December 13, 2011: Amid the hustle and bustle of the streets of Umlazi township to the south of Durban’s city centre lies a very unique and special place. This is one the few places in KwaZulu-Natal which offers its patrons the rare opportunity to taste the cuisine and atmosphere of township life fused with that little bit of class and a more glamorous, aspirational lifestyle.
I recently took a trip to Max’s Lifestyle in Umlazi to experience first-hand what the hype is all about. I was blown away by what I saw. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought that a place like this existed in the townships of South Africa. If you’re looking to enjoy the tastes of traditional township life and African cuisine then Max’s Lifestyle is the place to go.
Under the stewardship of Max Mqadi, Max’s offers something that South Africans love to enjoy when relaxing and kicking back in the townships. We’re talking here about the famous “Shisanyama”, also most commonly known as braais. Come any given weekend, South Africans of all backgrounds, colours and creeds are to be found worshipping in front of that national treasure, the braaivleis.
Secret sauce
Max’s Lifestyle is also home to the best sauce I have tasted in my life. When I asked one of the employees what was in the sauce, he said, “I can’t tell you what is in it, this is our secret weapon which keeps our customers coming back . . . again and again. It’s what distinguishes us from other Shisanyamas.”
Strong words indeed, and I can vouch for the lip-smacking deliciousness of this secret sauce.
Max’s lifestyle also plays host to some of the best entertainment acts in the country. Acts like the award-winning kwaito group Big Nuz, who are a proudly home grown Umlazi outfit (the name Big Nuz is taken from the first three letters of the Umlazi number plate, NUZ) are frequent visitors to Max’s Lifestyle, whether it is to perform some of their latest tunes or just to enjoy some shisanyama and a drink.
Hands-on
Owner Max Mqadi is very hands on; you will sometimes find him at the braai stand doing his own braaing for his patrons.”I am a very hands-on person, I like to do things myself in order to ensure that it gets done properly,” says Mqadi.
Max’s Lifestyle also has a restaurant called eBhodweni (The Pot), which sells traditional African cuisine such as umxabhiso (tripe), amagwinya (fatkoeks), ujeqe (steam bread) and so on. They also offer carwash services where you can leave your vehicle while it’s been washed, and you can go ahead and enjoy yourself inside.
Max’s lifestyle offers a fully stocked bar. There is also Zulu sorghum beer for those unfamiliar with the beer, and who wish to give it a try.
Well known celebrity figures are frequent visitors, from actors and sports stars to singers and politicians. Julius Malema is a frequent visitor to the place, as is former Durban mayor Obed Mlaba.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself at Max’s Lifestyle and it would not be a bad idea for you to visit the venue to enjoy a truly South African experience. – By Mbuso Mkhize
Contacts
Tel: 031 906 1393; fax: 031 906 1390
E-mail: max@maxslifestyle.co.za
1 Comment
Would really love to come and experiment indawo yakho, always here about it; even Egoli talk about it.