Mouthwatering ‘skop’ on the menu at skop corner
As you make your way to Seshego Zone 6 by Moletjie Street, the divine smell of cooking meat will fill your nostrils
POLOKWANE – Following the captivating smell, you will come across ‘skop’ corner restaurant, where you will find their delicious cow head meat, better known as skop in the townships.
Owner and head chef, Thomas Tshabalala, talks about his restaurant.
He explained skop is a favorite dish among the kasi people and said his is the best in the neighborhood which is why he managed to attract such a large customer base.
“I have always loved cooking and now that it has become my job and helps me generate an income, I love it even more.”
The 25-year-old said he serves skop to around 70 customers daily. Some even drive out from Polokwane during their lunch breaks to indulge in his delicious skop which is served with pap.
Thomas shared his secret to what makes his food so delicious and popular. “I am the best chef in kasi and everyone knows it,” he boasted. “I make sure the meat is properly cooked and is falling off the bone so it is juicy and soft. I also add a special selection of herbs and spices to enhance the flavour.”
When he started the business in 2014, he was unsure if it would be successful, but to his surprise, the food was so well loved by everyone that it has been in high demand ever since.
He enrolled at a cooking academy but could not finish the course due to financial difficulties. “One day I would like to go back and finish my qualification so I can be counted among professional chefs.”
Thomas employs two people and his goals include opening a restaurant with dining facilities to accommodate more clients which will in turn provide more employment opportunities.
