A vibey atmosphere, the lingering smell of braaivleis and thumping music blaring from the DJ’s corner is what an afternoon at Mzoli’s in Gugs is all about.

Mzoli’s Place was founded in 2003 and was originally a butchery, but later owner Mzoli Ngcawuzele (pictured above), transformed it into what’s become one of Cape Town’s most popular chilling places.

Here you rock up, buy your own meat, get your own drink from the nearest shebeen, and sit back while your meat is cooked for you.

Upon arrival, you're immediately taken in by the unity and warmth exuded by the 'patrons'. There's a festive and ‘happy go lucky’ spirit in the air, and not for a moment does one feel uncomfortable by the masses milling around or queuing to place their orders.

And buying drinks is equally stress free. At first I was a touch uncertain as to which house to approach, until a woman standing in her garden noticed my confusion and shouted, “ngena ngaphakathi kwedini”, which means “come inside my boy” in Xhosa. 

What strikes you most about Mzoli’s is that it’s the proverbial melting pot of cultures, accommodating every possible kind of person on Earth. Even vegetarians. Should meat not be your thing, no problem. On offer is a host of other, traditional African veg dishes to choose from.

And you can even bring your own – my good friend Faadia brought along a goodie basket filled with finger-licking chicken wings, and it’s fine if you bring your own drinks too.

The cooked meat is priced at R280 for a bucket that's large enough to fill four people. It typically contains chops, chicken, ribs, steak and/or sausage and included in the price are the traditional accompaniments chakalaka and pap.

But probably the best thing about Mzoli’s is it knows how to pull a crowd. From the girls dressed to impress to the guys revving their fancy cars in the hopes the girls would glance their way, and everything inbetween, including city slickers, out-of-towners, pensioners and tsotsis.

And then there are the foreigners who come out especially to experience that unique South African brand of township life, and all the Ubuntu that goes with it.

The music – from house to kwaito - is good (and loud) enough to make an old granny get off her chair and shake her hips - even after a hip replacement!  But Mzoli’s wouldn’t be the same without it.

If you are in the mood to venture out and try something different and uniquely South African, make your way onto the N2/Settlers way and turn right at Duinefontein road/M10, take the 3rd left onto Klipfontein road/M18 and then the 3rd left onto NY115, Mzoli’s Place is on the left. Mzoli’s Place (021 – 638 1355)

It’s safe. Don’t worry.

Pictured above, the author (with trilby in centre) and his friends at Mzoli's.

By TASTE reader Damian Cupido