Johannesburg Shisanyamas worth sinking your teeth into

Busy Corner Tembisa

Founded by multi-award-winning entrepreneur Rita Zwane, this braai spot started as a “pap en vleis” container before evolving into an empire. 

No longer just a street food retailer, Busy Corner in Tembisa has transformed into a world-class hospitality experience with dedicated braai masters who braai your meat to perfection while you socialise and sip on premium cocktails. 

Their popular platter known as the Meat Line up features 700g Boerewors, 800g Roast Beef or Brisket, and 600g Chicken Drumsticks, served with 5 portions of pap, 1 bowl of chakalaka and 1 portion of fresh salsa is perfect for large groups. 

They also have smaller servings for one or two people and liver and full chicken are also available to add to your braai. 

Busy Corner has a 4.3 star rating.

Moja Cafe, Sunninghill

There’s no reason to think a shisanyama cannot be luxurious because if you’re looking for something a bit more opulent., Moja Cafe in Sunninghill is your go-to establishment. 

You can take some impressive content at this shisanyama’s picturesque design and elegant decor. The braais here are accompanied by top-tier wines, premium spirits, and cocktails that fit perfectly with Moja Cafe’s Sandton vibe. 

A luxurious establishment can’t be identified by aesthetics only so Moja Cafe’s lamb chops, prime rib/prime steak, greek salad and other menu options are a perfect reflection of what the restaurant represents. 

While the foodies love the decor, Moja Cafe’s rating is only 3.5 because the people are not too pleased with the service. 

Pendo Braai House

The people of Johannesburg South only have good things to say about Pando Braai House in Kenilworth. From live music to a variety of event offerings, this place knows how to serve authentic kasi vibes. 

Pendo doesn’t braai with charcoal but uses firewood instead and even has a free, secure parking lot. Their tender brisket and chuck is seasoned to perfection before it goes into the fire and can be enjoyed with pap or braaibroodjies and chakalaka. 

But if you’re looking for a bigger selection of salads, you can also add some beetroot, potato and egg salad, baked bean salad or even coleslaw. 

If you have an experimental palate, you’ll be glad to know that Pendo recently elevated their menu with smoked editions and you can now feast on smoked ribs, chicken and meats.

If you love a good night out, look out for their events such as Ladies Night on Thursdays, Supreme Saturday Ecstasy, Soul Packed Sundays and others. 

Patrons have given this one a 4.7 rating, saying their meat is 10/10. 

Soweto Meat Lovers, Protea Glen

This one is not just a shisanyama but a high-energy entertainment hub featuring electrified large-scale crowds every weekend. It’s called Soweto Meat Lovers at Protea Glen so of course you can still braai.

But the reason this spot has become such a favourite is its marriage of local cuisine, vibey social events and an entertainment experience delivered the way only Johannesburg townships can.

The size of their Mix Braai Platters is entirely up to you as they can satisfy two to six hungry people with its T-Bone steaks, wors and flame braaied chicken pieces or wings paired with pap or chips, chakalaka and fresh salsa.

No Johannesburg establishment is complete without R&B so Meat Lovers have Soul Healing Sundays, but you can also swing by at the beginning of the weekend for Cocktail Fridays.

The establishment has a whooping 4.4 rating.

FuZe Chisanyama, Roodepoort

Where do Roodepoort people hang out when they want to unwind? The locals visit FuZe Chisanyama to relax with some music, good company and inspired conversations while the unmistakable braai aroma circles through the atmosphere. 

Whether you’re looking to grab a quick lunch or settle in and relax with some regulars and new faces, this is the place for you if you’re looking for chilled vibes. If you’re from out of town and want to soak in the culture, this is a good option for you.

Indulge in some braai steak, grilled chicken and boerewors which you can wash down with an ice cold beer or cider, or a spirit of your choice and if you prefer, you can even bring your own drinks.

FuZe is rated 4.8 stars so it’s definitely worth checking out.