Durban Street Food Festival founder promises that it will be ‘unforgettable’ this year
|Published
The festival, the biggest of its kind in Durban, returns to The Pavilion shopping centre from September 6 to 8 and features amazing food, drink stalls, demonstrations, pop-ups as well as amazing live music.
Independent Media Lifestyle caught up with the festival founder Georgios Kretsos to find out what attendees can expect.
Kretsos is one of the veterans of the events industry in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. His events pay homage to his love of music and food.
“I have a deep passion for hospitality, which I channel through my events venue and bar, Aces Pizza which specialises in New York-style pizza.
“Aces Pizza is not just about great food; it's a vibrant space dedicated to supporting the live music scene in Durban. My love for music and dedication to nurturing local talent drives everything we do.
“In addition to the restaurant, I run Uber Cool Events, an events and marketing company focused on creating unforgettable experiences in KZN and the Western Cape.
“Our portfolio primarily features music and food events, where we bring communities together to enjoy great tunes and delicious cuisine,” he said.
Kretsos said his commitment to the music scene in Durban and his passion for hospitality are the core of all his ventures and is continuously striving to make a positive impact on the local cultural landscape.
“I ventured into the food scene in 2012, starting with a sushi restaurant called The Sushi Corner on Davenport Road. It quickly became a highlight and attraction for the area.
“In 2015, I created the Durban Street Food Festival, a brand dedicated to celebrating and showcasing Durban's diverse food culture.
“My passion for food is deeply rooted in my Greek heritage. From a young age, my father taught me how to cook various Greek dishes, instilling in me a love for the food. This blend of personal and cultural influences continues to inspire my journey in the food industry,” he said.
“The Durban Street Food Festival has been thriving for nine years, setting itself apart by consistently highlighting Durban's diverse culinary culture.
“What makes this festival unique is its focus on showcasing the rich cultural influences from India, Asia, and Africa, which contribute to the city's status as one of the world's top 20 street food destinations,” added Kretsos.
At this year’s festival, he said visitors can enjoy unique cuisines such as Cape Malay and Durban Indian dishes.
“Our festival is dedicated to supporting local upcoming businesses by providing them with a platform to grow. Beyond the culinary experience, the Durban Street Food Festival aims to bring people and cultures together, fostering a sense of community and celebration,” said Kretsos.
Asked what keeps him going, he said: “The festival is a brand I truly adore and an exciting project that our team meticulously plans every year.
“When the festival comes together, it's incredibly rewarding to taste the diverse foods from the vendors we've discovered and to see people enjoying themselves, and supporting local businesses. Witnessing the joy and satisfaction on attendees' faces gives us the energy and motivation to continue this project year after year.”
This year the festival will see the likes of EASY FREAK and Veranda Panda on stage as headline acts, as well as the KZN Youth Orchestra. There will be a silent disco arena, wine tasting as well as a sip and paint area.
Kretsos said they plan to expand the food festival brand in Cape Town and Johannesburg next year and also have an exciting dessert-inspired festival that will be heading to Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Tickets for the event can be bought online via Quicket.