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“The most rewarding thing about opening Kwéyòl is actually being able to bring a bit of my Caribbean culture here to Cape Town / South Africa.”

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The restaurant celebrates its owner’s Afro-Caribbean heritage

A tropical atmosphere, reggae music and colourful décor aim to give guests a feel of Caribbean island life right in the heart of the Mother City at the recently opened Kwéyòl Restaurant, meaning you don’t have to travel around the world to experience the Caribbean.

Kwéyòl Restaurant is situated at Botanik Social House in the centre of Cape Town, a restaurant celebrating its owner’s Afro-Caribbean heritage.

The restaurant opened earlier this year.

The owner, Mala Bryan, who is originally from St Lucia, decided to jump at an opportunity to open a restaurant in Cape Town and bring a piece of her island heritage to the Mother City.

With the help of chef Giorgio Nava they decided to open Kwéyòl Restaurant with its tropical and Caribbean vibe.

Kwéyòl means “creole” in St Lucia.

The menu boasts various Caribbean-inspired dishes as well as various vegan and vegetarian dishes to choose from.

Mala tells more.

Mala Bryan, the owner of Kwéyòl Restaurant

Tell us more about Kwéyòl Restaurant. What is the restaurant all about?

Kwéyòl Restaurant is an Afro-Caribbean restaurant with dishes that I enjoy cooking and have very fond memories of. We have such a wonderful mix of cultures in the Caribbean, including Indian, Afro-Caribbean and Latin Caribbean, that there are unending dishes to choose from. I also try to mix it with some dishes from the African continent, hence the reason I call it Afro-Caribbean cuisine. 

Left: Grilled corn in coconut milk tomato and curry sauce; right: Kwéyòl Restaurant is situated at Botanik Social House in the centre of Cape Town

What inspired you to open up Kwéyòl Restaurant?

There was an opportunity to open up a new restaurant, and after doing a bit of research I realised that there were no authentic Caribbean cuisine restaurants in Cape Town, so I figured it would be the right concept to come up with.

Chicken served with rice and beans as well as steamed carrots and cabbage

Tell us more about the Caribbean cuisine you serve? Are there any traditional dishes on the menu?

In the Caribbean we love to brown-stew our meats – it’s pretty much caramelising, but the meat would be seasoned with lots of homemade herbs and spices. Plantains, rice and beans are also a few favourites. We also cook curry dishes, so there are a few of those on the menu. Typical Jamaican jerk-spiced foods can also be found. 

Home made rum and raisin ice cream and a Flan (a baked vanilla custard with caramelized sugar)

Their menu boasts various Caribbean-inspired dishes

What makes Kwéyòl Restaurant different from other restaurants?

Kwéyòl is different because it’s really the only one of its kind here so far. That plus the beautiful décor of beautiful trees and colourful furniture makes it truly unique. 

What is the scariest thing about opening a new business?

The scariest this about opening up a new business is finding the right reliable staff. You can do everything else perfectly, but if your staff are not up to standard it can cause problems for your business. 

Various vegan and vegetarian dishes are also available

A wide variety of Afro-Caribbean cuisine

What has been one of the most rewarding things of opening up Kwéyòl Restaurant?

The most rewarding thing about opening Kwéyòl is actually being able to bring a bit of my Caribbean culture here to Cape Town / South Africa.

For more information visit their Facebook page.

• Photos: provided