FROM FAMILY TABLE TO FOOD LEGEND

Ever wondered why we’re called “Seven Colours”? Pull up a chair and let’s spill the samp beans.

In South African homes across the nation, there’s a beautiful tradition where family feasts feature plates bursting with a kaleidoscope of foods. From ruby-red beetroot and golden pap to emerald spinach and rich brown stews. All sharing space in a glorious celebration of flavour and colour.

This rainbow of deliciousness (usually around seven vibrant colours) became more than just a meal – it became a symbol of home, community, and togetherness. It’s comfort food that feeds both belly and soul.

“The term ‘seven colours’ is popular in my culture – a nickname for the meals dished to guests and family members each time we gather. For us, it is common to place red beetroot, yellow rice, multi-coloured vegetable dishes, and brown meat all overflowing from the same plate. This makes a delicious rainbow soul food experience, all in one portion.

For reasons now hidden in legends, we term this experience ‘seven colours,’ which traditionally is synonymous with: wholesome, soul food, home, community, and togetherness. This is South African food, inspired by my upbringing and by many South African tables.”

Chef Nolu Dube-Cele, Owner and Founder

About Chef Nolu

Chef Nolu's vision goes beyond just serving tasty chow.

Chef started on a mission to celebrate creativity, evoke nostalgia, embrace diversity, and inspire a positive South African identity through the universal language of food.

Every dish at Seven Colours Eatery is crafted with love, respect for tradition, and a cheeky modern twist that’ll have you coming back for more. You might even want that rainbow delivered straight to your front door.

What's on the menu
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Chef Nolu

Born in the village of Tsengiwe in the Eastern Cape, Nolukhanyo Dube-Cele — affectionately known as Chef Nolu — has grown into one of the most celebrated voices in South African cuisine. Her journey is grounded in the richness of rural life, where food, culture, and community are deeply intertwined.

After moving to Cape Town to study Hospitality Management at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Chef Nolu expanded her culinary horizons abroad, gaining experience in kitchens in the UK and USA. On returning home, she refined her craft in luxury boutique hotels, blending international techniques with local soul.

In 2016, she founded Seven Colours, a home-based catering business inspired by the vibrant, comforting Sunday meals she grew up with. Her dishes quickly made waves at markets, festivals, and private events across Cape Town. Standout favourites like her sizzling tshisanyama sosaties—named “Best Smelling Dish” at the Cape Town Street Food Festival—and her signature Seven Colours plate, hailed as the most “Insta-worthy,” helped cement her place in the local food scene.

By 2022, Chef Nolu brought her vision to life with Seven Colours Eatery, a vibrant restaurant located at the iconic V&A Waterfront. Celebrating South African heritage through flavour and story, the eatery offers traditional meals and local beverages in a setting that welcomes all.

Since opening, the restaurant has been featured in TimeOut as one of Cape Town’s best, nominated as the Best African Restaurant by the Luxe Restaurant Awards, and awarded Best in Gastronomy Tourism for Cultural Dining—further establishing it as a beacon of South African culinary excellence.