Emazulwini: Chef Mmabatho Molefe’s New-Look Zulu Fine-Dining Restaurant

After making a resounding name for herself from her tiny 10-seater incubation space at Makers Landing in the V&A Waterfront, chef Mmabatho Molefe has moved her Emazulwini dining concept to a newly designed 40-seater space next door, with the same view overlooking the harbour and cruise ship docks a brand-new menu and ever-expanding horizons.

The young chef has already reaped recognition and a number of prestigious awards (including a place on The World’s 50 Next list) for her simply delicious Zulu-cuisine-with-a-fine-dining-twist in the two years since opening Emazulwini. Local ingredients, dollops of love and beautiful presentation are the secret to her capturing the imagination of the foodie world.

South Africa on a plate

Mmabatho’s new 7-course tasting menu is a homage to home, reminiscing over the flavours of her mother’s kitchen and reimagining them with fine dining finesse.
The menu kicks off with exquisite snacks – a delicate chicken neck mousse tart, a festive gem of chicken liver paté on a chocolate crumb, and a tiny chicken polony-adorned vetkoek. A subtle (and very pretty) corn custard with parsley sauce is followed by hearty beef liver, elegantly plated with mushroom, beetroot and braised onions. Crispy potato pie sparkles with lively coriander chutney, then braised short rib is simply served with delightful caramelised cabbage, fragrant leeks and savoury jus.

They’re nostalgic homely flavours creatively showcased in an intimately South African tasting journey, which culminates in a gorgeous dessert celebrating sorghum, with hints of orange, banana caramel, and amarula.

Well chosen wine-pairings accompany each course: Sophie chardonnay with the canapés, a lightly-chilled Copper Pot pinot noir with the liver, Ataraxia Serenity red blend with the short rib.

Cruise ship views

As part of the Maker’s Landing incubation process the new space is a six-month residency (which can be extended in six-month increments) that gives rising culinary stars the opportunity to grow into a full-size restaurant space. Beautifully designed with open kitchen and big glass doors opening onto a quayside terrace, our views were initially of a docked cruise ship, which departed during the evening (as we waved it off from the terrace) revealing the twinkling lights of the harbour.
The new menu, a bigger kitchen, more staff, and some fabulous fresh ideas, are sure to put Emazulwini firmly on the South African dining map.
Opened 10 November 2022
Opening times Thursday – Saturday, 12pm – 8pm (last seating)
Sunday, 12.30pm – 2pm (last seating)
Contact 060 160 2347, emazulwinirestaurant@gmail.com
Where to find it Maker’s Landing, The Cruise Terminal, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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