The township ox head king
The former Nonhlevu Secondary matriculant still finds time in his busy schedule to work as a waiter in Zimbali and has been waitering since he was 15.
Presentation is the first selling point to attract customers to your food before they actually take the first bite.
This is what foodie entrepreneur Ndumiso “Dreadz” Ndlovu believes is the key to the success of his African cuisine business in Melville, known as ‘Paradise’.
Ndlovu used to sell vetkoek and fried chips, but the high price of oil made him look at ox head meat instead – a decision he is not regretting because business is booming. What sets him apart is his presentation. Every mouthful is a feast for your eyes.
When the ox head sales picked up, Ndlovu realised he may as well add the feet, so ox and pork trotters also made it to the menu. Walkie Talkies (chicken feet) were not far behind, and customers enjoy their choice of meat with pap or steamed bread.
Inside the yard of his eatery one is greeted by a pleasant atmosphere. Meals are cooked on open fires and served at comfortable wooden tables and benches.
The meals are neatly presented on a wooden tray called ugqoko or isithebe.
“At almost every taxi rank someone is selling ox head meat, but in my case I have customers specifically driving from as far as Mandeni to enjoy my food,” said Ndlovu.
The former Nonhlevu Secondary matriculant still finds time in his busy schedule to work as a waiter in Zimbali and has been waitering since he was 15. With his business growing, Ndlovu had to employ three people to help him.
Through Facebook, his place became known to many people from different backgrounds and he recently started hosting parties.
“The aim is to turn this place into a proper restaurant and be able to host functions such as birthday parties and baby showers.”
So, where do you find his eatery?
On the R102 towards Stanger past the Umvoti bridge and a sport field on your right, turn left after a speed hump and follow the narrow road.
Ask for a place called Paradise or watch out for a shack on the side of the road with a sign Inhloko with a menu on it.
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