Chronicle Editor
Sipepisiwe Moyo, [email protected]
THE Zanu-PF Annual People’s Conference that kicked off in Bulawayo yesterday is being attended by delegates from across Zimbabwe to discuss critical economic and development issues.
After long hours of intense deliberations, it is important for attendees to unwind, relax and enjoy some of Bulawayo’s best food and entertainment spots.
Here’s a guide to some top choices for dining and nightlife in the City of Kings.
Top traditional food joints in Bulawayo
For a taste of local traditional meals, the most trusted, Sis Bee’s Kitchen at the Parkade Centre offers an extensive menu of authentic Zimbabwean cuisine. It is a must-try for anyone wanting to indulge in hearty, home-cooked flavours. For a blend of both modern and traditional meals, head to Kings Kraal and the recently reopened Stop Over Bar and Restaurant on the corner of 12th Avenue and George Silundika Street. The restaurant offers a mix of ethnic dishes and contemporary delicacies.
Another great spot for traditional meals is The Homely House on 11th Avenue and another at Ascot shopping complex, while goat meat lovers can visit KoJudea in Magwegwe North, where the delicacy is served boiled, braaied, or fried to perfection. The Place, KoMazinyane and the HBC Garden at Cecil Hotel are also great spots for traditional meals.
Fine dining for every palate
For those craving a more refined dining experience, The Deck at Banff Lodge in Hillside offers a relaxed atmosphere, with a beautiful view of gardens and a pool that gives off a riverside lodge vibe. It’s perfect for unwinding after a busy day. At La Kreme Restaurant in Waterford’s Lavinia Gardens, guests can enjoy an exquisite dining experience in a serene and relaxing environment. This spot is a must-visit for lovers of fine cuisine. For a casual, comfortable and family-friendly setting, Roosters Pub & Grill, which has an indoor and outdoor setting is ideal.
Steak lovers
For steak enthusiasts, Spur Zimbabwe, The Smokehouse, East 68 and Kings Kraal Restaurant are top choices. The Smokehouse, set in the leafy Busters Sports Club in Hillside, is also a social hub, providing a laid-back dining environment with outdoor seating.
Bulawayo’s best braai spots
For meat lovers, Bulawayo is the ultimate hotspot for braai; you can never go wrong with the city’s mouth-watering barbecue offerings. Braai lovers are spoilt for choice with spots like The Chiefs Village and Hartsfield Tshisanyama in the CBD, East 68 in Matsheumhlophe, Esibayeni in Mpopoma and Mazinyane in Bellevue, all of which are worth exploring. Other great options include Chicken Corner in Nketa and KoChigumira in Luveve, offering some of the finest grills in town.
Fast food
For those who prefer fast food, favourites like KFC, Rocomamas, Nando’s, Chicken Slice, Chicken Inn, Steers, Nandos and Barcelos are readily available. You can also indulge your cravings at Creamy Inn, Royal Sunflower, Ekhaya and Slice Pizzeria.
If you are seeking convenience near the exhibition centre, Pick n Pay Supermarket and Food Lovers at the local shopping centre offer freshly prepared meals, catering to a range of tastes and budgets. Nearby, options like Pizza Hut and Brookes Café & Deli, provide variety for all preferences. For a cool treat, Eskimo Hut offers the best ice cream in the city.
Bulawayo’s nightlife: Where to unwind
After a long day, Bulawayo’s vibrant nightlife offers plenty of options to relax and have fun. Robert Mugabe Street is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. It boasts a vibrant array of cafés, lounges and pub-and-grills that showcase the area’s unique spirit. Whether you are in search of delicious cuisine or a lively outing, this bustling street has something for everyone. Its central location makes it a popular destination.
Along Robert Mugabe Street, you will find Stunts, which brings a vibrant shebeen atmosphere to town, with music primarily from the Dalom stable. Also on this street is the Chiefs Village, featuring both outdoor and indoor club spaces at the Chiefs Village Lounge. Right in the CBD, Zarah Lounge, Cubana, Red Café and Olympus promise good vibes and memorable experiences. The only downside is that leaving these spots can be challenging, as the party never seems to end. Today is the perfect day to visit Cubana for their popular Cocktail Wednesdays, a beloved staple among locals.
Off Robert Mugabe Street, you will find additional spots like Mavericks Sports Bar and Origins, perfect for those who enjoy sports games such as pool and snooker. Vivo Safari Bar is also a fantastic choice for a more mature crowd.
For those with a bigger budget, The Smokehouse and Cotton are ideal venues for an upscale night out. Along the way to these spots, people must ensure to pass by BAC Leisure and Tin Cup.
Township Experience
For a true Kasi (township) experience, people must visit Woza Woza Shopping Centre in Emakhandeni. It offers a variety of open space braai spots and a lively sports bar atmosphere. Further down Luveve Road, you will find Chigumira Shops, which have become home to popular hangouts like Matsika Braai Spot, Katso Chillspot and KoSamuriwo Pub & Grill, which features a VIP section for those looking for a more intimate experience.
Bulawayo is revered for its shebeens, so people may want to patronise shebeens like KoMaThwala and KoMantuza in Emakhandeni.
Explore beyond the city
For delegates staying through the weekend, why not visit Khami Ruins, just 22kms from Bulawayo, or take a trip to Matobo National Park, located less than two hours from the city? Both destinations offer a perfect mix of history and nature to round off your stay.
Amid all your adventures, be sure not to leave the city without snapping a selfie by the statue of former Vice President of Zimbabwe, Joshua Nkomo in the city centre or at least drive past to admire it. Buying memorabilia from the city’s football club, Highlanders, as well as items from the local market like the traditional Ndebele headgear (umqhele) for men, is a great way to commemorate your trip. Whatever the case, we hope your stay in Bulawayo is truly memorable.
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