define: Cape Malay

When you google the term Cape Malay, there are a handful of sites that pop up about the origin of this cultural group in SA, taking us back to colonization and slave trade in 1650-something, a bit about food and flower-sellers, the minstrels and Bo-Kaap!

Is this really all we mean to the world? Is our claim-to-fame really painting our faces with shoe polish and performing in the streets of Cape Town on New Year's day? Does the rest of the world really believe that we all fit into the small suburb of Bo-Kaap? And if not, do they think they can drive through the Cape Flats and look out for smartie-coloured houses and spot the Cape Malays??? And is Bobotie really what our cuisine is best known for?

Don't get me wrong - I understand that these things are indeed a part of our heritage, but it is definitely not all we have to offer the world! I mean what about the finer details? The delicate blend of spices that go into a smooth Cape Malay curry or the skill (and patience) it takes to brown your meat just right when making a delicious veggie bredie! The fact that we network like no other cultural group in the world - we all have an uncle or cousin who can do whatever it is we need! Our homes stretch far beyond the Cape Flats these days - that may be where they wanted us to stay, but we sure showed them that we would take the Cape Flats and beyond! The Cape Malays are the warmest, most welcoming group of people you'll find. We love to chat and share our stories. We welcome people into our homes with a "Come Biesmillah, the food is on the table!" and allow them to leave hours later with a barakat (left-overs)! We rally together when someone is getting married or going on Hajj, chipping in to feed the hoards of well-wishers and making sure that the "behangsels" are top notch, because that's how we were raised. We visit the elderly and the sick and take them food and medical supplies like "als" from our mothers' garden!

Hmmm, so now I am left wondering why the image of my people is so marginalized. Maybe it's our fault? Are we doing enough to show the world who we are? Are we still proud of being Cape Malay? Do we even still know what it means? Well, I am on a mission to preserve and re-define our culture! I invite my fellow Cape Malay sisters and brothers to join me! Help me remember - at does it mean to be a "vollende", original, genuine Cape Malay?

The Lounge - On Kromboom

So I picked up on the buzz - everyone is talking about this new halaal restaurant that opened on Kromboom Rd. It's called The Lounge...hmmm...I loved the name immediately and just had to check it out! The ambience is bright and chirpy, with green table cloths, leather high-back chairs, and a laminated menu (that's not badly designed!). The waitress greeted us with a huge smile, and ushered us to our table. At 11h35 it was relatively packed. The menu is what tickled my fancy the most. The Lounge serves up a host of breakfast options, (and I'm delighted to see this includes omelettes), light meals, mains, cakes and desserts. Prices range between R25 and R90, so there's something for every wallet.

I also loved the quirky pink and white polka dot mega-mug on the counter. It holds the complimentary sweets (which in my opinion should always be some good quality mint rather than cheap, tasteless boiled sweets). There is also a huge flat-screen TV and I could just imagine how packed the place would be when the Bokke are playing!

So I ordered the beef tramezzini with onion, peppers and a hint of chilli, and my friend has "The Lounge" - a toasted sarmie with masala steak, cheese and caramelised onion. It probably took about 15mins for our food to arrive, but we were so caught up in the vibe and decor that we hardly would have noticed. The food was very well presented and I was excited to try it. My first bite was tantalizing! Well-spiced, tender beef. I couldn't believe that I didn't need to add any salt or sauces...yumm yumm! My friend's masala steak was a tad disappointing to my taste, but she seemed to enjoy it. I found it a bit bland compared to the flavour-sensation on my tramezzini, but I guess the plus is that they cater for all palates. My only complaint would be the wilted salad greens - even as garnish I want it fresh. Besides - I always eat the garnish!

My overall rating would be 4/5. I was very impressed with the whole experience. Shoukat, the owner, came over twice to check up on us, and I love seeing an owner being involved and keen to please. They have free wi-fi for patrons to use, which is a major plus for me - can't wait to lounge on the comfy-looking couches and do a spot of work in between sips of coffee :) I am definitely going back soon, and I hope they maintain their excellent start! http://the-lounge.co.za

"My people" - the cardamom pods of South Africa

Have you ever broken open a cardamom pod? Beneath the rugged khaki-green exterior lie a multitude of little back gems with a scent so sweet it can mesmerize your very soul! That's how I feel about "my people"...the Cape Malay people. We are a small group within the greater tapestry of peoples that make up South Africa, but we add colour and fragrance and soul to any occasion...kind of like the humble cardamom pod in a stew of many flavours...it pops up to the top and it's delicate taste will linger long after the other flavours have disappeared... So, this blog is dedicated to "my people", the cardamom pods of South Africa, the Cape Malays. Here, I will share anecdotes, explore traditions, and even comment on our antics, in the hope to open a dialogue, to pay tribute, but most importantly to cherish who we are!