Tomorrow is a big day – the Day of Reconciliation. For 27 years, the day has been set aside to foster reconciliation and national unity.
There will be jubilation nationwide as we commemorate the first meeting of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 1995 and all the positive change that came after it.
As is tradition, celebrations in South Africa are typically marked by a big braai shindig. However, if you’re not feeling up to doing a braai or entertaining at home, there are many spots around the Mother City where you can go to enjoy a proudly South African sizzler.
Should you want to partake in tomorrow’s celebrations, we suggest you check out the following places for authentic Cape Town shisa nyama experiences.
With regard to the dress code, we suggest you “look sharp!” and tie it all together with a sturdy pair of kicks because there is guaranteed to be dancing at these popular places.
Here are the places you can go for the ultimate shisa nyama escapades:
Camps Bay:
1. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Luxury is what the Apostles Braai is all about. Enjoy spectacular views while devouring the best braai broodjies you will ever come across – bread, cheese, and tomato, topped with the most delicious caramelised onions, adding a hint of sweetness to an already perfect sarmie.
On the menu are chicken sosaties with garlic and chilli mayo, the most tender steak pieces dipped in Chimichurri sauce and beautifully charred baby carrots – and that’s just a snippet.
There are also delicious veggie options for those who prefer a meatless braai, including tasty veggie burger sliders.
Bookings are essential.
- Location: Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005
- Opening hours: 1pm to 4pm
Khayelitsha:
2. Rands
Durban has Eyadini and Joburg has KONKA, but it’s the well-known local hangout Kappa Rands that attracts the crowds in Cape Town.
This entertainment “mecca” prides itself on being the premium shisa nyama joint.
It serves signature meat dishes accompanied by real township-inspired sides like chakalaka, creamy spinach and pap.
If you are keen on rubbing shoulders with A-list stars, the outdoor Champagne lounge is definitely the place to do so.
You can expect live performances by local DJs and artists.
- Location: 6 Makhabeni Road, Khaya Bazzar
- Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm
3. KwaAce Lounge
The pub and grill is only open from Friday to Sunday because they are serious about partying; midweek patrons are released to make money.
Guaranteed, you will need to have strong pockets to afford the VIP options the lounge has to offer.
There are two dance floors: the bottom floor serves the general public and includes four VIP rooms and a dining area, while the upper level is a restricted VVIP area with private lounges.
The music is a crowd-pleaser with amapiano, hip-hop, and deep house musicians and DJs headlining at the venue; but the braai spread here is legendary.
KwaAce has stellar customer service and food reviews. Feel free to check them out.
- Location: 6158 Phakamani Road
- Opening hours: 2pm to 3am
Gugulethu:
4. Teez Lounge – former Mzolis
Anyone who has lived in or visited Cape Town will be familiar with the famous Mzolis tavern.
We are talking about an open-air shack restaurant grilling meat as customers sit at plastic tables or dance to local bands in the heart of Gugulethu township.
Now under new management and after renovations, the same place is now the home of Teez Lounge, Gugulethu.
The experience invites you to experience day-to-day life in the kasi, even if it is just for a few hours.
Patrons purchase meat from the butchery and it is braaied on the premises for them to enjoy while listening to music.
This would be a great place to celebrate the Day of Reconciliation while enjoying chargrilled meat.
- Location: Ny 115, Gugulethu
- Opening hours: 9am to 6.30pm
Also read:
Celebrate Heritage Day: No braai is truly complete without braaibroodjies
Picture: Pexels
