If you would like to taste the many different traditional foods of the North Coast, going to Urban Food restaurant in Groutville will be a good choice.
The aromas of different curries, steam popping out of the pot of pap, steam bread and rice will make you lick your lips and place an order.
The restaurant was opened by passionate young Junior Mpanza opposite the Luthuli Museum three years ago with the aim of catering for the museum’s many visitors.
But it all began when he was just seven years old. He was assisting his granny who was working as a maid on a farm in Driefontein.
“I learned that being a chef is not only about cooking tasty food, you also need to enjoy what you do and then your guests will enjoy your food,” said Mpanza.
While he was at school in Ladysmith, Mpanza worked as a gardener and saved his earnings for his tertiary education.
“My employer assisted me financially to get to Fern Hill Hotel where I studied hospitality for two years,” said Mpanza.
He worked in different hotels and restaurants in KZN until he decided to open his own business in the township.
“I looked at the whites and Indians and I could see that they had their restaurants that catered for them and black people always have to try to fit into those restaurants. I decided to start a restaurant where I serve traditional food, not only for Zulus but for every one on the North Coast,” said Mpanza.
If you think travelling to Groutville is too far, Mpanza also offers to come and cook for you in the comfort of your home. You just tell him what you want to eat for lunch or supper.
He also does catering for events where the cost will depend on how many people you are hosting and what kind of food you wish to serve.
His dream is to one day run a supper theatre restaurant offering stage performances and historical story telling while you eat.
“I want my restaurant to be an all in one, I would also like to run a place where tourists are able to get all the information they need about our area.”
Mpanza won the third position in the 2015 Ilembe Chamber entrepreneur competition and said he was running out of words to express how happy he was about that.
“I have gained a lot of knowledge in terms of how to run a business and I will always thank the Chamber for this opportunity.”
You can contact Junior on 078 969 6938.
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