Andile and Ayande Ngidi are an unmistakable pair on the Durban food scene, as long as you’re not trying to tell them apart, at least. The twins have, in recent years, opened a number of food outlets in Salt Rock, an up-and-coming area just north of Durban. They have an infectious energy and outgoing warmth that has seen them make a big impact on the city in a relatively short amount of time. We find out more about their journey and how Durban as a place has shaped their vision.
Meet the Ngidi Twins
Our South African Local Insiders
Tell us what you do as a job and how you got into it?
Ngidi Twins We are restaurant owners, which has been many years in the making. We've always had a passion for people. Our first jobs after school, as teenagers, were as waiters and bartenders, and that kicked off a love for food. You know, just seeing people coming together for special occasions, all gathered together around food. Andile attended the International Hotel School briefly, which planted the seed, as did his studies on a business degree.
We entered the business world in entertainment. Many years down the line, we were able to start the food journey, which obviously was a passion from our teenage years, and establish our own restaurants, which we have been doing for 5 years now. We own Donna Modern Italian, Butcher & Wine and Saint Yves Cocktail Bar. The fact that we are both in this together means that we can share the stresses and open bigger venues.
Have you always had a passion for food?
Ngidi Twins: The passion started with serving food and beverage as waiters and it grew as we traveled and were exposed to some amazing cuisines and restaurants around the world. Growing up in Durban, food plays an important part in people’s culture and community. Everyone is brought together by sharing meals. Whichever space it’s consumed in, it’s an important part of the diverse culture in South Africa.
So food plays a big community role in Durban?
Ngidi Twins: Absolutely. We think the heartbeat of Durban is the diversity. Indian, Zulu and European cultures all intertwined. We’ve got a great mixture of cuisines that bring people together. You know, people want to try a traditional Zulu meal. People want to try an Indian curry. We’ve got some of the best curries and bunny chows in KZN. There’s great Portuguese restaurants, great Italian restaurants as well. So it’s really diverse and it’s really a part of the culture of Durban.
What are some must-try dishes in Durban?
Ngidi Twins: We love a good bunny and curry, so you have to go to the hidden gems of Durban to get into those top secret places that have been around for decades. Durban has the best bunny chow around – it's a wholesome fusion dish of curry served inside a hollowed-out piece of bread and a salad on the side.
Always look for fresh seafood too, as we are on the coast here. Finally if you’re keen on trying authentic African cuisine, an Isithebe platter is a revelation.
If someone was coming here for the first time what would be your main recommendation?
Ngidi Twins: To stay in Umhlanga. Visit the North Coast for the beach and lunch. Visit the vibrant Umhlanga region for dinner and a vibey bar or two. For a more active exploring activity, cycle or walk the ‘golden mile’ on Durban promenade. We’ve also got some of the best game reserves so try one of those in the Zululand region or visit the Drakensberg Mountains.
What do you love doing in your spare time?
Ngidi Twins: We love spending some time outdoors. We’ve got great weather that encourages that. We find ourselves gravitating to the Midlands and the South Coast very often, it’s the escape that we love.
We also love driving around the city and exploring all the corners of it. We’ve been a significant part of the entertainment industry in Durban for a while so we enjoy all the vibey bars and nightclubs. Nowadays these nights always start with a good social dinner.
Finally, aside from the restaurant scene, what do you love most about Durban?
Ngidi Twins: The people and the diversity of cultures.
It’s an instant, easy answer to that final question. Andile and Ayande are two big personalities in a city full of characters. Their love of food is quite literally spreading out over Durban and KZN, bringing people together in the process. Because that’s what Durban is all about; people coming together, cultures mixing, sharing joy and, most importantly, eating some damn good food.