Out of Africa: A taste of the wild side

Get ready for a taste of the wild side at Out of Africa BBQ Steakhouse.

Out of Africa is the brainchild of South African Mike Halgreen and a business partner. Because of their passion for eating and cooking, Mike and his business partner established Out of Africa in Thailand as a way of sharing African food to other people.

“My business partner and I were the original chefs and for eight years, we developed the menu, which is basically a showcase of different African cooking,” Mike shared.

Included in Out of Africa’s specialties are Wild Boar African Stew, Impala Venison Stew, Mozambique Trinchado, Zanzibar Chicken Kebabs and Cream Dory Fillets. Aside from serving wild boar and venison, Out of Africa also serves ostrich and crocodile dishes. For those who are not into meats, the restaurant also serves seafood.

South African cooking, Mike said, is considered as the most multi-ethnic, which has evolved from the influences of the different cultures that have visited the place over time. “We love our meat. There is a lot of stewing and grilling and we usually use many different kinds of spices for flavor,” he said.

Now, Cebuanos can taste the different flavors of Africa and experience the wild side at Out of Africa BBQ Steakhouse along Veterans Drive in Lahug. The branch, the latest addition to the growing Dychangco Group of Companies, is the first in the country and the 27th branch in Asia.

Mike, who fell in love with Cebu when he first visited the place, personally trains the kitchen staff – from the chefs, grillers, prep staff to the barmen and even the waiters, saying that he wants to keep the quality of not only the food but also the service in all Out of Africa branches. The restaurant also uses all imported meat, and also imports some of the spices they use. To give diners the South African ambience, Out of Africa is designed like an African eating house or what they call a bohma. “In a village, people would congregate to eat at the bohma,” said Mike.

So get a taste of the wild side now! Out of Africa is open from 5 p.m. up everyday. It also accepts catering services. For inquiries and reservations, dial 580-7296.