Born to be Moi: A new restaurant near Tzaneen

A fresh, locally-rooted café has come to life on the outskirts of Tzaneen, the fertile subtropical area known for avocado and macadamia farms, mountain passes and forested escarpments. Moi Café is fast becoming a waypoint for travellers linking Tzaneen, Haenertsburg and Magoebaskloof, as well as a community hub for locals.

When Duncan and Xyza Bothma approached Zander Ernst and Rémi Andersen, known locally for their innovative approach at Krabbefontein Café, to manage a new restaurant on the site of the old Maxim’s Restaurant and Bar near Tzaneen, he leapt at the opportunity. The project had all the elements needed for success - an opportunity for innovation with a dynamic team of people at this well-known space close to town which still feels out in the countryside. 

Each has brought their own talents to the space. Rémi used the creative freedom to write his dream menu, while Xyza worked her magic with the décor.  Her signature-style as an interior designer translated into a clean look with a modern touch - minimalistic combined with classic French accents conveying a sophisticated look with a relaxed feel.  Because they brought so much of themselves to the project, they gravitated to the word Moi meaning ‘me’ in French but since mooi means ‘beautiful’ in Afrikaans, Moi became a hybrid carrying both energies.

And Moi lives up to its name… a new light and lovely space in the front of the building has created a whole new dynamic to the original layout while opening up the view in front of a chess-board style patio maximises the beautiful surroundings.  They have also made the most of the restaurant space with a couple of generous tables for family gatherings and functions balanced by intimate two and four-seater tables tucked into indoor corners and against the walls outside or scattered across the deck. 

On Rémi’s part, the menu carries his distinctive palate and unique signature… think Dukkah-spiced steak; pulled-lamb pot pie; salmon & trout fishcakes; beef kofta as well as their unique brie or pulled-lamb pizzas served with creative flair.  All their pasta is made fresh, in-house while their menu follows the seasons, supporting local suppliers. Even their Moi breakfast plate carries their mantra of ‘simple food, done beautifully’ with all the elements elevated by presentation and flavour.  

Week days see friends popping in to meet for coffee and a tempting bite to eat or a quiet place for digital nomads to get some work done.  Weekends bring a cocktail crowd but it is also popular for a mom’s meet-up, sitting near the fountains spraying into a shallow romping space for kids and hounds.  Of course Moi’s cappuccino’s are top-notch coming from the Krabbefontein coffee farm and making use of a state-of-the-art Henlo machine.  All of these elements combine to create a unique space where people can come together for good food and a great time where beautiful memories are made.

Connect at: 086 860 2176 | moicafesa@gmail.com