New experiences and shisanyama

RATED as one of the top 10 township restaurants by South African Tourism, the popular Max’s Lifestyle Club in V section, uMlazi, is one of Durban’s veritable township experiences. With queues running out the door, and with the fires blazing inside, there’s a carnival atmosphere at the restaurant, a fact experienced by members of the Rotary Club of uMhlanga.

Members were there to experience what shisanyama is all about. The restaurant is a butchery-turned-restaurant, where patrons select their steak, chops or wors and take it to one of the nearby fires to have it expertly braaied. The words literally mean ‘burn the meat’ in Zulu, which is accompanied by speciality sauces, spicy gravy, relish or chakalaka.

Long time member of the club, Clive Hull, said the outing was proposed by the fellowship committee and it was about trying something different. “We heard this spot was very popular with the tourists who visited during the soccer world cup in 2010 and thought it would be a great experience.

“For most of the Rotarians, this was their first time experiencing a shisanyama restaurant. I must say it was very tasty and we would definitely go back,” he enthused.

One thing Hull said he couldn’t wrap his tongue around, was mogudu or tripe. “Not in a millions years, but Dave and Zelda Prece were brave enough. He even took a doggy bag home, so he must have enjoyed it,” Hull said.