Chaf Pozi

The famous shisa nyama at the foot of Soweto's painted Orlando Towers — braaied meat by the platter, cold beer, township music and a weekend party crowd, with bungee jumpers dropping off the towers overhead. A friend sends you for the vibe on a Saturday or Sunday. Caveat: hours shift seasonally and early-week visits need prior arrangement, so confirm before you go.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is there music and dancing?

Weekends bring DJs playing amapiano, house and kwaito, and by late afternoon it's a proper party. If you want a quieter meal, come at opening time rather than mid-afternoon.

How much does a meal at Chaf Pozi cost?

Meat platters are ordered to share and work out affordable by tourist standards — a generous spread with pap and sides for two usually costs less than a single main at a northern-suburbs steakhouse. There's sometimes a small entry fee on big event days.

Do I need to book Chaf Pozi?

For a weekend table for a small group, arriving early usually works; for groups of six-plus or event days, book ahead. Big soccer match days at nearby Orlando Stadium make it heave.

Is Chaf Pozi safe for tourists?

Yes — it's fenced, has parking and security, and is a fixture on the Soweto visitor route. Use Uber or a tour transfer door-to-door and you'll be fine.

Can I combine it with the Orlando Towers bungee jump?

That's the classic combo — the jump and swing operate off the towers directly above the restaurant, mainly on weekends. Book the jump separately with Orlando Towers, then recover with a beer and braai below.

What is a shisa nyama, and is Chaf Pozi a real one?

Shisa nyama means 'burn the meat' — you order meat by weight, it's braaied over coals, and you eat it with pap and chakalaka while music plays. Chaf Pozi is the big, visitor-friendly version of the tradition, and yes, plenty of Sowetans party there too.

When is Chaf Pozi open?

Reliably Friday through Sunday from late morning until late; midweek hours shift with the seasons and Mondays and Tuesdays are usually by prior arrangement only. Phone ahead (+27 81 797 5756) if you're not coming on a weekend.

What should I order?

A mixed braai platter — boerewors, chicken and chops — with pap, chakalaka and a cold Black Label quart to share. Vegetarians will struggle; this is a meat institution.

Nearby in Ask Johannesburg

• Orlando TowersLandmark0.17 km · 2 min walk
• Mandela House on Vilakazi StreetMuseum2.53 km · 32 min walk
• Sakhumzi RestaurantRestaurant2.58 km · 32 min walk
• Hector Pieterson Memorial and MuseumMuseum2.82 km · 35 min walk
• Wandie's PlaceRestaurant3.93 km · 49 min walk