An insider’s guide to the best eats in Durban

23 December 2016 - 02:00 By Glynis Horning
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Kgune Dlamini of Durban’s Lineage Coffee.
Kgune Dlamini of Durban’s Lineage Coffee.
Image: Supplied

Glynis Horning reveals where to find the tastiest seafood, coffee, bunny chows and ice cream in Durbs

SEAFOOD: THE CARGO HOLD

uShaka Marine World

It's worth blowing the budget here - and not just for the setting on a "shipwreck" at uShaka Marine World, where sharks cruise idly by.

Starters include grilled calamari or salmon trout with avo, cucumber and dill oil (both R68), but go all-out with one of six seafood platters, such as "Commander's": kingklip, five queen prawns and Patagonian calamari (R215).

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COFFEE: LINEAGE COFFEE

Builders' Way Centre, Hillcrest

The seed-bread sarmies, sticky Danishes and breakfast jars of homemade granola and double-thick yoghurt make Craig Charity's new Lineage Coffee a great place to meet and eat, but it's the coffee that's the killer.

Fans of artisanal roasted beans have followed Craig since he cracked SA's Barista of the Year 2013 at nearby Stretta Café, which he still supplies.

Now in a stylish home of their own, his roasters are offset by bare brick, wood, and a cool, young crew headed by Kgune Zamo Dlamini, winning barista in the 2016 Café Society contest.

MARKET STALL: LET'S BE GRK

The Morning Trade, Station Drive, Berea

Athos Euripidou, power behind a slew of hot city clubs and restaurants down the years, has a blast each Sunday whipping up his favourite Greek Cypriot dishes.

Savour his classic souvlaki - grilled lamb (R60) or pork (R50) skewers served in a toasted pita with tzatziki and tahina sauce and tabbouleh salad; or a burger with lamb (R50) or grilled haloumi (R40).

ICE CREAM: ERA ICE CREAM SHOP

Cowey Park, Problem Mkhize Road

History teacher and MasterChef SA finalist Penny Fitchet has blended her love of food and history at Era, whipping up ice creams from scratch in the names of her favourite historical figures.

There's Vladimir Lenin's classic vanilla, Winston Churchill's choc rum and raisin (alcoholic!) and Julius Caesar's salted caramel.

Along with 13 permanent flavours, Penny has banting and vegan options, with a new temporary flavour introduced each month. Any three scoops for R45.

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CURRY/BUNNY: CANECUTTERS

Helen Joseph Road, Glenwood

The Gold Cup winner in the 2016 Durban Bunnychow Barometer competition, unpretentious CaneCutters is always packed and fragrant with authentic local curries, freshly prepared and served as locals like them: with crushed chilli pickles, crunchy carrot sambals, a sprig of coriander and a cold Coke.

Order the mutton quarter bunny (R50) or one of the specials, from broad bean curry to mince, peas and potato, on your choice of roti, rice or, yes, samp. The clientele is as happily mixed as the menu.

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