A Foodie Adventure in Durban

While indulging in a mouthwatering bunny chow at Little Gujarat, I had the incredible luck of meeting three gentlemen who shared my love for curry. As we chatted about the tantalizing flavors of Durban’s famous dish, they discovered my quest to explore the city’s culinary delights. Much to my delight, Richard Powell, Sthembiso Mbonambi, and Jonas Barausse, the masterminds behind Street Scene Tours, offered to guide me through a unique food tour of Durban and its surrounding areas.

What made this experience even more exciting was the fact that these three food enthusiasts were deeply immersed in the vibrant Durban food scene. With their insider knowledge, I knew I was in for a treat as they promised to take me to their favorite foodie hotspots in Durbs.

The day after my curry mission, I joined Jonas and Richard on a tour. We started the day at Colombo Coffee, a hidden gem in Durban. I had the most amazing red cappuccino I’ve ever tasted, while Richard and Jonas enjoyed some of Colombo’s aromatic roasts. Despite being a staple in the coffee scene for over 90 years and supplying many restaurants and coffee bars in Durban, not many locals know about this delightful coffee warehouse.

Our next stop was the stunning Valley of 1000 Hills, just a short drive from Durban. Here, we indulged in a chutney, cheese, and beer tasting at the Valley of 1000 Hills Chef School. The deli at the chef school had only opened a few months ago, so it’s still a bit under the radar for food enthusiasts. However, I have no doubt that it will soon become a popular spot. The talented chef students here create a fantastic selection of pickles, jams, curds, chutneys, cheese, and homemade beer. We sampled all of these delicious treats, along with fresh, buttery croissants straight out of the oven. Quills’ Beer, exclusive to the chef school, is definitely worth a try. I highly recommend going for a tasting and grabbing a few bottles. It’s all-natural and free from strange ingredients and chemicals, which supposedly means less of a hangover. I particularly enjoyed their stout and Red Karoo varieties.

Overall, this tour was a delightful adventure, and I felt like we had discovered some hidden treasures in Durban.

As I ventured back to Durban, I made a quick stop at the always bustling Sprigs in Kloof. This spot has the kind of atmosphere that appeals to me, like a deli offering pre-made meals, unique ingredients, and delightful baked goods. And the best part? They have a lunch buffet table stacked with an assortment of wholesome salads, mouthwatering quiches, and savory pies.

But lunch for me wasn’t at Sprigs. Richard had been talking excitedly about Cafe 1999 all morning, claiming it was the best restaurant in Durban. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. From the outside, it didn’t look like much, just a plain building overlooking a parking lot in Musgrave. However, the moment we stepped inside, I understood why Richard was so enthusiastic.

The food at Cafe 1999 was simply incredible. Richard couldn’t stop raving about the stuffed olives, so we had to order them. And I have to say, they were absolutely divine. These ricotta-stuffed calamata olives were deep-fried to perfection and served with a refreshing coriander mayonnaise. Every bite was pure bliss.

We also tried the prawn ‘lollipops’ and the stuffed peppadews as our other tapas options. Both were bursting with flavor and left us wanting more. As everyone else at the table enjoyed their mouthwatering impala soaked in delicious gravy, I decided to go for something lighter.

My choice was a grilled calamari salad with couscous, avocado, and roasted peppers. It was the ideal dish for a light lunch after the indulgence of seven curries in a single day. The calamari was perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful, while the couscous, avocado, and roasted peppers added a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Overall, Cafe 1999 exceeded my expectations. Despite its unassuming exterior, the food and service were exceptional. I couldn’t have asked for a better culinary experience in Durban. If you ever find yourself in the area, I highly recommend giving this gem a try. You won’t be disappointed.

So, I had one final stop on my adventure-filled day: the Corner Cafe. This place is pretty cool because they’re all about being eco-friendly. They serve up some amazing breakfast options like green eggs and ham, welsh rarebit, and egg with toast soldiers. And for lunch, you can’t go wrong with their toasted sourdough sandwiches or their famous ‘man salad’ – a delicious combo of biltong, lentils, and roasted veggies. Oh, and don’t even get me started on their coffee and cakes. They have the best milk tart and baked cheesecake. I couldn’t resist trying both (for work purposes, of course).

If I lived in Durban, you can bet that the Corner Cafe would be my hangout spot. It’s the perfect place to indulge in a leisurely breakfast, have a laid-back lunch, or enjoy a long tea-and-cake session. And if you’re one of those creative types who doesn’t have an actual office, this place is a dream. Grab your Apple Macbook, order a never-ending supply of coffee, and get to work. It’s the perfect environment for letting your creativity flow.

But you know what I really love about the Corner Cafe? It’s their genuine commitment to the environment. A lot of other restaurants just do the whole “green thing” to look good or because it’s trendy right now. But the Corner Cafe takes it to another level.

They have their own vegetable and herb garden in the back that supplies the restaurant with fresh, seasonal ingredients. And get this – they even water the garden with grey water! How cool is that? They also have a wormery where they compost all of their organic waste. It’s all about sustainable practices and minimizing waste.

So yeah, that’s my take on the Corner Cafe. It’s not just about the food, although that’s amazing too. It’s about their commitment to the planet and making a difference. I wish more restaurants were like them.

Anyway, that’s a wrap for my day of exploring Durban’s food scene. Trust me, there’s so much more to discover. I’ll definitely be back for another foodie adventure!

Hey there! Let me tell you about an awesome experience I had in Durban. I went on a city tour with Jonas and Richard from Street Scene Tours, and it was absolutely amazing. These guys are so passionate about their city, and they love sharing it with others. They know everything there is to know about the art, history, and architecture of Durban, and they don’t hold back on sharing their knowledge.

What I loved about Jonas and Richard was their laid-back and friendly nature. They made me feel incredibly welcome and comfortable throughout the tour. They were also super accommodating to everyone’s needs and preferences, which made the whole experience even better.

If you’re ever in Durban, make sure not to miss out on a city tour with Street Scene Tours. Trust me, it’s worth it!

And guess what? Street Scene Tours doesn’t just offer city tours in Durban. They also have tours outside of the city, and soon they’ll be running a gourmet trip through the Midlands Meander. How cool is that? You can find more details about their tours on their website.

Speaking of Durban, let me tell you about this amazing coffee shop I discovered called Colombo Coffee. It’s located at 369 Gale Street, and their coffee is out of this world. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

Another great place to check out is the Valley of 1000 Hills Chef School. It’s located at Wooton Avenue in Hillcrest. If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll absolutely love this place. They offer top-notch culinary training and it’s definitely worth a visit.

Are you on the hunt for some delicious and unique dining spots in Kloof and Berea? Well, I’ve got you covered! Let me introduce you to three fantastic restaurants that you won’t want to miss.

First up, we have Sprigs. Located in the Fields Shopping Centre in Kloof, this place is a must-visit. Their menu is filled with mouthwatering dishes that will satisfy any foodie’s cravings. And the best part? They have a phone number, so you can easily make a reservation and secure your spot.

If you’re in the Berea area, you need to check out Cafe 1999. This hidden gem can be found at the Silvervause Centre, at the corner of Silverton and Vause Roads. The atmosphere here is cozy and welcoming, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a tasty meal. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

But wait, there’s more! Another fantastic dining spot in Glenwood is the Corner Cafe. Situated at the corner of Brand and Cromwell Roads, this place is a real treat. From their delectable dishes to their friendly staff, everything about the Corner Cafe is top-notch. So why wait? Give them a call and reserve your table today!

With these three incredible restaurants, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, grab your friends or family, and treat yourself to a memorable dining experience. Bon appétit!

Sprigs
Address: Fields Shopping Centre, Kloof
Tel 031-764-6031

Cafe 1999
Address: Silvervause Centre, corner of Silverton and Vause Roads, Berea
Tel 031-202-3406

Corner Cafe
Address: Corner Brand and Cromwell Roads, Glenwood
Tel 031-201-0219

Corner Cafe
Address: Corner Brand and Cromwell Roads, Glenwood
Tel 031-201-0219