Mary gives a fresh approach to local cuisine
One of a few who sell traditional cuisine, Kekana makes her cuisine more appealing by adding a touch of class and elegance.
POLOKWANE – According to Mary Kekana, owner of Industrial African Foods and Carwash, the business has more value than serving customers. “Food is about elegance and presentation,” she explained.
Mary, who regards herself as a perfectionist, aims to please food lovers with the African delicacies the shop has to offer.
Her menu includes tripe, goat meat, mašotša (mopani worms), chicken and cow heel, these all served with vegetables and salads. The menu changes daily, affording customers a variety of choices. They also specialise in catering services and platters fit for any occasion.
“I love cooking and so does my family. I was motivated by my mother and we used to quarrel on who gets to cook. She always inspired me as she would always call me into the kitchen when she was cooking and soon the passion for cooking grew within me. I love it to such an extent that I would like to have a restaurant bigger than the one I have now,” she explained.
Kekana decided to open a restaurant as she wanted to offer the community something unique without the need for them to travel into the city. “I started cooking at a very young age so as I grew older one of the chores I was responsible for in the house was cooking and I loved it. It was only logical for me to make an income by doing something that I love,” she explained.
The mother of three often tries out recipes that she finds in magazines or cookbooks.
It is one of her beliefs that food should be presented in an attractive manner, ensuring the eyes also get a feast. An accompanying goal of hers is to expand her restaurant, opening branches all over Polokwane and becoming a definite tourist destination for those visiting the province.
“Food is very important because it plays a huge role in our lives. In the long run I want to turn this business into a franchise,” she concluded.
