Chaf Pozi
A Soweto shebeen at the Orlando Towers — braai meat, kasi music, and bungee overhead.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
Chaf Pozi is a loud, high-energy shisa nyama that succeeds as a social spectacle rather than a refined dining room. It is the place to go for a beer and flame-grilled meat under the shadow of the Orlando Towers.
Chaf Pozi is a loud, high-energy shisa nyama that succeeds as a social spectacle rather than a refined dining room. It is the place to go for a beer and flame-grilled meat under the shadow of the Orlando Towers.
- Trip Role
- Worth a Detour
- Ideal Stay
- Two to three hours, plus the drive from Johannesburg.
- Best For
- group outings, weekend afternoon sessions, township music, post-tour drinks
- Skip If
- quiet dates, business meetings, those seeking fine dining
- Go If
- You are a group of friends looking for a boisterous weekend afternoon of music, cold beer, and communal eating. It is an essential stop for those already touring the Soweto landmarks.
Why it's worth your time
A shebeen under the Orlando cooling towers — braai meat, township nightlife, and bungee jumps overhead.
What we love
The sheer scale of the place makes it unique. Watching the braai masters work over open fires while the bungee jumpers drop from the cooling towers above creates a visceral, industrial energy that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the city.
What to know
You must visit the butchery counter first to select your raw meat and spices before you can be seated. The kitchen weighs and grills your selection to order, so expect a wait while the fires do their work. Check the operating hours before you leave, as they vary significantly between weekdays and weekends.
The full guide
The Shisa Nyama Process
The visit begins at the butchery counter, not at a table. You select your preferred cuts of beef, mutton, pork, or boerewors from the display. The staff weighs the meat, and you pay for your selection before it is handed over to the braai masters. This is the heart of the operation. The meat is cooked over open flames, which imparts a distinct smokiness that defines the meal. While the grillers work, you head to the bar to secure a table and order drinks. The system is informal and requires you to be active in your own service. Do not expect a waiter to take your order at the table; the kitchen only starts once you have cleared the butchery counter.
What to Order
Stick to the basics. The boerewors and short rib are the most reliable choices, as they handle the high heat of the open braai well. Pair your meat with the standard sides: pap, which is a stiff maize porridge, and chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish that cuts through the richness of the grilled fat. If you are in a large group, ordering a variety of cuts to share is the standard approach. The bar is well-stocked with local beers, which are essential for the experience. Avoid over-complicating your order with complex dishes; the kitchen excels at simple, flame-grilled proteins. If you are unsure of quantities, ask the butchery staff for guidance on how much meat is appropriate for your group size.
Timing and Atmosphere
The atmosphere shifts dramatically depending on when you arrive. During the week, the venue is quieter and functions more like a standard grill house. On weekends, it transforms into a party spot with DJs playing kwaito, house, and township jazz. The volume increases, and the space fills with large groups. If you are visiting as part of a wider Soweto tour, try to time your arrival for the early afternoon to avoid the peak evening rush. Parking is available at the towers complex, but it can get congested during events at the nearby stadiums. Always check if there is a concert or match scheduled at the Orlando Stadium, as this will significantly impact the crowd size and the ease of access to the venue.
Before you book
Questions Chaf Pozi always raises
- Do I need to book a table in advance?
- For small groups, walk-ins are generally fine. However, if you are visiting with a large party or planning to go during a weekend or a major event at the nearby stadium, it is wise to call ahead to ensure you have space.
- Is the food spicy?
- The meat itself is seasoned, but the heat level is generally moderate. The chakalaka, which is served as a side, provides the primary spice. If you are sensitive to heat, ask the staff about the spice levels on the specific meat rubs before they hit the grill.
- Can I pay with a card?
- Yes, the venue accepts major credit and debit cards. It is still a good idea to carry some cash for tips or if the card machines are experiencing connectivity issues, which can happen in busy, open-air environments.
- Is it safe to visit?
- The venue is a well-established tourist spot with secure parking at the Orlando Towers complex. Like any major city destination, keep your wits about you, stay within the designated areas, and use reputable transport services if you are not driving yourself.
More restaurant in Gauteng
Lucky Bean
A Melville Joburg restaurant — South African contemporary in a relaxed village setting.
Marble
A Joburg flame-grill restaurant in Rosebank — wood-fire cooking and the city's best skyline terrace.
Sakhumzi Restaurant
A Vilakazi Street Soweto restaurant — township buffet, the Soweto tour lunch stop, feet from Mandela's old house.