Durban gems: Sifo The Cooking Husband’s best-kept secrets

By Jade Taylor Cooke

A pharmacist by profession and self-taught cook by passion, Sinoyolo Sifo has built a loyal following by celebrating approachable, flavour-packed food. The multi-award-winning cookbook author and content creator grew up in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, where countless hours spent watching his mother cook, and helping out in his father’s butcheries, sparked a lifelong love of food. Today, he calls Hillcrest home, a leafy suburb on Durban’s north-western edge known for its slower pace, family-friendly feel and easy access to nature.

When he’s not developing recipes or creating content, these are the local spots Sifo keeps coming back to:

The Stonehouse Café, Botha’s Hill
For Sifo, a weekend often starts at The Stonehouse Café in Botha’s Hill, known for its on-site nursery and, according to Sifo, for serving the best breakfast in town. “It’s where I love to spend my me-time. My love of gardening connects directly to how I cook – and the views here are beautiful.”

Fig Tree Farm, Waterfall
When it’s time to get moving, Sifo heads to Fig Tree Farm in Waterfall. This tranquil estate has evolved over the years into a multi-use community space that includes eateries, flower gardens, a nursery, a small retail hub for local artisans, padel courts and more. Stop by and you may just catch Sifo on the driving range. “This is where I come to practise my golf swing! It’san active, relaxed space, and a side of me that people don’t always see. But what I love most about Fig Tree Farm is that there’s golf, coffee, the Millflour Café, a flower store, a honey store, a spa, antiques, ice cream… It’s the perfect spot for the whole family!”

Watch as Sifo takes us along on a tour of his neighbourhood below:

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Woolworths, Lillies Quarter
As someone who spends much of his time developing recipes, quality ingredients are non-negotiable for Sifo. It’s no surprise, then, that the Lillies Quarter Woolworths is his go-to grocery spot. “I’m in the butchery regularly for fresh meat, and the café is where I grab my coffee and set up to work at least once a week.” And before he hits the road again? “I grab my favourite: Woolworths biltong.”

Fresh Food with Thuladu, Durban
No tour of Sifo’s neighbourhood gems would be complete without a stop at Fresh Food With Thuladu in Durban. “What I love about uThuladu is that she cooks everything just the way our grannies used to cook. It’s proper. You can taste that it’s cooked with love. It’s the best spot in Durban for hearty, traditional food and it’s what I reach for when I miss home.”

That sense of nostalgic comfort is exactly what chef Thuladu Mngadi hopes every one of her guests will experience. “Traditional South African food tells the story of who we are,” she says. “It carries memories, culture and a sense of home. Many of the flavours I use today are inspired by the food I grew up eating.

“While I enjoy adding my own contemporary touch and refined presentation, I always want guests to recognise those familiar flavours and be reminded of home. My goal is to honour our heritage while showing that traditional South African cuisine deserves a place among the world’s great dining experiences.”

Whether he’s tending his garden, perfecting his swing, tracking down the freshest meat for his next recipe, or enjoying home-cooked food just like his granny made it, Sifo’s neighbourhoodhas everything he needs.