Dhaba and Gimba Spice Up South African Gastronomy Scene

Two exciting new food delivery brands offering wholesome, uncomplicated foods have been launched in Johannesburg. And they're set to spice up the Johannesburg gastronomic landscape.

Dhaba and Gimba are both proudly South African brands, and both will emanate from the same kitchen. The practicality of these dark kitchen restaurants, available exclusively on the eat-on-demand app Uber Eats, will put food with all the elements of a family meal straight into their homes.

The convenience factor doesn’t need to be limited by geography. The beauty of food delivery means you can order via the app even if you don’t live in that area. How? Head to a park located within the delivery area and set that as your delivery location. Or your office... or your friend’s house... you get the picture!

So, what exactly can you expect when you order from Dhaba or Gimba?

Dhaba’s inspiration came from the allure and charm of traditional ‘Dhabas’ (food stalls) found in South Asia, but this ‘roadside-on–the-go’ style of food puts an innovative/modernised spin on the concept with modern Asian fusion flavours.

The minimalism associated with traditional Dhabas is echoed in the creative menu, which is concise but not short on flavour and taste.

Dhaba takes the concept of South Asian street food staples and adapts them into dishes such as pilau burritos, kebab sandwiches, butter chicken burgers and masala loaded fries, and other delicious snackable items.

The menu at Dhaba draws from the diverse experience and palates of chefs who will develop a unique take on street food for the modern palate.

In the African context, colloquially a ‘gimba’ is someone who loves to eat. If we are honest, there is a gimba inside most of us! The name is simple and honest, leaving you in no doubt as to exactly what the food is: traditional African food.

There are few places in the northern parts of Johannesburg that serve traditional African food – Gimba makes Chisan’Nyama accessible in the Rosebank and Sandton areas.

A select menu focusing on around 10 key offerings features traditional food with robust, hearty flavours and good portion sizes, emulating the eKasi experience.

Think pap and nyama, magwinya (vetkoek), chicken and le dombolo (dumplings), kotas and even a 7-colour Sunday box filled with spiced grilled short rib, peri-peri chicken, freshly made pap, traditional pickled beetroot salad, kasi coleslaw and chopped chili relish.

Both Dhaba and Gimba have been certified halaal by the National Independent Halaal Trust (NIHT).

The only question now is how fast can you download the Uber Eats app - if for some bizarre reason you don’t already have it - to get your Dhaba or Gimba fix? Imnandi!