Flavours of celebration: My birthday at Sebule

Growing up as a twin has always been a blessing. But when it came to birthdays, my brother, Andile, seemed to have more of them—or at least more memories of them—than I did. My childhood recollections are hazy at best, and for a long time, birthdays weren’t something I paid much attention to.

That changed when I turned 21. Somewhere in my mid-20s, I decided that celebrating my birthday was something I needed to do—not just as a twin, but as an individual. And naturally, my celebrations have always revolved around food: intimate dinners, long luncheons, and unforgettable flavours.

Fast forward to my 32nd birthday, and I almost let the day slip by without a plan. But thanks to a mix of friendly peer pressure and the realisation that life is too short, I threw together a last-minute birthday padel lunch at Livy’s in Rosebank. We broke a sweat in our cute, colourful Wimbledon-esque outfits, followed by great food—but this isn’t about that.

This is about the two incredible dinners that followed, treated by a close friend at Sebule Grill & Cellar, located inside the 5-star African Pride Hotel in Melrose Arch. And let me tell you, the experience was nothing short of world-class.

Sebule Grill: A Taste of Luxury

Sebule, meaning "Living Room" in Swahili, is a name that perfectly captures the restaurant’s ambience—warm, inviting, and effortlessly sophisticated. The space is a blend of modern elegance and curated comfort, with a stunning wine cellar that adds to the refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

But of course, the real magic is in the food.

Night One: A flavoursome feast

Dinner began with complimentary fresh bread, served with flavoured butter and a rich onion marmalade, an indulgent start that set the tone for the evening.

For starters, I opted for mussels en papillote, bathed in a fragrant broth of lemongrass, lime, coconut, and chilli, paired with sourdough bread. The portions were generous, the broth deeply flavourful, and soaking the sourdough into it. Absolute heaven.

To complement our meal, we enjoyed a bottle of Chenin Blanc, which paired beautifully with my main: grilled kingklip with classic lemon butter, radish salad, and a side of brown butter rice. Every bite was a perfect balance—flaky, buttery fish, crisp radish, and rich, nutty rice with delicate brunoise vegetables.

Dessert? "But is it a peppermint tart?" I loved the name. The deconstructed peppermint tart immediately piqued my interest. The dish featured semifreddo, Amarula ice cream, and a toasted coconut sponge, offering a modern twist on a beloved South African classic. Not overly sweet, just the right amount of indulgence to close out the night.

Night Two

With my first dinner exceeding expectations, I was beyond excited for round two.

I started with spiced chorizo and chickpea ragu, topped with a roasted garlic aioli. No notes—just pure, bold flavour.

For the main course, I went for something different: double prawn sushi, featuring crispy tempura prawn, crunchy onions, and a drizzle of ‘yummy sauce.’ A fun, light, and delicious contrast to the rich flavours of the night before.

And since it was my birthday, a complimentary cheesecake arrived to end the meal on a sweet note.

From impeccable service to standout flavours, Sebule Grill delivered an unforgettable dining experience on both nights. Whether for a special occasion or just a night out, I’d highly recommend it.

Beyond the exquisite food, what truly made this celebration special was the generosity of a dear friend who gave me the privilege of being part of this experience.

Birthdays may have once been an afterthought, but celebrating them with great food and even better company? That’s a tradition I plan to keep.

Would I do it all over again next year? Absolutely.