The Insights Restaurant at Sanctuary Mandela serves up a flavour punch

Chef De Tournant Mam Xoliswa Ndoyiya, head chef at Insights Restaurant at Sanctuary Mandela, was former president Nelson Mandela’s personal and family chef for 22 years, preparing his favourite meals up until his passing.

The menu, inspired by Madiba’s most-loved dishes, is a “historical footprint of the oddest tastes of Nelson Mandela, whose passion and integrity are reflected in the dishes that were inspired from Africa and beyond”.

Insights Restaurant did a magnificent job by refining and modernising Madiba’s favourite tastes, offering patrons a delectable fine-dining experience.

ALSO SEE: Recipe of the day: Oxtail and red wine potjie

Tata loved oxtail, “he wouldn’t go a week without my oxtail recipe”, Ndoyiya said at an intimate tasting of the menu recently.

The braised oxtail ravioli with creamy mustard sauce, tomato and herb salsa with a tarragon oil dressing stood out for me from the dishes we tasted. I understand why Madiba loved this recipe so much – it’s simply delicious, all the flavours coming together beautifully.

The Cape Malay-style fish starter, pan fried kingklip, pawpaw curried salsa, pickled pumpkin shavings and seeds followed hot on the oxtail’s heels. I loved the flavours of the salsa and pumpkin shavings.

The menu also features vegetarian options like the mushroom and samp risotto – samp prepared in a risotto style – served with a pan-fried king oyster mushroom, topped with sugar snap peas and toasted cashew nuts.

If you enjoy tartare, the Ethiopian kitfo is a must-try for starters. The spiced beef tartare is served with quail egg, homemade roti, smoked paprika aioli and crispy capers.

“The foodie experience at the restaurant feels like it gives you a personal connection to Madiba,” said Judiet Barnes, chief marketing officer at the Motsamayi Tourism Group.

We couldn’t agree more. Enjoying a meal prepared by Madiba’s former chef in his family home, which is now an upmarket boutique hotel, with memories and moments from Madiba’s life woven into every single detail in the home, is an experience you’ll likely never forget.