“In Zimbabwe, ‘braai’ is the word for barbeque,” a woman explains as we are seated at East Broad Street’s newest and most unique culinary experience.
Her name is Sibu and the Braai Hut is her passion project. She and her husband moved to the United States from Zimbabwe thirteen years ago. While he was working for the United Nations, Sibu found a knack for hospitality and management.
In 2015, the couple moved to Bethlehem. Curious as to why African cuisine lacked representation in her new community, Sibu decided to take it upon herself. “I love grilled meats; the emphasis here is on the meats. I wanted to bring African barbeque to this area. And the community has been so supportive.” Braai Hut emphasizes the meats indeed, but it also is a flavorful, cultural experience all around. Now if you aren’t sold already, let me tell you a little more.
Setting and decor
The first thing I noticed upon entering the Braai Hut — aside from the facade of painted brick and red shingles and doors — was the rush of cool breezes flowing through the space.
The black floors contrast the vibrantly painted doors and doorways. No detail was overlooked in the design of the restaurant’s interior.
A mahogany bar welcomes you in the front room, which feels like the lobby of a small hotel. We were greeted here by the brightly smiling Sibu. Her accent immediately soothes and she guides you to the main dining room.
Tables line the walls and are located beneath stunning African paintings found all around. African music plays and pulses like a heartbeat of calming rhythm. Colorful pottery adorns the transparent shelving structure installed in what was once the wall separating the lobby from the dining room.
The woodwork of this late 19th-century building has been well preserved and is something to admire. Braai Hut’s setting awakens your visual and auditory senses just as its peri peri chicken arouses your taste buds.
Service
Wednesday night was sleepy in the Braai Hut, with only two other tables seated. However Sibu does say that lunch hour can be busy, and they receive a great deal of take-out orders. So you can absolutely get your barbeque to go, take it to your summer picnic, and be the winner of the potluck. Winner, winner — literally — chicken dinner. (I had to!)
Service was a bit slow, but once the food arrived, all was forgiven.
Food
All the food at Braai Hut is flame-grilled. Also, Sibu makes her homemade peri peri sauce with hot chili peppers, herbs, and spices. This combo delivers sooooo much flavor.
Even the corn on the cob, a side dish option, is better than anything I’ve ever eaten at a home cookout or even a ballgame (no offense, Aw Shucks! at Coca-Cola Park).
If you aren’t wild for chicken or meats, have no fear. Sibu also has vegetable samasos — a fried pastry with fresh, steamed vegetables and potato filling.
Braai Hut offers a chicken peri peri in quarter, half, or whole sizes with a choice of mild, medium, or hot spice — plus any side order. I played it safe and went for the quarter chicken mediaum spicy, but next time I’m going for the hot.
Their Braai Gotcha Nyama offers a variety of flame-grilled meats like lamb, sausage, and beef chuck steak. Specialty dishes include pineapple fried rice and chicken, fish n’ chips, and last but not least, the Kumusha plate- Oxtail stew. I might be brave enough to give that one a go next time.
There are conventional sides such as fries, Mac n’ cheese. Sibu also serves burgers, salads, and wraps. There are loads of options.
I also recommend the mango juice as it compliments the spices and is delightfully sweet and fresh.
The Bottom Line
Braai Hut is exciting, new, and quite unique. For me, there has never been an opportunity in the Lehigh Valley to explore cuisine like this. For those who are unsure of what to expect, give it a try, because Sibu has crafted a very approachable menu in a hospitable and relaxing atmosphere.
Order a platter for the family, or pick up a quarter chicken (for yourself) for lunch to go. Either way, Sibu is thrilled to introduce the taste of her home.
I’m thrilled that Braai Hut has arrived.
BRAAI HUT
Where: 216 E Broad St Bethlehem PA 18018
Contact: 610-849-2263, Braaihutpa@gmail.com
Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday; Noon-8 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; noon – 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Prices: Starters $7-$13; entrees $14-$24; platters $44-$75
Bar: No bar
Credit cards: Yes
Handicap accessible: Yes
Madelyn Dundon is a freelancer for The Morning Call.
