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[title]It’s little exaggeration to call Siba Mtongana a South African culinary sensation. Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, her journey to becoming one of South Africa’s most recognisable chefs was inspired by her passion for sharing the rich tapestry of local food culture. With a background in food science, Siba's culinary prowess is not only grounded in tradition but elevated by her innovative approach.
Her breakthrough came with the hit cooking show ‘Siba's Table’, where she showcased her signature style of effortless cooking with a modern twist, captivating audiences in more than 135 countries worldwide. That included more than 60 million homes in the USA through the Cooking Channel alone! Siba's infectious energy and passion for food have earned her numerous accolades, including five US Film and Television Awards and the prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Award.
‘Being able to bring my continent the food acclaim it deserves is both a privilege and a blessing,’ says Mtongana.
Beyond television, Siba is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and advocate for food sustainability. While she runs a hugely popular restaurant within Cape Town’s iconic Table Bay Hotel, it’s at the Time Out Market Cape Town where locals can tourists can most easily discover a taste of her unique take on the diversity of African cuisine…
How would you describe the food on offer at The Siba Deli?
Our food is a combination of a feast of freshness and a celebration of local dishes prepared daily with high-quality ingredients. It is also easy, reasonably priced and very well-suited and relatable for a market vibe.
How did you come up with the menu for The Siba Deli?
Our menu for the Time Out Market Cape Town was custom-curated for the Market, so it’s completely different to our main restaurant, SIBA - The Restaurant. At The Siba Deli, you get a wide variety of options to choose from every day and it provides us with a way to have an everyday fine dining and quality experience for our customers on a frequent basis.
As a chef, how do you go about creating new dishes – what’s the starting point?
I have different ways of creating dishes. Sometimes it's to improve a certain dish in how it looks and tastes. Other times it's a flavour profile that is in mind, but yet to test it and bring it to life. Sometimes, it's to recreate a special or significant moment that I had while travelling or as a child. Hence, I feel like my recipes show different parts of my life and who I am as a person, they showcase me as Siba.
Tell me a secret about one dish on the menu…
We had a huge debate behind the scenes about whether or not to bring my famous dombolo buns and chakalaka to Time Out Market Cape Town. These are such Siba staples and are very popular at SIBA - The Restaurant and I think we made a great call by adding it to our menu at the Market.
What is the most popular dish on offer?
Our braised short rib, dombolo and miso-glazed sweet potato salad are our top sellers! They work together as a combo, but also great as standalone dishes. Our prawns, Asian pickled cucumber salad and chicken wings are not too far from the top too.
What is your favourite dish? What makes it great?
I love our oxtail paired with truffle pap with a Tuscan salad. But my kids love the corn, chicken wings and our cheesecake.
You’re kid-friendly too? Great… which dish would you recommend for younger diners?
Hands down, Siba’s Famous Sticky Wings, dombolo, our corn ribs and prawns… these are the things my kids enjoy the most at The Siba Deli.
Any great plates for vegans or vegetarians?
Yes, we have a selection of beautiful and tasty salads that stand on their own as meals.
What’s your favourite other eatery in the Market? What would you order?
Unframed. I love their passion fruit sorbet… my kinda dessert!