Roving Bantu Kitchen

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!

Awesome, hidden gem!!! A great variety of South African cuisine. Decor is something else and the outdoor movies are the cherry on top. If you haven’t been here, come!!’

What a funky, cool restaurant! One of my "hidden" favorites in Joburg. Their Afro-soul food is to die for and is served in an eclectically decorated restaurant. They also run fantastic tours of the inner city. Highly recommended!

Very authentic. Food and music was great. I just wish they had a larger selection of beer. People was very friendly.

It was to die for,the music,the food,the people and Hmmm the venue,too poetic. I'm coming again soon. Hebe!

What a vibe, love all the posters splashed on the walls, the music is great. Didn't have food but it smelled and looked good. I wish they had more room and seating, as well as Bottled water for sale.

You can let your hair down and your Afro up at this local restaurant in the heart of Johannesburg. The gracious and outspoken host creates a safe space for students and locals and international guests to broaden their community. The food is typical of the community and very savoury. The beer is more popular than the coffee.

Was a very unique experience. The idea of the olf style black south African home setup is a brilliant one. We need more of this. Live music added a very welcome touch to the whole experience