The Indian subcontinent has been plundered of so much of its bounty in the way of jewels, clothes, spices and of course food. Every country in the world has adopted some delicacy from the Motherland and made it their own. In South Africa there is an abundance of Indian food wherever in the country you may find yourself. Roti, samoosas, and butter chicken is as much a part of the local vocabulary as melktert and koeksisters. Tikka Chicken is now being added into the melting pot…

The informal practice of barbecuing skewers of chicken pieces over hot coals out in the open on the sidewalk is as familiar in any South African Indian neighbourhood as it is in a busy market in Mumbai. The distinctive taste of meat marinated in spices and yoghurt and then barbecued over an open flame to achieve the smokey flavour has taken a hold in the South African food repertoire and I daresay it is as much here to stay as the famed Gatsby. But where to get the best of the best. We polled our readers on social media and here in no particular order is our list of the Best Tikka Chicken Vendors in South Africa with our personal favourites mentioned.

As these vendors are completely informal and often have just a stand on the pavement we are able to provide a location but no contact details unless they have an online presence that we could find. Do let us know in the comments if you can supply any contact info.

Cape Town

Arshaad’s, Rylands (really good. That roghni naan….)
Find them at 70 Ruth Road
Tel: 021 637 2053
www.arshadskitchen.co.za

Salie’s, Cravenby (one of our faves. Ask for extra sauce)
Find him in front of Akbar Cafe on Connaught road.
Tel: 078 127 5920

Bilaal’s, Gateville
Find their stand outside Golden Dish off Klipfontein road.

Ebrahims Tikka, Maitland (so far the best we’ve had)
Find them on the corner of Royal and Kensington Road
Tel: 021 510 8589

Taj Mahal, Hout Bay
Sit down restuarant. Find them on Main road. Full review here.

Mohammads Tikka, Lansdowne
Find them on Lansdowne Road

Pakistani Jannat, Grassy park
Find them on 5th avenue
Tel: 021 705 0185

Fire Kings Pizza Place, Parow
Delivery only
Tel: 076 141 2042
Find them on Facebook.

Javeds Tikka, Surrey Estate
Find them at 129 Comet Road
Tel: 083 533 6916

Wajids, Strandfontein
Find them at 2 Admiral Drive
Tel: 073 110 1106

Salih’s in Grassy Park
On the corner of Lake Rd and Fourth Avenue

Johannesburg

Al hamra Restaurant, Johannesburg
Find them at 70 Mint Road
Tel: 011 492 3956
Find them on Facebook.

Punjab Chicken Tikka, Lenz
Find them at 44 Rose Avenue, Extension 1
Tel: 011 852 0546

Kashmir Tikka House, Roshnee
Tel: 016 556 1067
Find them on Facebook.

Durban

Copper Chimney, Durban
Find them at 102 Brickfield Road
Tel: 031 208 9009
Find them on Facebook.

Kebabish, Overport
Find them at 308 Brickfield Road
Tel: 031 207 2685

My Diner, Durban
Find them at 139 Lower Marine Parade North Beach
Tel: 031 332 5948
Find them on Facebook.

J-mo’s Durban
Find them at141/147 Musgrave Road and 12 Palm Boulevard Gateway
Tel: 031 301 2917
Find them on Facebook.

Kiki’s Foods, Durban
Find them at193 Sparks Road
Tel: 031 209 0119
Find them on Facebook.

Jolly Grubber, Durban
Find them at 139 Lower Marine Parade, North Beach
Tel: 031 337 8608
Find them on Facebook.

Know someone that should be on this list? Drop us a comment below.