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Mzoli’s Is Still A Wave + Our Favorite Braai Spots in South Africa

Sometimes an institution becomes so popular in mainstream consciousness that we declare it “over” or commercialized. In some ways this has happened to Mzoli’s the Gugulethu Braai house owned by it’s namesake Mzoli Ngcawuzele that is now visited by tour buses and local denizens alike. However no amount of foreign influx or film crew can deny the cultural bastion that remains on Road 115 in a township that is known for being “about that life” after dark.

The owner who has suffered his own fair share of hardships, continues to be a force in his community yielding the power of local man coming of age by any means necessary and that of a pillar of community who has managed to navigate government and Cape Town industry to build an international institution in “Gugs” the townships nickname.

On a recent trip to check the pulse of this famed entity we noticed immediately that the buildup on the main road was just as long as ever on a Sunday and that before even rounding the corner the fast paced basslines of Kwaito and Deep House could be felt in the air. We made the mistake of showing up after 2PM and faced the unfortunate peril of having to broker our space in the line to get the last dregs of meat — a crazy idea at a butchery. Mostly South Africans but also a steady flow of Dutch, German, and American visitors — mostly young — mostly looking to feel the vibe of authenticity that is unmistakeable here no matter how many press write-ups the establishment receives.

We successfully navigate ordering our kilos — of chicken, lamb, steak, and some boewoers — take them to the back where we must tip the braai men in order to speed up our place in the line. We go back, flash some smiles, drop some rand and are told to return in the next 15 minutes or so.

Walking from the butchery entrance to the backyard where the DJ is spinning, the shisha (or hookah) is puffing, and the drinks (mostly brought in by patrons themselves) are flowing is like a postcard for Black Cape Town. Colored, Black, White cool mixing and mingling and all trying to get a piece of sunshine with the smell of charcoal tinged meat and a cool drink to wash it down.

We luck out and find a standing room table and proceed to drinking our Savannah Ciders — purchased from a mom and pop liquor store across the street, eventually get several rounds of shots, and at about 4PM we have felt the vibe enough to make our way to the dance floor and shut the place down.

This moment can never be diminished, stay shining Mr. Mzoli.

For more wavy braai spots check out:

Maphindi’s Place // 3rd Ave, Nyanga // Cape Town // +27 21 386 0582

aMadoda Braai // 1 Strand St, Woodstock // Cape Town // +27 21 447 2133

Mash Braai House // Buzz Shopping Center, Fourways // Johannesburg // +27 82 579 8277

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