For as long as he can remember, Andile Zulu has loved being in the kitchen. Growing up, he was the one who took charge of Christmas dinners at home, experimenting with flavours, spices, and new recipes while his family watched in awe.

This festive family tradition slowly grew into a love for food and creativity. “I’ve always been experimental. Even as a child, I used to dream of owning a restaurant one day, though I never really thought it would happen.”

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But life, as it often does, took him on a different path first. Zulu studied information technology (IT), a choice heavily influenced by the mindset of his generation.

“Back then, our parents encouraged us to study something stable, something that would guarantee employment. So, passion wasn’t really the focus; stability was.”

IT proved to be a successful career for him, but the spark for food never faded. Through years of travel, Zulu found himself drawn to international flavours, dishes he wished he could recreate back home.

“When I travelled to Morocco, I had octopus for the first time. I loved it so much that I came back, wrote down how it was made, and asked my chef to try it here. It turned out beautifully.”

That moment, among many others, confirmed what his heart already knew: it was time to turn his lifelong passion into something real. And so, ZOR Restaurant was born.

Located in the affluent suburb of Dainfern, ZOR reflects both Zulu’s ambition and love for his family. “I like challenges. Most people start small, in the township or a modest mall. But I believe if you can start big, start big.”

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The restaurant’s name, ZOR, carries profound personal meaning. Zulu said it’s inspired by his two daughters, Zara and Ora. “Z stands for Zara, O for Ora, and R — well, you can say it stands for Restaurant. But really, ZOR is a symbol of legacy. It’s something I created for them to show them that dreams can come true if you work for them.”

Zulu’s mother, who once encouraged him to pursue a ‘stable’ career, now beams with pride. “I’ve changed their [parents] thinking. Now, those who come after me are allowed to follow their passion.”

His success has also created opportunities for others. Through ZOR, Zulu has created employment, a point that fills him with quiet satisfaction.

“It feels good to know that what started as a dream is now helping others feed their families.”

And his two worlds, IT and hospitality, have blended in surprising ways. “In IT, everything is about solving problems. Running a restaurant is no different. You’re constantly finding solutions for customers, staff, and operations. Technology also plays a big role in how we manage orders, stock, and systems.”

When it comes to his personal favourites, Zulu’s taste is both traditional and adventurous. “At home, I love cow tongue. It reminds me of my childhood. But I also love seafood, especially octopus.”

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