Whipping up gourmet meals for over 100 people is just another day at the office for Chef Keshan Rambarun. But the executive chef at GrandWest is now turning his attention to something a little more casual — and very Cape Town: street food.
“People are busy,” says Keshan. “Sometimes they only get here 20 minutes before a show starts.” Instead of rushing to grab a sit-down meal, he’s offering concertgoers something quick, flavourful, and satisfying. “Street food is a global trend,” he explains, “so I decided to experiment with flavour-packed foods that can be picked up and eaten on the go.”
It’s all part of a new hot food station located en route to the Grand Arena. With the menu changing to suit each show, it’s already becoming a firm favourite with guests.
Since joining GrandWest two years ago, Keshan’s mission has been clear: revitalise the kitchen brigade and elevate the guest experience. With a team of 90 behind him, he’s focused on building a strong, creative food culture. “I wanted to create an environment where my chefs are upskilled and have the freedom to express themselves on a plate,” he shares. His food philosophy? “Simple food, done exceptionally well and executed to perfection so that they leave a lasting memory.”
The roots of Keshan’s love for cooking can be traced back to family gatherings in KwaZulu-Natal, filled with comforting dishes like lamb breyani, pot roasts and prawn curry. “My mother’s table always had a seat for someone who needed a hot meal,” he recalls. “Her cooking inspired me to train to be a chef.”
And that calling has taken him far. With over 20 years in the industry, his career includes stints at private game reserves, high-end hotels and casinos, and a catering company. Armed with a Grande Diploma in Cordon Bleu from Silwood Kitchen Cookery School, Keshan made his return to Sun International in 2023. He was previously executive chef at The Table Bay, having been promoted from executive sous chef, and has also worked at Sibaya in Durban, Phinda Private Game Reserve, and most recently, the Taj Cape Town.
GrandWest Show Night Street Food Menu
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Spicy maple chicken, pita bread, sweet and sour slaw, garlic aioli – R70
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Asian style sticky beef, sweet and sour slaw, coriander and ginger aioli – R120
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Slow cooked lamb stew with rice – R85
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Chicken curry roti wraps – R80
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Tikka chicken masala, pita or roti with sweet and sour slaw, garlic aioli, fresh coriander chutney – R75
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Sticky chicken drumstick, baked penne pasta, pickled carrots – R85
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Lamb and butterbean curry with steamed rice, onion salsa – R95
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Masala steak roti, coriander and garlic aioli, onion salsa – R85
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Grilled chicken roti wrap, sweet and sour salad, homemade chutney, garlic aioli – R75
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Cape Malay chicken curry with roti or rice – R75
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Beef potjiekos with rice, pickled carrot salad – R85
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Chicken mayo sandwiches – R65
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Beef pastrami, mustard aioli sandwiches – R75
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Bacon, egg, cheese sandwiches – R80
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Cheese and tomato sandwiches – R55
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Grilled Cajun chicken wraps with coleslaw – R75
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Smash beef burger – R85
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Tikka chicken salad – R80
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Smokey BBQ ribs – R145
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Braai plate: chicken fillet, short rib, pap, chakalaka – R175
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Smokey BBQ beef ribs, house pasta salad – R145
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Sticky chicken wings with house salad – R95
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Braai boerewors with chakalaka and pap – R80
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Traditional beef potjiekos with rice – R85
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Boerewors, caramelised onion – R65
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Chicken stir fry – R70
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Cape Malay chicken curry – R70
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Masala steak roll – R85
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