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Front Row with Rabbit
Once upon a time, a rabbit named Khira set her sights on a new culinary adventure. With years of fine dining experience, she had mastered technique and precision, but her heart was drawn to the lively street markets of Asia, where bold flavors and simple ingredients create magic. Driven by this inspiration, she set out to blend her skills with the vibrant energy of street food—hoping to bring something fresh and unforgettable to the table.
Inspired, she called her partner-in-culinary-crime, Namrata—the social media sorceress known for turning ideas into tantalizing legends.
“What if we combine street food charm with fine dining elegance?” Khira proposed. Namrata was all in.
“Let’s name it Rabbit,” she replied, “a little rebel ready to hop into unforgettable flavor.”
They enlisted prince charming, XO, a culinary visionary from their days at the Bailey, and five months later, Rabbit opened—a whimsical haven where street food’s playful spirit meets sophistication.
When I visited their pop-up restaurant at One Park in Cape Town, I felt intimidated—but in the sexiest way. Oh and by the way—Namrata should always be on aux.
I had the opportunity to meet these talented individuals and watch them work their magic, bringing their culinary vision to life with every chop, sizzle, and garnish. Seeing their dedication first-hand was inspiring—each dish a testament to their passion and skill. Afterwards, I got to sit down with them for a few questions, diving into the minds behind the Rabbit magic.
What drives your team’s passion for connecting people through food?
Namrata: Growing up in an Indian family, I was surrounded by the joyful chaos of six kids gathered around the dining table, diving into my mom’s home-cooked creations. That’s where my love for food began—it’s all about people for me! So, when Khira and XO approached me with their deliciously bold idea, I knew I had to jump on board. Who wouldn’t want to create a space where food brings people together in celebration and laughter? I’d say what resonates most with our followers is community! We take pride in fostering connections, and the food bit goes without saying.
Khira: For me, food is my ultimate love language. It’s how I express my care and affection for those I cherish. There’s something magical about sharing a meal—it transforms simple nourishment into a heartfelt experience that connects us all. I think what really draws people to Rabbit is a combination of everything: community, atmosphere, and of course, the food! It’s all about authenticity here and we’re all passionate about what we do.
How does the team approach menu creation? Can you walk us through the process of curating the dishes?
Khira: Creating the menu always starts with a conversation. I draw inspiration from different flavours, fun combinations, and special moments, mixing them with my culinary training. It can be challenging because we make a new menu for every pop-up, but we sometimes bring back popular dishes that people love. I experiment alot—nothing makes it on the menu unless I’m truly happy with it.
(Khira, if you are reading this, NEVER EVER take your zough and tahini roast pumpkin with that delicious brown butter oI that menu! I’m serious…)
Which dishes have become fan favorites, and how do they reflect Rabbit’s philosophy on food?
Namrata: Orange chicken!
Khira: Everyone loves the pavlova and the orange chicken. Can’t forget the chilli crunch focaccia.
Namrata: Oh yes! The butter on the focaccia is insane.
Who’s most likely to start the food fight in the kitchen?
Namrata: Oh, that’s definitely XO! I’d be the one to stir things up, and Khira would step in to keep the peace.
Khira: Absolutely, I second that—XO all the way!
FRM: I have to share this part! When I attended their pop-up, I found myself right up against the bar, which made me feel a bit awkward—like I was in their personal space. XO probably wouldn’t even remember this, or that I was so close, but his vibrant personality made me feel so comfortable. He was incredibly entertaining, and I felt lucky to be sitting up front, watching him dance, sing, and engage with everyone. It was clear he belonged there! The sense of community was palpable, and it made the experience even more special.
P.S. Be sure to try their divine linefish and yellowtail sashimi or the underdog: The Rabbit cookie with Matcha ice cream—trust me, they’re all SO damn good! And if you need another reason to visit, you definitely won’t want to miss XO’s incredible dance moves.
Pop-ups are like culinary treasure hunts. What’s been your wildest or most unexpected moment at a Rabbit event?
Namrata: When we did Publik, we had a line out the door! That was pretty cool for us—even in the middle of Winter!
Khira: Publik was a wild ride! It was just XO and me, with me managing the pass, plating, and cooking while he handled the grill and plating. We were definitely in the thick of it! But it was so much fun—we thrive on that adrenaline!
If Khira could cook a meal for any person, living or dead, who would it be?
Khira: It would definitely be my dad. He passed away six years ago, but I owe my love for food to him. When I was younger, he had the brilliant idea to sell our house and travel around the world for a year, planning the entire trip himself. That experience truly opened my eyes to diverse cuisines and cultures.
How does Rabbit incorporate sustainability into its ingredient sourcing? As you expand, how do you envision Rabbit evolving in terms of sustainability?
Khira: We focus on cooking with seasonal ingredients. South Africa boasts stunning produce, and we’re fortunate in that respect. Our meat is always locally sourced and ethically raised, partnering with small-scale farms and suppliers.
Namrata: Absolutely, that's our goal for the future. Right now, we do our best to minimize food waste at every pop-up, both during and after our events. Speaking for both of us, we’d love to continue incorporating sustainability into our ethos. It’s important to celebrate the amazing farmers and brands we have in South Africa; we’re truly fortunate in that regard.
What’s the one “secret ingredient” of wisdom you’d share with aspiring chefs that they won’t find in a cookbook?
Khira: Embrace failure; it’s how you improve. Some of my favorite dishes came from scrapping ideas that didn’t work out. You keep trying, and something even better emerges. I’ll admit—I’m not the best baker, and I’m a hot kitchen chef at heart. But with perseverance, you can always improve. I like to think I’m getting better at baking!
Namrata: I think it's crucial to absorb knowledge in all areas, not just in the kitchen. Watching Khira grow as a businesswoman has been truly inspiring.
What’s the best way for aspiring chefs to get comfortable with experimenting in the kitchen?
Namrata: I am not a chef—just a home cook—but for me, it’s been learning some cool knife skills (XO and Khira will forever roast my chiffonade but it’s more than what most can do).
Khira: Cook every day, try new things. Always ask questions and definitely practice your knife skills as much as you can!
Why should food enthusiasts give Rabbit a try? What makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique culinary experience?
Khira: People should come to Rabbit because our menu is always evolving and gets better with each pop-up. We’re doing what we love, creating a vibrant dining experience where you’re surrounded by a team that genuinely cares about the food we serve. We play the music we enjoy and are excited to share it with our guests. This isn’t just a business for us; it’s a labor of love fueled by passion.
Namrata: I feel that, beyond the food, many new friendships have blossed in the spaces we’ve created since we started. It’s a great way to visit a familiar place while trying something new.
From my personal experience, that’s absolutely true. Namrata made me feel so welcome as we shared a drink and chatted about women supporting women. We’re planning to grab a mimosa together soon!
From one creative soul to another, I’m in awe. Seeing Khira, Namrata, and XO, bring their dreams to life has been nothing short of inspiring. They’re brave, dedicated, and wildly creative, with visions that reach far beyond the plate. There’s a kind of magic in witnessing dreams take shape, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for them. Follow their journey—it’s a rabbit hole worth diving into.
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