Johannesburg remains a flourishing modern metropolis on the African continent. The world-class city plays a major role in the country’s economy and has cemented itself as a thriving cultural and financial hub. Despite being a major player in the African economy, Johannesburg has evolved into a bustling city which celebrates African culture in the most incredible way. In fact, the city has developed a thriving foodie culture which shines a light on the many different cultures and people the city houses. Jacaranda FM’s breakfast host Martin Bester, a massive foodie himself, continues to be amazed by the incredible mix of flavours, aromas and ingredients used in foods around the city and shares five local foodie hotspots you need to visit when you’re in Jozi next.

Taste of Punjab

The Taste Of Punjab in Sunninghill is my favourite North Indian restaurant. When I lived in Sunninghill, I would eat their food at least twice a week – that’s how good the food is there. The restaurant serves some of the most authentic North Indian cuisines and celebrates how important Indian cuisine is to our South African culture. I highly recommend the Palak Paneer, Tandoori Mushrooms and vegetable samosas when visiting. You won’t regret it!

The Brian Lara Rum Eatery

The artsy suburb of Linden has certainly made a name for itself as one of the most unique and diverse foodie destinations in Johannesburg, and the Brian Lara Rum Eatery certainly lives up to the hype. I love going there on a Friday or Saturday afternoon. It has a great vibe, lekker food and offers those visiting something different. I also love that there was a vinyl record shop across the road. I would often visit after my meal to buy some tunes.

Signature

The Signature brand has done incredible things in the fine-dining space that their Morningside branch is my go-to restaurant when I want a more elegant evening out. While their food is remarkable, I love the fact that they would have a great singer and pianist as entertainment for patrons to enjoy while dining. I’ve eaten some of my favourite fine-dining meals there and would highly recommend a visit to anyone wanting to add a little romance to their evening.

The Marabi Club

This venue in Maboneng is definitely a must-visit! What a surprise when those big doors swing open! The club is known for its food, and I love that your dining experience is accompanied by fine live jazz performances that highlight some of the exceptional performers we have in the city. Every visit to The Marabi Club is an experience – and one they have perfected elegantly.

La Boqueria

This Hispanic-style restaurant in Parktown North has become a popular destination for foodies since it opened its doors, and one visit highlights why. The restaurant offers a delicious selection of food from Mexico and Peru and their beautiful décor helps diners embark on a unique culinary adventure. If you have a look at their amazing Cocktail menu, you’ll find our very own ‘Breakfast with Martin Bester’ cocktail! Give it a try, it will surprise you!

Chef, cookbook author, Zanele van Zyl is here to inspire you to cook better, eat better and create beautiful food such as this amazing chicken wrap.

The post Martin Bester’s Top Five Foodie Hotspots In Jozi appeared first on MyKitchen.

Get your taste buds ready, because this year the Street Food Festival brings you exciting foodie events over 10 days from Cape Town to Johannesburg, with a variety of entertainment, activities and, of course, FOOD!

By Taryn Wilson

Johannesburg will host the main festival this weekend on the 9th September from 11 AM to 5 PM. You can look forward to live music and DJ’s, food talks and workshops, food entrepreneurs and many, many vendors to choose from…

Experience the local flavours of South Africa with everything from saucy and fried foods, to street-side favourites. A variety of well-known industry experts will also be sharing their knowledge and tips. You will be able to see Trevor Chomumwe, the host of The Hello Dinner Club, Kgosi Rampa and Sifiso Dlangamandla, co-founders of Soweto’s hip LoCrate Market, Boitumelo Ramashaba, the founder of Thirst Trap Juices, and Mokgadi Mabela of Native Nosi, a black female-owned bee farm.

With so much to see, do and eat, there’s no reason to be anywhere else this weekend! Tickets are R50 for the day, and the event will be hosted at the Common Ground, Maboneng, Johannesburg. Book soon to secure your spot!

Image: Street Food Festival / Facebook

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Licorish Bistro, situated in the bustling Nicolway Bryanston Shopping Centre, is a five-year-old restaurant run by Aki Hadjipetros. After nineteen years of running chain restaurants, Aki now runs four of his own which are situated all over Gauteng. Each restaurant offers diners a unique flavour, style and twist on the way in which they eat. This everyday eatery offers customers the chance to experience a well thought out plate full of flavour and colour. Head Chef Karel Jacobs is always adding and enhancing the menu enabling the restaurant to evolve and keep up with the latest trends.

Words and photography: Jess Otter of @blogmefood and @instaeatsjozi

Whatever your fancy, Licorish Bistro has it all. Lunch time offers a classic casual environment perfect for business meetings or the ever-popular ladies lunch. Dinner brings with it a flare of romance with dim lighting and candles, perfect for a date night with that special someone.

Keeping up with the trends, this bistro offers flawless vegan dishes that entertain the palate to give any and every customer a mouthful of satisfaction. Check out how delicious these vegan options look.

Spicy chickpeas served with cinnamon and almond dukkah, beetroot hummus and oven roasted vine tomatoes

Spinach, feta and coriander samoosas served with garlic mayo, apple chutney, zaatar spice and candied peanuts

For those of you who absolutely love seafood, Licorish Bistro offers something right up your alley featuring traditional seafood with that unique South African twist. A personal favourite of mine is the chilli salt squid served with cardamom mayo, tomato atchar and sesame bean sprouts.

If you are more of a meat lover, Licorish caters for you too with a wide range of dishes including everything from oxtail to sirloin.

Oxtail samoosas braised in cinnamon and milk stout, served with a red wine jus, spinach and mango atchar

Make sure you leave room for their dessert options that certainly aren’t for the faint-hearted. I suggest you try the milk tart panna cotta served on a stroopwafel with crumbled honeycomb.

THE DETAILS

When: Monday–Thursday, 12 pm–10:30 pm; Friday and Saturday, 9 am–10:30 pm; Sunday 9 am – 8:30 pm
Where: Nicolway Shopping Centre, Johannesburg
Reservations: 011 706 0991
Website: licorishbistro.co.za

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