A plateful of stories: Musa’s Bistro

Musa Mhlasi is a passionate entrepreneur, chef, and creative with over eight years of experience in the culinary and creative industries. He attributes his culinary journey to his commitment to innovation and an eye for detail.

“As a chef and restaurateur, I believe in delivering memorable dining experiences that blend a casual, welcoming atmosphere with the refined nuances of fine dining,” he says. Mhlasi’s love for food began at the young age of six on his grandparents’ farm in Simitwe. His grandmother sold traditional beer called Khadi, and on busy days, Mhlasi would help by cooking. However, his grandfather, who had cooked on South Africa’s Blue Train and in renowned vineyards, never cooked with his wife around, leaving Mhlasi to take on the early culinary responsibilities. This experience, he says, planted the seed for his passion for food and cooking, which has only grown over the years.

Mhlasi’s first business venture was a restaurant called Amongi, which he co-owned with a friend in 2013. Although the restaurant operated for only a year, it was a pivotal experience where Mhlasi earned his stripes in the industry. He later honed his skills in catering through Box Event Catering, which he ran until 2023. These ventures laid the foundation for Musa’s Bistro and his consulting agency, Kitchen Kraft Epicurean Agency, where he supports other hospitality ventures through kitchen setups, menu development, training, and culinary photography. Mhlasi says that becoming a business owner has allowed him to share his passion across multiple avenues and build a brand that reflects his values.

During the interview, Mhlasi explained what keeps him motivated. “My motivation lies in delivering an exceptional experience for each guest who walks through the doors of Musa’s Bistro,” he says. “My inspiration comes from a desire to bring people together through food and to create a space where culinary excellence and creativity meet.” Mhlasi aims to shape the dining experience and create dishes that resonate on a deeper level, beyond Musa’s Bistro. He mentions that his inspiration comes from both his team and his patrons, who continuously push him to innovate and perfect their offerings. “Additionally, my faith and values play a key role in grounding my work, reminding me to approach each day with purpose, integrity, and creativity.”

Mhlasi describes the restaurant’s approach to advertising as multi-faceted. “We leverage social media platforms to showcase our food, tell our story, and connect with our audience visually, as well as through high-quality food photography,” he explains. Engaging with the audience through storytelling has been essential in building a brand that resonates with food enthusiasts. “Additionally, word of mouth and community involvement play a big part in the business’s growth,” he adds.

At Musa’s Bistro, they value a workplace culture that prioritises respect, teamwork, and a shared commitment to quality. Mhlasi strives to foster a collaborative environment where each team member feels valued and empowered to contribute creatively. “It’s a culture where ideas are celebrated, and everyone is encouraged to bring their best selves to the table,” he says.

Mhlasi explains that the name of the restaurant originally reflected his vision for a café that was personal, welcoming, and crafted with love. As they grew, they transitioned from Musa’s Café and Patisserie to Musa’s Bistro, but the essence remains the same: a space that reflects a journey, passion, and dedication to delivering exceptional food and service. The evolution of the name represents growth, but the spirit behind it remains unchanged. “Our location was chosen not only for accessibility but for its unique aesthetic, mirroring a Mediterranean feel that complements our menu’s inspiration,” says Mhlasi. “This choice reflects our commitment to offering a distinctive and inviting experience.”