Seven Colours Eatery: SA Soul Food at The V&A Waterfront

A passion project of chef Nolu Dube-Cele, this colour-drenched eatery is hidden away at Battery Park, just off the main V&A Waterfront precinct, with a clutch of outside tables. Looking out over the canal, Nolu celebrates the rich diversity of traditional South African food, which she believes is often overlooked in contemporary dining. The Eastern Cape-born chef dishes up home-style plates of hearty soul food that are as colourful as they are flavourful, all served with kindness and warmth.

In Xhosa culture, the term “seven colours” refers to a balanced plate of nutrient-rich, strikingly hued food (bright-red beetroot and yellow-coloured rice, for example) and by bringing this hearty soul food to the Waterfront, Nolu is serving a piece of home to her patrons.

A taste of home

Sound intriguing? Pop into Seven Colours for a multicoloured plate! For authentic South African street food try the igwinya (vetkoek) with mince and chakalaka. But you’ll also want to settle in to a feast of umleqwa (road-runner chicken) or the rich, slow-braised oxtail potjie on a Seven Colour Plate that includes umngqusho (samp with sugar beans), umfino balls (maize meal with leafy greens) and amazimba (sorghum). The shisanyama plate (braaied meat in a special BBQ basting sauce, with roosterkoek and salads) also comes highly recommended as does the mogodu (some of the best tripe in Cape Town!).

Craft drinks

Another thing Nolu is committed to is supporting small-scale brewers, winemakers, distillers and coffee roasters for her drinks menu, so you’ll find sorghum beer, wild harvest indigenous herbal teas, a buchu kombucha and much more, each with a story to tell.

Ukonwabele ukutya kwakho! (Enjoy your meal!)

Opening times Sunday – Wednesday, 9am – 6pm
Thursday – Saturday, 9am – 9pm
Contact 087 265 8762, [email protected]
Where to find it Battery Park, 3 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

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