Pontinha De Xai Xai: Mozambican Restaurant in Johannesburg

Pontinha De Xai Xai is a new Mozambican dining spot that opened in March 2024 and brings a different twist to African restaurants in Johannesburg. Founder Madalena Khoza was born and raised in Mozambique and has made Johannesburg her home since 1997. With the opening of this cultural dining spot, Madalena pays tribute to her culture and heritage through authentic Mozambican and Portuguese cuisine.

What’s on the menu at Pontinha De Xai Xai

Many fast food joints have popularised Mozambican food mostly through spices and grilled chicken, but there’s so much more to the food culture of the East African country. For starters, traditional food and cooking style differs vastly from most of the African cuisine which we’re all familiar with. There’s a heavy focus on flavours which stems from its Portuguese, African and Indian culinary roots. Most dishes at the eatery are made with coconut milk along with spices which create a rich and flavoural taste.

“And as a coastal nation, seafood plays a huge role in the cuisine which makes for a diverse and unique experience not only among African cuisines but against any global cuisine,” says Leroi Khoza, restaurant manager at Pontinha De Xai Xai.

Signature dishes on the menu include Mozambican Prawns done the right way, Red snapper line fish, Mozambican Peri Peri chicken, Prawn curry, a hearty Beef Trinchado, and a choice of seafood platters.