The Chakalaka I grew up eating — memory as a review

I grew up eating Chakalaka and have strong opinions shaped by memory. The version here triggered that recognition in the first bite — the sweet-tangy from chutney was right, Mrs Ball's chutney was handled the way it should be.

Cape Malay cuisine reflects the heritage of enslaved people brought from Southeast Asia. Growing up it was always a Cape Malay restaurant in Cape Town, which shaped my reference point entirely. Castle Lager alongside it is the only way it makes sense to me. It's hard to be objective about food you have emotional history with, but objectively: this is very good.