When it comes to authentic South African flavours in SW London, there’s only one place to go – Dee’s Saffa Shop.
We caught up with Daleen (Dee) and Maxine Bastos, the mother-daughter team behind the shop, to talk biltong, homesickness, and Saffa lingo.
How did Dee’s Saffa Shop come about?
We are a mother-daughter due who are very passionate about South Africa, and the food we miss from home, and we wanted to share that with our community.
Dee’s Saffa Shop was always a dream and we’ve finally turned it into a reality.
I’ve been in the South African retail industry since I arrived in the UK seven years ago and Maxine has been a private chef, sharing her love of cooking and baking with her clients for the past nine years. We’re both huge foodies. Food brings people together, so we now we get to play that part in other people’s lives.
If someone was visiting your shop for the first time, what would you recommend?
If you’re visiting for the first time then we definitely recommend our award-winning original beef biltong. We encourage our customers to sample our variety of biltong and droewors and help then choose their favourite flavour.
Do local South Africans get a sense of home when they come to you?
All of our customers have been so supportive and welcoming, it has been so heart-warming. We take pride in being a home away from home for our customers. Our door is always open even for just a chat. Homesickness hits at different stages, sometimes a hug and some South African banter can be the cure.
What made you choose Wandsworth?
Since arriving in the UK we have lived in Wandsworth, the community here is what I love most about being in London. Wandsworth is beautiful, the parks are great for picnics! There is also the running joke of South Western Railway being South African Western Railway, which shows there is a large group of expats in the area who would benefit from our shop being around the corner from home.
What song would sum up the vibe of Dee’s Saffa Shop?
That’s an easy one! That has to be South Africa’s unofficial national anthem- Sister Bethina.
What’s your go-to comfort food?
There is no greater comfort than a braai. From the smell of the fire to the sound of the meat sizzling on the grill and the taste of the first bite of your boerie roll.
What’s the best braai side dish?
Pap and sous! Can’t beat the chakalaka with the wors. Oh, and definitely a braaibroodjie.
Teach us a South African phrase.
Howzit! Yoh this is a lekker shop! It basically means Hi, wow this is a nice shop.
Finally, what’s your favourite thing about Wandsworth?
My favourite thing about Wandsworth has to be the people! Since opening the shop, it has deepened my love for the community here. We have meet so many lovely locals from different nationalities. Biltong has become a favourite high protein snack for everyone!
Find Dee’s Saffa Shop at 195 Garratt Lane, SW18 4DR and give them a follow on Instagram.
