Excitement builds as top 10 finalists announced in KZN’s Coca-Cola Bunny Chow Barometer competition
Durban — In a culinary showdown that has captured the hearts and appetites of KwaZulu-Natal, the announcement of the top 10 finalists in this year’s Coca-Cola Bunny Chow Barometer competition has sent ripples of excitement through the community.
This long-standing challenge, now in its fifteenth year, seeks to identify the best Bunny Chow in the region, a beloved dish that showcases Durban’s vibrant food culture.
On Wednesday, eager fans and local food enthusiasts gathered to learn which eateries had made the cut through public voting.
With an impressive pool of participants, the finalists represent a diverse range of flavours and culinary expertise from across KwaZulu-Natal, setting the stage for an exhilarating finale.
The competition, sponsored by Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), is not only about the glory of being crowned the Bunny Chow Barometer Champion. The contenders stand a chance to win their share of prizes valued at a total of R100 000. This financial boost can significantly benefit the winning establishment, allowing them to enhance their offerings or expand their business.
Nosihle Mthethwa, CCBSA’s District Manager for KZN Central said this event promises to bring communities together, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to shine.
“We are coming up to the traditional festive and holiday season and we can think of no better way to kick this off than with the 2024 Coca-Cola Bunny Chow Barometer,” she stated.
The grand finale is set to take place on Sunday, December 1, at the picturesque Blue Lagoon in Durban, where the ten finalists will vie for the prestigious title. Mthethwa encouraged the public to join in the festivities, sampling an array of Bunny Chows while enjoying a refreshing Coca-Cola product.
Independent Media National Marketing Manager, Shabnum Moosa, said they are delighted to once again partner with the Coca Cola Bunny Chow Barometer Challenge competition, a celebration of Durban's rich culinary heritage.
“As the Daily News and POST, we've had the privilege of being part of this event's journey for many years, and we're excited to continue this tradition. We are looking forward to watching the top ten establishments showcasing the best of Durban's food scene this Sunday, and finding out who this year's winners are!”
This year’s finalists include:
- PNP Express Arena Park
- Get Lost Gateway
- Café Indigo
- Zahraa’s Unique Foods
- Ramjathan's
- Café India
- New Victory Foods & Take Away
- Papa-Rikas
- Caltex FreshStop Canehaven
- PNP Express Chatsworth
Many past participants have expressed their enthusiasm for the competition. Jonbanai Naidoo from Caltex FreshStop in Canehaven shared her excitement about her inaugural entry.
“We are absolutely excited and enthusiastic to be a part of the 2024 Coca-Cola Bunny Barometer Challenge. Thank you to Coca-Cola for this fantastic opportunity.”
Other competitors Nelson and Kasthurie Mudaly, owners of Indigo Cafe in Portshepstone said they came from as far as South Coast of KZN to win the competition and showcase their love for Bunny Chow.
One competitor, Fahim Khan, owner of Zahraa’s Unique Foods in Chatsworth reflected on his journey through the culinary world, saying: “I am the second generation but it is my first time to be part of the competition and I’m grateful for the opportunity and support.”
He said his dishes are poised to delight judges and tasters alike, as he incorporates traditional recipes mastered during his culinary learning and travels abroad.
Returning to defend their title, former winners are equally eager, Gregory Naidoo, the owner of BP Chatsworth, encouraged all Bunny Chow aficionados to attend the finale on Sunday.
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Daily News