had at the Roving Bantu Kitchen! The atmosphere was magic. The chicken wings, the cheese and spinach samoosas, the main course with pap, lots of different delicious salads, morogo (cooked like my late maternal grandmother used to), sheep heels (ditlhakwana as we call them back in the township, cooked in some sauce that tasted like there was a bit of cinnamon and other finger licking spices)! We were in heaven. The music by Siya Makuzeni and the band was just out of this world. Siya has an enchanting and a hypnotic voice like that of the late Busi Mhlongo and the late Mirriam Makeba infused together. The cutlery, the crockery, the candlesticks that reminded of me of growing up in Soweto transported me back to my youth in the dusty streets of Soweto. The experience almost moved me to tears of happiness and nostalgia. I have never been to a gathering that reminded me of how it was in Sophiatown back in the day in our beloved country South Africa, where all nationalities, Black, White, Yellow and the like could get together all in the name of having a good time, good conversations and just total bliss, albeit in a non-smoking environment. The owner, Sifiso Ntuli is just family to all of us. I asked one of the waitresses (who's name escapes me sadly), as to where he was, the very minute I stepped in last night, and the answer I got was that he was all over the restaurant, which proved to be true. Sifiso and his daughter just gave us love unparalleled. It was like spending time with friends and family that one has not seen in decades. The band that was accompanying Siya Makuzeni were just splendid, everyone played their instrument like it was their last, the blind keyboard player (I didn't get his name unfortunately, was one of the highlights, he was just brilliant). The desert of a pineapple draped in chili and a pinch of salt reminded me of Durban in my tertiary institution days there. On leaving, about two and half hours later, Sifiso and Siyandza were outside with lots of groups of patrons that were enjoying yet another piece of them. It was almost 23h00 and some of us were just happily waiting our turn to say our goodbyes to them. It was like they were seeing a family off, all of us different people of all colours and nationalities, smiling heartily, taking in the good time to the last degree. It looked like we were all transported to our own Nirvanas. My only gripe is that the waitress forgot to give my family and I a Chappies bubblegum. I am going back in March this year still to have another encounter of a fabulous time with a group of my friends as well as to get my single piece of a bubblegum. Giggles!

Joburg is a city that rewards intrepid exploration, yet it’s also a city that takes time to reveal its riches. That is where Roving Bantu Kitchen comes in. Owned by Ashley and Sifiso (amazing people who are just as interesting as the restaurant and the tour! , the place serves delectable Afro-soul food and runs monthly walking tours of a bunch of Joburg’s lesser known but absolutely fascinating neighborhoods. I joined this tour last week and had one of my best Joburg experiences to date. Starting from the restaurant, Sifiso led us through diverse Brixton and then into Fietas, a neighborhood doomed to stagnation and poverty by the short-sighted policies of the Apartheid regime. At no point, did the tour descend into objectification or the sort of “poverty porn” that often characterizes township/favela/slum tours. It was clear that Sifiso has a warm relationship with the residents and in turn, people greeted him and us like old friends. Sifiso’s narrative was beautiful and bitter, profane and profound—all at the same time. He is a gifted storyteller who spoke from the heart. The walk ended in the atmospheric Braamfontein Cemetery, where the mellow autumn sunshine and colorful leaves provided an astonishing backdrop to the centuries of history that lie interred in it. We finished with a delicious lunch at the restaurant, following which several of us lingered into the afternoon, sharing many stories and laughs. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, you have to visit Roving Bantu. Truly one of Joburg’s hidden gems!

It is THE place for a cozy joburg meal and lot's of love! <3 the food, the service and the place are amazing but the people, everyone in Roving Bantu Kitchen makes a experience out of eating! Best South African food in JoBurg!

Great place, great hosts, really had a good time here with friends for having a good meal with good life music. This is a wonderful place to hang out. And for showing me Johannesburg, its history and present status. Thanks Sifiso and Audrey : Greetings from Amsterdam, Koen