Meet 'Mzoli's Meat'

Explore South African food, music & people at Mzoli's Meat.

Mzoli's is a butchery in Gugulethu, a vibrant township on the outskirts of Cape Town. However, describing Mzoli's as just a butchery doesn't suffice as it is much more than just a place where you can get your meat from.

Since its opening in 2003, Mzoli's (also known as Mzoli's Place, Mzoli's Meat, or Mzoli's Butchery) has become a popular gathering spot for Cape Town's residents and tourists. It was started up by a local, Mzoli Ngcawuzele, who obtained funding from the Development Bank of South Africa, which supports black-owned businesses. Over the years, it has transformed from a mere butchery to an impressive hangout spot, which has put Gugulethu’s township on the tourism map!

​Since blossoming into a highly regarded venue in Cape Town, Mzoli's is often overflowing with all sorts of people having a great time. Locals, tourists, politicians and even celebrities can be found here. Due to the fact that Mzoli's is internationally acclaimed and people flock from all over (especially on Sundays), we advise that you get there early as the queues usually wind around the block and parking is limited. Upon arrival, you will select which meat you'd like - options include ground beef, lamb chops, boerewors (sausage), steak, pork shoulder, chicken, brisket, pre-cooked lamb stew, and more. Is your mouth watering yet? Mine is...

Mzoli's butchery

Once you've selected what you want, you will then get a choice of side dishes that include pap, chakalaka, steamed bread and beans. Your food will be taken away by a braai (barbecue) master, where it will be braaied on a huge grill with Mzoli's signature secret mix of herbs and spices. On Sunday’s there can be up to eight huge grills all going at a once! For tourists, eating at Mzoli's is a great way to experience a traditional South African meal.

Meat on the braai

Unless you don't mind eating with your hands, ensure that you have brought your own crockery and cutlery as Mzoli's does not supply these. Additionally, if you'd like to join in on the party vibe, you will need to bring your own booze. What Mzoli's does supply, however, besides for the absolutely delicious food, is live entertainment and has become noted as a venue for deep house and kwaito music. On Sundays especially, Mzoli's is pumping with live music and dancing - it's a great way to end off the week.

For our Riverlodge Backpackers' guests - If you plan on drinking at Mzoli's, we advise that you book our shuttle to and from. If you're travelling in a large group, it's best to phone Mzoli's ahead of time to book a table (+27 21 638 1355).

Written by Saskia Carelse
All photos sourced from Google Images

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