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Portuguese Food - a Family Business

Portuguese Food - a Family Business

Author: Kasia Yoko
Date: 2022-08-29

The de Canha family moved to Ballito almost ten years ago with a dream of owning a Coffee Shop in Ballito. And after an extensive search could not find a venue which would suit their entrepreneurial style and their search took them to Umhlanga, where they established a thriving restaurant in the heart of the Umhlanga Village, however in their heart of hearts they were still longing for a venue where they could showcase the recipes, passed down through generations.

Bica Coffee shop and Bakery finally found its home in the news Ballito Steps Centre, and what was suppose to be a small establishment for their two sons Donavin and Davan, turned out to be a full on coffee shop that both mom Monica and dad Oscar love, as it allows them to share the passion they feel for the authentic Portuguese recipes, as it was passed down from their mother's and grandmother's.

"Oscar loves cooking and you will find him in the kitchen perfecting the flavours of every component of our menu." Monica tells The Bugle, "While I prefer to be in the front, talking to our customers and making sure that everyone is served and enjoying their food." The De Canha's take great pride in their rich heritage.

"My happy place is in the kitchen." Oscar tells The Bugle, "Everything we serve here is made from scratch and is done to original recipes. We know how everything needs to taste and will regularly refuse to serve items that do not stand up to my standards. I believe that if you love something you have to have a passion for it, and this new venture is filled with love and fuelled by our collective vision to bring authentic Portuguese cuisine to the Ballito community."

Oscar has capable help in the kitchen from Chef Lester Arumugam, who has International experience and worked abroad for over 10 years in different countries, the highlight being Disneyland in Orlando Florida. Together they are baking some of the favourites from their homeland like Pastais de nata - A classic Portuguese custard tart, traditional baby chicken and the much loved Prego Rolls, that are slowly becoming everyone's favourite lunch on the run.

Visit Cafe Bica Pastelaria at Ballito Steps and savour authentic Portuguese delicacies prepared with love and care. Open seven days a week from 7am to 6pm.