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That’s not all – Joburgers who love their coffee and pets will be thrilled to discover the city’s best pet-friendly coffee spots, from Kaylee’s Eatery in Bedfordview to Fresh Earth Food Store in Blairgowrie. For a touch of luxury, tashas LXX in Sandhurst offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu that blends classic favourites with unique signature dishes. Plus, recent studies reveal intriguing insights into Johannesburg’s dining habits, including early closing times and a decline in the consumption of indigenous foods. So, whether you’re sipping, savouring, or exploring, there’s plenty to enjoy in Joburg’s vibrant food scene.
We are losing touch with indigenous culinary heritage, study reveals
A recent study by University of Johannesburg’s Food Evolution Research Laboratory (FERL) has highlighted a significant gap in the knowledge and consumption of indigenous foods among young people in Gauteng. The research, titled Perceptions and Consumption of Indigenous Foods in Gauteng Province, found that many residents have limited awareness of traditional South African foods, with a notable decline in their consumption. The study, presented by Dr Hema Kesa, director of FERL, revealed that while Indigenous foods like grain sorghum, marula, and amadumbe are somewhat known, their actual consumption remains low and seasonal. The research also pointed out that the introduction of Eurocentric foods has displaced indigenous food systems, leading to a devaluation of native culinary traditions. According to the Department of Agriculture, growing more indigenous food can help combat food security.
Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation celebrates indigenous food
Walk the Spice Route in Fordsburg
From Eldos to Four Seasons, Chef Katlego Mlambo on his journey
Interviewing Chef Katlego Mlambo feels like catching up with an old friend. His warmth and openness are immediately disarming, and his generosity is palpable. Despite his undeniable talent, Mlambo emphasises that hard work is the key to success. We spoke to him about his career journey, from his beginnings under South Africa’s finest chefs to his current roles as a judge on MasterChef South Africa and Executive Sous Chef at Flames at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff. Read all about it here.
Joburg’s best pet-friendly coffee spots
Joburgers are passionate about their coffee and their pets, and the city offers plenty of spots where you can enjoy both. From Bedfordview to Birdhaven, numerous cafés welcome furry friends and serve top-notch brews. For instance, Kaylee’s Eatery in Bedfordview offers a plant-based menu and special dog treats, while Arbour Café in Birdhaven provides a French-inspired experience with a delightful doggy menu. In Blairgowrie, Fresh Earth Food Store is a plant-based haven next to Delta Park, perfect for a post-walk treat. Meanwhile, Jackson’s Real Food Market and Eatery in Bryanston focuses on healthy, organic options for both humans and their furry friends. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual brunch or a quick coffee, these pet-friendly spots ensure you and your pup are well taken care of.
New additions to Joburg's dining scene
tashas LXX brings comfort, good food, and quality service
Located in the upscale LXX Sandhurst shopping complex, tashas LXX epitomises the luxe lifestyle many Joburgers aspire to. Nestled on the former IBM campus along bustling Rivonia Road, this new addition to the tashas family offers a sophisticated yet warm dining experience. The restaurant’s interior features modern, comfortable seating, lush greenery, and vibrant floral displays, creating an inviting urban oasis. The menu at tashas LXX includes classic favourites and unique signature dishes. The signature cocktail menu, featuring creative concoctions like the Basil Crush and Go Bananas, adds to the allure. With its attention to detail and commitment to quality, tashas LXX is set to become a favourite spot for Joburgers seeking a stylish and memorable dining experience.
Just spotted: Learn how to eat well at Cooking Kitchen
Yolanda Duxbury, a clinical nutritionist, has launched The Cooking Kitchen, a unique space where nutrition meets creativity. “We live in a society where instant gratification and the fast pace of life dominate and influence our eating habits,” she says. Her vision for The Cooking Kitchen is to make healthy food choices fun and engaging, especially for children and young adults. “Healthy, good food choices can be exciting and need to engage each child to want to return next week and be excited to replicate the dish at home,” she explains. The Cooking Kitchen also offers adult cooking classes, focusing on quick, healthy meals that can be prepared in 15 to 30 minutes. "Joining a weekly cooking class will not only teach you how to cook healthy, quick meals but also give you a chance to relax and forget about life for a little while.” Pop into The Cooking Kitchen on Jan Smuts Avenue in Parkwood and discover how you can be part of this exciting culinary journey.
Sadie’s Bistro energises the City Centre's culinary scene
This new dining spot in Marshalltown pays homage to an advertising executive-turned-professional chef Julian Ribeiro’s grandmother, Sadie Ribeiro (nee Naddaf), who believed that “food is love.” Reflecting her South African and Lebanese heritage, the menu is a testament to her warmth and culinary prowess. Ribeiro, with over 30 years of home cooking experience, honed his skills at Capsicum cooking school and Cape Town’s The Test Kitchen (now The Pot Luck Club). Opened in July 2024 on Main Street in the Main Street Mining District, Sadie’s Bistro offers bistro comfort food classics, from breakfast baskets and house-made pastries to signature dishes like the Lebanese mezze plate. With a curated selection of wines, beers, spirits, and special cocktails, this new spot aims to revive Johannesburg’s City Centre, providing a unique dining experience for locals and visitors.
Joburg ranks among earliest cities for late-night dining, study finds
A recent study by food publication Chef’s Pencil has revealed that Johannesburg is among the cities with the earliest closing times for late-night dining globally. The research, which examined data from over 4,400 restaurants in 89 cities worldwide, found that the average last seating time in Johannesburg is 21:00. This places Johannesburg alongside Cape Town as one of the earliest cities to stop taking food orders. The study underscores the cultural differences in dining habits, with Johannesburg’s early closing times standing in stark contrast to cities in the Middle East and South Asia, where late-night dining is more prevalent. For those in Joburg, this means that securing a late meal after an evening out requires some planning ahead...
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