Review Roving Bantu Kitchen - Johannesburg

We came for Radio Bantu, which was a semi set course meal with live jazz. The people are SO friendly and the food was delicious. I certainly won’t hesitate to come back for anything at all. A lovely evening. You should try it out for sure.

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

Super laid back and special experience. Don't expect any fancy drinks or food. They only serve beer and wine with hearty home made food. The ambiance is cosy and the owner is lovely. A really personal experience.

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

A little hole in the wall in a somewhat sketchy part of town, but it has the most amazing food. All of the starters are fantastic (especially the samosas) and the main dishes also rock. Great red wine, too. Friendly owners and a nice vibe.

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.

Great food and beautiful decor

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.

Fantastic South African food. A small menu with just a couple of options but the peanut chicken I had was incredible. Entre only is about 90 Rand, 3 course meal 150 rand. Also has a live jazz band some nights

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

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

What a great place with great food! Thank you Ashley and Sifiso. Couldn't have asked for a better party. The band made the evening extra special.

If you're into fancy places, do not go to Bantu Kitchen. Exceptional funky decor, perfect food, good music. Pineapple with chili is a cherry on top. Amazing place :)

Had a fantastic time at Roving Bantu. Meeting Sifiso and Ashley was great. Without a doubt one of Joburg's hidden gems. I have no doubt this establishment will go from strength to strength!!! Will definitely be back.

It is a gem in Joburg ! Would recommend the Heritage Trek through Brixton and Fietas and loved the breakfast and lunch.

What a treasure, my absolute favorite place in Johannesburg. The ambience, the food, I can’t wait to keep coming back,

Oh my gosh that chicken I had was amazing! I need the recipe to make it here in England. Also those samosa desserts were a revelation! Thanks all. I loved the place. Hope to be back someday �

Amazing music, lekker feeling, delicious food. Had a great evening. Pull in.

Awesome spot ! Great food, great vibe, funky decor !! Owners are really amazingly folks ! Loved every minute . Thank you ����

Such a great place. The food especially the butternut pumpkin soup.. hmmmm Thanks again for having us...

This is one of the best places to eat in Johannesburg. The menu is limited each night, but each item on it is outstanding.

Such a unique & special. I loved everything, the food was so good.

A great Sunday arvie vibe. Enjoyed the jazz, a chicken curry and a zamalek quart.

As an "ex" South African living in New Jersey, it's so wonderful to see these places exist and thrive in Joburg. Such a warm, friendly welcoming atmosphere SIfiso has created with amazing talented musicians that add to the vibe. The food was also incredible! Fresh and delicious. Thanks for a wonderful evening!

Completely not in our hood, but one of our friends saw this little gem profiled in the British Airways magazine and we trekked down there, 8 of us. <br/><br/>This is not fine dining, or famous chefs or the latest place to “see and be seen” but it is a fantastic night out.<br/><br/>The menu is limited but the food is wholesome, with a South African focus. <br/><br/>We started with platters of spinach and cheese samosas in a spicy dip and some of the pumpkin soup, served in a tin cup. Both excellent starters.<br/><br/>We ordered a selection of all of the dishes for the main meal, and passed them around the table to share. I even tried the cow heels (gelatinous?!) but the mogodu (tripe) defeated me. The rest of the dishes were delicious and we ordered seconds for some. Beef stew with pap, butter bean curry and rotis, braaied jerk chicken with coconut rice, veterans peanut and coconut chicken, all yum.<br/><br/>We opted to move to the outside seating area for desert and again chose a selection of all of them. Koeksusters, pineapple on skewers sprinkled with masala and good old jelly and custard.<br/><br/>There was a big screen outside showing African music videos, with some great music playing. <br/><br/>The place was pretty quiet for a Friday night and I imagine once the word gets out, it could get very festive. The hostess, Ashley was a star and couldn’t do enough to make the evening fun, and saw us all out to our Uber as we left.<br/><br/>Definitely recommend for a different night out.<br/><br/>Corkage is R20 for wine, I do suggest you take your own.

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!!’<br/>

Wonderful restaurant, lovely owners, delicious food, awesome music. What a great experience. Thank you Sifiso and Ashley we will definitely be back.

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!

A small gem down a backstreet in the middle of the suburbs.<br/>Can seat about 20 people, with a simple wholesome menu.<br/>Starters were spinach and cheese samoosas with a spicy sweet dip. Followed with a cup of butternut soup.<br/>I had the butterbean curry, a cheeky dish that is warm and hearty.<br/>The beef stew and pap looked scrumptious!<br/>The sweet served pineapple dusted with curry spice.