In the North

In the North

A mezze board at Chakalaka in the North Quarter, Manchester.

Boerewors, mac & cheese with biltong dry-cured beef, wings in a piri piri rub and monkey gland sauce, piri piri fries, as well a balsamic feta and pomegranate salad.

An independent South African inspired bar and kitchen. The sweet and savoury blended taste of Africa. Chakalaka is a spicy tomato, chilli and bean relish, served alongside pap balls ( deep fried maize flour filled with cheese).

Manchester’s (now not-so-secret) Happy Hour gem. Where one can find South African beers such as Castle and Windhoek, homemade ginger beer and SA-inspired cocktails. Amarula Spice (Amarula, mango, chilli), Amalekerlelicious (brandy, peach schnapps, lemon, cranberry) and the Mampoer Margarita (Mampoer brandy, triple sec, lime).

Although burgers are burgers, their burgers are also traditionally South African. Just a tad tastier and a lot, lot bigger.

But it is the wors and bunny chow which give it away. An introduction to a passionate twist on a sorely ignored street food culture.