Gung-ho grillers

It was also derby day as Kaizer Chiefs battled to a one-all draw against Orlando Pirates. The weather, soccer, jokes by comedian Tats Nkoza and pumping beats from DJ Ganyani made the inaugural Nando’s Shisa Nyama Challenge a resounding success.

The best shisa nyama spots were concentrated around a cement enclave where the cooks went about preparing their best dishes in an attempt to pique the interest of the judges. Before judging would commence, Jozi’s carnivores and social thrill seekers had the opportunity to sample meat from restaurants they only read or hear about from friends who do some travelling.

Max’s Lifestyle from Umlazi, Durban was a popular choice, proving that the legend about his skills spreads far beyond the provincial confines of KwaZulu-Natal. He might not have made the top three at the end of the day, but more customers bought from his stand than any of the other contenders competing for the R25 000 prize.

The hosts, Bahama, had the support of the crowd and a superior grill, but that was also not enough to secure them a place in the top three. However, third and second place went to two Gau-teng-based eateries: Endaweni, located in Vosloorus, and Phillips’s Place from Tembisa.

After sampling ten dishes, the judges Hilary Biller (Sunday Times Food Editor and chef); Llewy Mateza (owner of The Local Grill & chairman of the Meat Board) and Mmatshipi Matebane (Nando’s South Africa) decided that the Port Elizabeth outfit, Chilleks Place deserved to take the honours.

NUMBER ONE. The crew from Chilleks Place emerged victorious.

Chilleks celebrated their victory with a jab-jab duck boxing routine, much to the delight of the locals who were disappointed that their hometown favourites did not make the top three.

Aside from taking home the R25 000 cash prize, Chilleks will also have the opportunity to host next year’s Shisa Nyama Challenge, with all expenses paid by Nandos. Next year’s event will also boast a sizeable grand prize of R250 000.