WHERE TO EAT MAMASAMBA

from Scene in the City – Autumn 2023

SOUTHERN SUN ROSEBANK

Feel the beat and enjoy the bites. Combining vibrant cuisine with a banging atmosphere, Mamasamba is one of Rosebank’s most popular new spots to go to for Latin American food. From the hearty dishes of Mexico to the zesty flavours of Brazil, the varied eclectic menu is a melting pot of flavours, spices and cooking techniques. Be sure to take your friends along, as you’ll want to sample everything. Still not convinced? Boasting both style and substance, this two-floor, plantfilled haven overdelivers at every turn while music pulses gently in the background. The OTT urban jungle interior – think hyper-bright colours, terrazzo floors, a spiral staircase, and graffitied florals and trees – designed by interior architect Tristan du Plessis will have you sold. Whether you choose to come to this perennial party place for a casual midweek catchup on the patio or fancy a raucous Saturday lunch, Mamasamba has something for everyone. The antojitos – Latin American-inspired small plates – were destined to be washed down with a tasty cocktail selection. The Lupita (Bacardí Añejo Cuatro rum, pineapple juice, passionfruit syrup, lime juice and creole bitters) prepared our palate for the smoked sake ponzu oysters with chilli oil and apple. There are plenty of high-end dishes like crispy crayfish taquitos (rolled tacos) with salmon roe and punchy yuzu mayo, or wagyu tataki in a ginger soy dressing, scattered with truffle shavings that drop an umami bomb. Sushi is a particular talent here – signatures include Peruvian acevichado rainbow rolls, rock shrimp rolls topped with chipotle mayo, salmon roses with wasabi pearls as well as miso wagyu uramaki rolls. The plates are as playful as the décor, making this a not-to-be-missed sushi experience. The meat and seafood – cooked in a Josper charcoal oven or on a Parrilla grill – is also on point. Special shoutouts go to the rib eye with chimichurri on a bed of traditional samba salad and batatas fritas; the beef or pork ribs stroked with a mango and cola glaze, served with fennel and smoky jalapeño salad; and the chargrilled octopus that packs a flavourful punch with ancho ponzu, black rice, stir-fry vegetables, sweet potato bravas and yellow chilli pepper mayo. The bar is worth a pitstop before or after supper, too. We recommend the tequila martini –Patrón Reposado tequila complete with Martini Bianco, Martini Extra Dry and peach bitters, garnished with a tortilla chip.