Feel the burn

In the build-up to the Nando's Shisa Nyama Championship on October 26, we bring you three more of South Africa's braai kings

Twelve shisa nyamas will compete to be the 2013 Nando's Shisa Nyama Champion on October 26 at Bahama Bar in KwaThema, Springs, Gauteng. First prize is R25000 in cash and an all-expenses-paid opportunity to host the 2014 Shisa Nyama Championship. The challenge is to create a special dish incorporating one or more of the Nando's peri peri sauces. Participants will demonstrate their skills and sell their signature dishes to the public, with live entertainment by popular artists, including Fistaz Mixwell and DJ Ganyani.

Tickets are available at the door for R85 per person, which includes a meal from one of the participating shisa nyama stands. . For more information, visit Facebook www.facebook.com/NandosSouthAfrica or Twitter #NandosShisa

CHILLEK'S PLACE

Owner Siyabulela Tandala, above left, and manager Vuisele Meko, right, started Chillek's Place shisa nyama and sports bar restaurant in Port Elizabeth just over two and a half years ago. Their customers are "mostly urban go-getters, from the ages of 18 to 45 and over, that get a thrill doing it 'kasi-style'." They serve "the finest meat", including beef, lamb, pork and chicken wings - the house speciality. Every weekend there is live entertainment featuring DJs and bands. "We wanted to create a very posh township venue with great hospitality and hosting," says Meko. "The owner is a born entertainer who loves people. Our motto is 'all about you'. We are proud of the vibes and company - friendly people from the Friendly City - and the best entertainment in the Bay, with both local and national talent on show."

• Walmer Township, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Port Elizabeth; www.chilleksplace.co.za; Twitter @ChilleksPlace; Facebook Chilleks Place

MZOLI'S PLACE

Fifteen years ago, Mzoli Ngcawuzele started a butchery and braai in his Gugulethu backyard. A year later, having sold 500 plates of tripe alone, the renowned Mzoli's Place was born. It is, says Ngcawuzele, "a meeting place for all South Africans; a place where 'kasi culture' is celebrated by all, and a place where nice time is the only time. To businessmen, Mzoli's is a place to network; to celebs and politicians, it is a place to be seen and heard; to local DJs, it is a place to unleash the latest house beats; to tourists, a place to experience authentic township culture; and to students and regular patrons it is a place to simply have a good time with good people. We have managed to integrate all communities through a piece of chop." Meat done over the coals ranges from steak and chicken wings to lamb chops and wors marinated in special sauce and braaied, served with pap, steamed bread and salads, the delicious house chakalaka or samp and beans. Live music includes top local acts who pump till all hours at weekends. "Eating meat is often associated with music, dancing and general good times with friends and family," says Ngcawuzele. "This is what Mzoli's Place epitomises."

• 150 NY111, Gugulethu, Cape Town; tel (021) 419-0130; website www.mzolisplace.co.za

MAX'S LIFESTYLE

Max's Lifestyle was established by Max Mqadi in 2005. Originally a small butchery, it has become a leading tourist attraction in eThekwini. "We are the only venue where tourists and locals alike can enjoy, feel, and experience unique township culture in upmarket, trendy and safe surroundings," says Mqadi. "People of all professions, cultures, races and ages are welcomed with warm hospitality. Saturdays are chilled; Sundays are the busiest. Patrons arrive from about 10am and stay for the whole day, listening to good music ranging from mellow sounds early in the day to late dance/party music, and enjoying our braai meat and traditional side dishes. We are not only a shisa nyama, we also have two boutiques, a hair salon, a custom restaurant and a VIP lounge where we can host families, parties and conferences. At the competition, we will be experimenting with new sauces from Nando's and infusing them into our meat, as we produce our own wors."

• V1328, Mbe Road, Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. Tel (031) 906-1393; e-mail info@maxslifestyle.co.za; website www.maxslifestyle.co.za; Twitter Maxslifestle1; Facebook Maxslifestyle Umlazi