Nick Hamman

Johannesburg is South Africa’s real global African city. Gold pulled people here in 1886. Since then, people have arrived for work, safety, school fees, second chances, family, faith, love, and survival. After the nineties, Joburg opened itself again, this time to more of our neighbours from the African continent. I think one of the best ways to understand Johannesburg is to eat with the people who came here to build new lives, carrying the knowledge of what they ate back home. Food travels when people do. Recipes survive borders. Restaurants become a communal space where people can connect around a shared understanding of a plate. So, for Africa Month, I wanted to share the places in Joburg where you can taste the continent without leaving the city. Go respectfully. Ask questions. Pay properly. Eat with your hands when that is how the food is meant to be eaten. And remember that someone’s everyday lunch may be the thing that teaches you more about Joburg than you ever thought possible. Below are 11 of my favourite places to experience African food in Johannesburg. Nick Hamman is a South African broadcaster, storyteller, and food-culture creator. He is the host of 5FM’s national breakfast show, 5 Breakfast, and the creator of Hammy Eats, a platform dedicated to discovering the people, places, and stories behind South African food. Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram! While you're at it, sign up for our newsletter to receive even more of the best o