Port Elizabeth Chronicles

Friday 18th November saw Port Elizabeth host its first ever Baakens Food Truck Friday. An event organised and run by the local food trucks and trailer owners. As no official attendance was recorded an estimated 3000 revellers descended on Baakens River Valley to get their fill of food, fun and entertainment. According to event organiser Grant Foong the attendance might be north of 3500 which for a first event is mind blowing. This would be the first time only food trucks and trailers would be used to anchor an event and the bay foodies loved the concept. Food ranged from burgers to Asian to vegetarian with some waffles, slush puppies and pancakes sprinkled between. As the sun set a Carnival atmosphere was created by the extra street lighting provided by the WERK manufacturing guys. The big turnout did create big ques and some people had to wait a quite a while for food, however speaking to event organiser Grant Foong this will be addressed for the next event which will be ...

Having samples most of Asian and Thai restaurants; this is my take on the best 5 in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage area. The criteria for judging are based mostly on flavour and authentic of dishes. Thai Asian Food and Noodle Cafe There are not many authentic Thai food restaurants in the Nelson Mandela metro pole. Having said that, arguably the best Thai and Asian is found on the corner of Cuyler and Caledon Street in Uitenhage of all places. The beef stir fried noodles are awesome, not to mention their red and massaman curries. Foo Jiu Sushi With the sushi craze sweeping the city and the rest of the country for that matter this small restaurant found in Heugh Road rules the roost. A very comprehensive sushi menu is prepared by two sushi masters who make it look easy. Originally this restaurant was situated in fountains mall Jeffreybay , so when they relocated the too PE this sushi lover jump for joy. They also have various Chinese favourites available, however try the tempur...

These days you will find a burger on every menu. Why not? It’s an easy choice when you just want something to eat and not spend ages analysing a menu. So what does the friendly city offer in terms of a good burger? This review is just based on how the burger makes you feel and if it hits the “spot” No indebt analyses on bun quality or meat –to- bun ratio or any other burger rating criteria has been used. Ziggy’s – The Big Kuhuna burger, without a doubt the best burger in Port Elizabeth. Slightly spices beef patty offers a flavour explosion in your mouth. Combine this with the rough cut chips this is stands head and shoulders above the rest. Bridge Street Brewery – Found in Bridge Street in Brickmakerskloof, this eatery offers a burger that could easily be the best in PE. Coming a very close second, unfortunately just falling short compared to Ziggy’s. La Fiesta – This very popular take away joint around PE has a burger to die for. A bit more spice infused in the patty makes it...

So you are visiting Port Elizabeth from other parts of the republic, what do you do and where do you go? Obviously there is list upon list of stuff to do around the metro, however have you ever wondered what the local PE crowds get up too and where they go? Well here’s an unofficial list of stuff to do around the metro, in no particular order. The Valleys Market – This artisans market is held on the first Saturday of every month. Except January. Brainchild of Love Story, a non profit organisation, this market offers some exceptional street food and crafts. Food vendors set in an old warehouse in the Upper Valley Road with various food trucks set up outside the venue along the street. Live music with good food makes for a pleasant day, especially with some sunshine. Check out some specialty foods stalls and food trucks like the Taco Box, Wafelbak, Tio Ze and Culture Kitchen. De Kelder Restaurant – Situated right on Marine drive at the Protea Hotel, this old school restaurant brin...