Nyoni Fast Food

I’m Nick Hamman and with this one we’re going big, paying tribute to an icon, an unsung hero of the south African culinary landscape. I’m looking for the best meaty bones in Mzansi and I’m starting my search by travelling just behind hillbrow, to a part of town many are told to avoid, despite countless calling it home to a community favourite, Nyoni Fast Food in Berea, which this young entrepreneur has been running for already 13 years. This is what a hidden gem actually looks like, so pay attention. Come here for chicken, beans, beef and of course a plate of steaming hot pap and meaty bones with fresh spinach.

This is a dish born out of tough times, when making the most out of all of the animal is of paramount importance and doing it right is an art. Whether neck, spine, shank, knuckle or marrow, the bones must be simmered until tender, directly in a pot with stock, spices, water, onion, garlic or whatever is available.

Despite its humble simplicity, this is food that can achieve the most powerful thing that food can do, connect people to memory and for that reason it deserves its respect. I would highly recommend trying out Nyoni Fast Food for yourself and so I’ve left the details in the caption, but if you know a good spot to get this classic dish in South Africa, I need you to let me know in the comments where I’m going next?