When it comes to the narration of South African culture, there are not many places that truly captures and celebrates our authenticity in the way that Seven Colours does.
No – I’m not referring to the colourful plate you receive at a Sunday afternoon lunch gathering, I’m talking about the hidden gem in Bantery Bay, close to Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront.
Surrounded by a canal that leads all the way to the nearby harbour, and a picturesque view of the city’s famous table mountain lies the Seven Colours eatery – a restaurant specialising in the serving of some the of South Africa’s most authentic cuisines.
Recently, my colleagues and I were afforded the opportunity to visit the place ahead of Heritage Day. When we arrived, we were greeted by the most hospitable waiters and waitresses that made us feel at peace and at home.
The restaurant is owned by Chef Nolukhanyo Dube-Cele, a woman who has ventured all around the world pursuing her love for food until discovering that there’s no place like home.
While there, Chef Nolukhanyo took us on an adventure, explaining the vision behind her decision to open the renowned eatery as well as her love for home grown traditional food which draws inspiration from her upbringing as a child and watching her mother and grandmother prepare food.
I have to admit, when I heard the term “traditional” my western adapted palate was not exactly keen on exploring what I thought would be on offer – but boy was I wrong.
For starters we were served meals that are well familiar to the layman, dishes like vet koek and mince, rooster koek and fried pap mixed with spinach and a delicious sauce to compliment the flavours – one bite and I was won over.
In true chef-like fashion, Nolukhanyo and her team were able to take some of our most favourite home cooked meals and transform them into five-star courses fit for a king!
It was not long until we were served the main course which consisted of beans, beetroot, chakalaka, oxtail, chicken rice and many more – this plate epitomised a traditional seven colours meal in all its splendour. A bite into it is enough to take anyone on a nostalgic journey back to their childhood. Saying that it was good would be an understatement, it was unbelievable.
The flavours just seemed to marry together with one bringing the best out of the other, a match made in heaven is what it was. Another stand out feature that struck me was how Seven Colours Eatery celebrated many of South Africa’s home grown brands from its gin all the way to the chicken which was served – honouring the spirit of Ubuntu.
With the live band in the background keeping us entertained, it was time to seal the deal with a delicious milk tart – a true South African’s favourite, and it certainly is mine.
When it comes to authenticity, hospitality, and a unique South African experience, I highly recommend visiting the Seven Colours eatery!
Also see: Top 4 proudly South African desserts to try this heritage month
