There’s something fun and sassy about street food – be it a designer sandwich, ice cream that’s actually good for you or a coffee you’ll leave home for. If you’re in the mood for a quick bite, here’s a taste of what’s popping up around town.
Location can make or break a restaurant, and if that doesn’t then the overheads surely will – which is why the food business is clearly for the brave and insane. It is also the reason why mobile food trucks – in all major cities around the world – are popping up faster than we can say pulled pork pie. Durban, with its balmy climate, burgeoning roster of outdoor markets and wonderfully cosmopolitan people, is not exempt to this movement of mobile munching.
Street food is nothing new. Whether it’s a hotdog or pretzel on the streets of New York or a kebab at 2am in London, we’ve all eaten from a food cart at some stage. What is interesting is that top cooks are handing in their whites and hitting the roads, offering restaurant quality nosh at street vendor prices – and it makes complete sense. Take away the overheads of rent, huge staff compliments, deposits, leases, electricity and all the other hidden costs, go to where the people are, specialise in one or two items that you develop a following for, and you have an attractive business. For youngsters who like the idea of being transient, working for themselves and relish a job that doesn’t tie them to a desk for eight hours a day, it’s a no-brainer.
Here’s a short list of my favourites – but I’m sure more will be popping up soon.
Check out cuisine.co.za for a great calendar of all the markets in KZN.
ZAK & TONIC
Zak and Tonic met on the set of MasterChef SA Season 2, and in Dec 2013 joined forces to feed the people of Durban by way of the ever popular mobile food movement. They are inspired by pure good food, with Zak having an affinity for baking and Tonic an interest in sustainable and seasonable produce. Catch them doing crepes at The Morning Trade, and an array of delicious, innovative sandwiches like pulled pork with pickled pears at Market at the Square. They are the team behind the pop up at the Rooftop Garden at 77 Monty Naiker and Secret Eats Durban. Watch out for their new food van hitting the streets in time for summer.
www.zakandtonic.co.za
FALAFEL FUNDI
Probably the worlds most widely exported Middle Eastern street food, well made falafel is hard to beat. But man, does this fundi know what he’s doing. Fried, fresh and lovingly folded with salad, chilli and tahini in the softest flat bread, this is food for the soul. Forgive me as it conjures up my inner hippie, and for a moment I seriously consider buying the whole basket of kale from the veg dude with dreads, going home and making smoothies for days. It’s short-lived however as it’s normally swiftly washed down by a beer … oh wait, and then another. He’s a Sunday feature at The Morning Trade, 8 Morrison Street, and you’ll catch him at the Night Market in uMhlanga. You’ll wait a while, but Saar will always have something to say to coax out a smile and his queue is always full of the most interesting people.
www.facebook.com/saar.benhamoo
MISS K ICE CREAM FOOD
“Go on, eat it for breakfast,” says Karen McIntosh, co-founder of Miss K ice-cream food. And do you know what, I will! I was lucky enough to be at a wedding recently where her wonderful caravan was serving up home-made ice cream to drunk guests who looked like adults but were tucking into cones like six year olds at their first pool party of summer. Miss K is flipping delicious. It comes in vanilla, chocolate and bubblegum, and is packed choc full of nutritious goodness. Look out for her at the various markets and at most Spars. Go on … get your kids to like you again. www.miss-k.co.za
AFROS CHICKEN
Durban’s favourite chicken burger and chips is also home to our quirkiest food truck. Always at markets and outdoor events, their popularity is due to an unbelievably delicious product and hands-down “Durban’s best chips”. You will queue patiently for their braaied goodness but it will be well worth the wait. Enjoy the sunshine, ponder the delights of Durban living and lick your fingers, everything is good in the world. www.afroschicken.co.za
JACKSONVILLE COFFEE
Good coffee has become a serious business, and we’re getting seriously spoilt in Durbs with new boutique offerings opening all the time, with local roasts by local merchants. New to our hood is Jacksonville, next to Porsche in New Town, which we can add to our impressive list of places to gather for a brew of goodness. Clint and Ellen’s mobile set-up is impressive, and these days no event is complete without an excellent coffee offering, which the couple are passionate about. Give them a call for weddings and corporate gigs or pop in for a cuppa. You won’t look back.
Clint 083 290 2985
59 Meridian Drive, 10 Outlet Park, uMhlanga
Shop 2 Moses Mabhida Stadium