We’re big fans of the family operation behind Durham’s (and quite likely the country’s) only Zimbabwean restaurant, Zweli’s, named after the chef and owner, and co-managed with her husband, Leo. The passion behind the food and the hard work put into the business is what makes the restaurant a success.
Open for less than one year, they have already made big strides and are adding fresh items to the menu as well as introducing Sunday brunch, Friday happy hour, and glamming up their outdoor space.
For the spring/summer menu, Chef Zweli has introduced a few Zimbabwean inspired dishes, with her own twists, off course.
After our own little sneak peek and sampling, we’re confident they will be welcome additions to the already intriguing signature dishes, such as piri piri chicken, peanut butter collards, and samosas.The way Chef Zweli uses peanut butter to enhance the flavor and texture in some of her dishes is ingenious. It always sounds like an odd combination at first, but once you try it, you realize it actually works! That’s the case with the new Dovi peanut butter rice bites which pair perfectly with the zesty tomato sauce base. It’s a deconstructed version of the traditional dovi (peanut butter) rice normally served with a kind of a meat stew, but this one is vegan.Another new item will be Biltong and Sadza bites, one of Zimbabweans favorite beef snacks with the traditional sadza deconstructed to create a delicious appetizer.
There are a few new salads bringing freshness and light to spring and summer meals enjoyed at Zweli’s. The Popo salad includes ripe marinated papaya with a blend of roasted corn, black beans, cilantro and dressing in lemon oregano. This can be both vegan or vegetarian. We also enjoyed the roasted chickpea salad with piri piri seasoning, onion and avocado!Oxtail is a favorite among those who have tried it on Zweli’s specials menu and it’s easy to see why with its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Here is it served with a side of peanut butter rice.
Zweli’s recently introduced Happy Hour every Friday from 3 to 5pm with half-off specials on local beer and wine, as well as small plate samplers containing rice, a chicken wing and a samosa for just $5.00.
With nice weather finally settling in, it’s perfect timing for their new outdoor seating. New plants and tables positioned outside help add tranquility and charm to the otherwise commercial strip mall setting.
Sunday brunch service will officially begin on Easter weekend with a special kickoff Easter brunch menu. Mother’s Day also promises to be a remarkable food experience with Chef Zweli going “all out.”
After Easter, regular Sunday brunch will contain something for everyone, including grilled mixed meat plates, garden vegetable omelets, piri piri chicken, chickpea burgers, and sides like samosas, sausage, and grits.
If you’re looking to try something different on your next Sunday Funday adventure, or any other day, add Zweli’s to the list. Best of all, they cater to all kinds of diners (omnivore, vegetarian and vegan alike), and because they are located outside of downtown, it’s always easy to find parking.
If all this looks and sounds good to you, you have a chance to WIN a $50 gift card to try out Zweli’s amazing new menu items for yourself! Enter by Sunday, April 14th and earn up to three entries! The winner will be notified via email and announced here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Photos: Tommie Watson Photography
Note: This is a sponsored post with original content created by Bites of Bull City and contains information that is highly relevant to our audience.
Holly says
That papaya salad looks amazing!
Jessica Johnstone says
Dovi peanut butter rice bites
Lauren says
Peanut butter collards
Christina says
Samosas!
Emily says
This place is so yummy!! Love the lighting and decorative changes they’ve made to make a more cozy ambience too! Def check it out!
Nancy Mitchell says
The location isn’t mentioned. Where is this gem?
magnoliawriting@gmail.com says
You will find Zweli’s in the same shopping plaza as T.J. Maxx and JoAnn Fabrics: 4600 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd #26, Durham
Tom says
You can take the 10A from downtown to get there, it drops you off right outside!
Ann Firestine says
I can’t wait to try the piri piri chicken and peanut butter rice. The mango salad is almost too pretty to eat!
Holly Krohn says
That papaya salad does look amazing!
Marianne says
Samosas look amazing!
Ana Gomez says
Roasted chickpea salad!
Tricia says
The Popo salad is right up my alley!!
Vanessa says
Ugh I just love this restaurant can’t wait to try new items!
Kelly Lindblom says
This is right near my house and I had no idea. I’ll have to try it! Thanks for the article.
Sara says
The peanut butter rice balls look amazing
Nancy says
Can’t wait to try the jollof rice!
MHall says
I didn’t realize we had this is Durham. Looking forward to trying the food.
Jackie Turnwald says
I always love some oxtail!