Zweli’s Ekhaya

Welcome Home: A Culinary Journey to the Motherland at Zweli’s Ekhaya

Here in the heart of Downtown Durham’s American Tobacco Campus, something truly special is unfolding. Zweli’s Ekhaya is not just a restaurant; it is a profound “Ekhaya”—The Home—where the rich, vibrant flavors of Southern Africa and the wider Bantu diaspora are presented through a refined, elevated dining experience.

Born from the phenomenal success of our original concept, Zweli’s Kitchen, Ekhaya represents the next chapter for Chef Zweli Williams and her husband and partner, Leonardo Williams. It is a culinary playground where tradition meets modernity, offering a delicious, multi-sensory journey across the Motherland.

The Ekhaya Experience: Bantu Tapas Reimagined

At Ekhaya, we honor the culinary heritage of the Bantu indigenous communities that span nations across Africa. Chef Zweli masterfully fuses ancient recipes with global culinary techniques, resulting in a tapas-style menu that is both adventurous and deeply comforting.

Forget what you think you know about African food. Our menu is designed to take your palate on an exciting excursion:

• The Signature Dovi: You must try our Dovi dishes, where “Dovi” (peanut butter) is used as a creamy, savory base, not a sweet one. Try the Dovi Cauliflower, roasted and smothered in a creamy coconut peanut sauce, or the delightful Dovi Rice Bomb, a savory crispy rice ball served with homemade peanut butter cream and pepper sauce.
• A Taste of South Africa: Sample the Baboti, a South African staple of savory-sweet minced beef topped with a golden egg custard. Or savor the Sausage Rolls, a smoky sausage wrapped in puff pastry and paired with a bourbon and peach chutney.
• The Piri Piri Legacy: Our heritage is rooted in the famed Piri Piri Chicken Wings, brined, marinated for 48 hours, and perfectly grilled before being tossed in our signature tropical Piri Piri sauce. It’s a flavor you won’t soon forget!
• Unforgettable Entrées: Indulge in the luxury of our 7 Hour Braised Oxtail, tender, curry-spiced beef served over a creamy plantain mash.

More Than Just Food: A Story of Passion and Community

Ekhaya is an extension of Chef Zweli Williams’ incredible life journey, from growing up in Zimbabwe to becoming the driving force behind the nation’s first full-service Zimbabwean restaurant.

Zweli and Leonardo didn’t just open a business; they built a movement. They tackled the challenges of entrepreneurship with grit, built a successful restaurant from scratch, and even made extraordinary efforts to support their community during the pandemic. Their commitment to giving back—from supporting small businesses to providing meals for those in need—is as fundamental to our brand as the food we serve.

When you dine at Zweli’s Ekhaya, you are not just enjoying an exquisite meal; you are supporting a family-owned, minority-owned business that is passionately dedicated to sharing culture, history, and a powerful sense of community.

An Elevated Atmosphere: The Heart of Durham

Located in the stunning, revitalized American Tobacco Campus, Zweli’s Ekhaya provides an elegant and welcoming setting.

• Refined Decor: The dining room is designed to be warm and sophisticated, creating a sense of being “at home.”
• Curated Drinks: Our bar features a full selection of handcrafted cocktails, including African-inspired drinks like the African 75, alongside unique African wines, to perfectly complement your meal.

We invite you to make a reservation, step inside, and allow us to transport you to the Motherland. Come experience Ekhaya, where every dish is a love letter to Africa, and every guest is welcomed as family.

Ready to begin your culinary odyssey? Book your table at Zweli’s Ekhaya today!

Categories

• Restaurants

Features

• Air conditioning
• Alcohol
• Appointments
• Delivery
• Natural Ingredients
• Seafood
• Specialty Drinks
• Wireless Internet

Regions

• Durham, NC.

Location