Durban - The taste of the authentic South African braai has now grabbed the attention of the world.
International luxury travel and lifestyle magazine Condé Nast Traveler has named Durban restaurant Max’s Lifestyle one of the best 207 restaurants in the world.
uMlazi-based Max’s joins East Head Cafe in Knysna and The Pot Luck Club in Cape Town as the South African representatives on the list.
Reviewer Cherae Robinson wrote that Max’s was “the best place to get braai”.
Owner Max Mqadi told The Mercury that he was honoured by the recognition.
“I am humbled. I don’t know what I am to say,” he said.
“When I was starting in the township where it is disadvantaged, nobody knew me. Today it (Max’s) is known worldwide.”
The recognition is yet another indication of the progress of Mqadi’s business.
“Today I have 150 employees. The government named it a tourist attraction. It has helped South Africa stand tall.”
He added that it was also a testament to township culture.
“It has just taken the township to the map,” he said. “It’s good for my province, it’s good for my country - especially those township people.
“To say what Mandela said: work hard and make the townships great.”
While he was happy to see people from overseas dining at his restaurant, Mqadi said: “I also want to see those from Kloof, Hillcrest and Umhlanga come too.”
His venue had something unique to offer international tourists, said Mqadi.
“Tourists who want to see the real South Africa must come to the township. They already have Umhlanga in America.”
Mqadi said the heights reached by his restaurant would inspire those who want to follow in his footsteps.
“There are so many we’ve already inspired. You go to townships, go to Inanda, Clermont, uMlazi, there are lots of complexes like ours.
“People say, I’m building a Max’s Lifestyle,” he said.
Mqadi said he hoped to keep improving the restaurant Currently, they were making developments to the parking lot.
“We never stop dreaming, we never stop working hard,” he said.
A grateful Mqadi added that his restaurant would “be nothing” without the people.
“I want to thank the neighbours, I want to thank the government, I want to thank the people.
“Because of their support, we have now scaled the global heights of success.”
The Mercury