The Cape Malay curry at Chakula. Photos by Annelie.
With maybe a bit more wine, I could have almost convinced myself I was in South Africa. The food, wines and decor were all authentic. And the place was a bit rowdy as there were several big groups eating together. But instead we were at Chakula, an African restaurant in Kungsholmen. Adding to the atmosphere was a group of Swedish women who were there for a möhippa or bridal shower – all 10 were wearing African-style print dresses and headscarves in honor of the bride, who had recently been married in Cape Town.
We were there with our friends Annelie and Jaakko who had been there before. Since Annelie is South African, I figured there was a good chance the food would be good and it was. Chakula serves traditional home cooking from South Africa and Tanzania. We all had the tapas platter to start with and it had a tasty combination of flavors, including samosas, dates wrapped in bacon, sosatie and a shrimp and mango salad.
Bobotie or meat loaf at Chakula.
Thanks to all the big groups, we then had to wait quite a while for our main meals. I had the Mboga ya Africa Kusini or Cape Malay curry with red lentils, tomatoes and pumpkin with rice. It was also quite good. Both Annelie and Robert had the bobotie – South African style meatloaf – and we decided that Annelie’s version was better. Jaakko had the braai or grilled steak.
All in all, I would say that Chakula is definitely worth another visit. Read more about them at African in Kungsholmen.
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