UbuntuAbout Us
At Ubuntu Bar & Grill, we believe that food is more than just sustenance—it is a bridge between cultures, a shared experience, and a celebration of history. Our menu tells the story of Ubuntu, the African philosophy that means “I am because we are”—a testament to the interconnectedness of people, flavors, and traditions across continents.
A Tale of Three Worlds: The Spice Routes and the Indigenous Soul
Our flavors are deeply rooted in a centuries-old culinary journey that connects India, Portugal, and South Africa—three cultures intertwined by history, migration, and the movement of spices.
1. The Spice Route: India’s Bold & Aromatic Influence
India has long been the heart of the global spice trade, exporting bold flavors like cardamom, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili—spices that found their way to the shores of Africa through Portuguese traders. These spices became essential to South African cuisine, influencing dishes such as Cape Malay curries and aromatic stews. At Ubuntu, we honor these flavors with our spiced peri-peri chicken, Durban curry bowls, and fragrant saffron-infused seafood stews.
2. Portugal’s Influence: Navigating the Oceans of Flavor
As Portuguese explorers ventured across the world in the 15th and 16th centuries, they carried not only spices but also cooking techniques and ingredients that shaped African cuisine. The Portuguese introduced vinegar-based marinades, smoked paprika, and the legendary peri-peri chili, which became a staple in Mozambique and South Africa. Their love for grilled meats, seafood, and rich sauces is reflected in our chargrilled peri-peri prawns, flame-seared espetadas, and smoky chorizo-infused stews.
3. The Indigenous Spirit of South Africa: The Soul of Ubuntu
Before the traders and explorers arrived, the Khoisan and Bantu-speaking peoples of South Africa had their own deep culinary traditions, based on roasting meats over open flames, foraging for indigenous herbs, and fermenting grains for traditional brews. Their influence can be seen in dishes like boerewors (spiced sausage), chakalaka (spicy relish), and umqombothi (traditional sorghum beer). Ubuntu Bar & Grill embraces these ancestral flavors with our braai-grilled meats, slow-cooked oxtail, and house-made African spice blends.
