In a fun-filled celebration of South Africa’s diverse culinary landscape, Uber Eats recently hosted its inaugural Merchant Awards at The Roof in Bryanston, Sandton.

• The awards not only recognized outstanding restaurants and non-food merchants but also showcased the platform’s commitment to supporting and empowering local businesses.
• With 50 nominees vying for recognition across 18 categories, the awards celebrated the rich diversity and talent within South Africa’s retail and hospitality industry.
• The public played a crucial role by nominating their favourite local merchants through the app, adding a democratic touch to the event.
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The Merchant Awards unfolded with industry leaders, partners, and esteemed guests gathering to honour exceptional achievements. Sandton, the bustling commercial hub of greater Johannesburg, stood out in several categories, reflecting its vibrant culinary scene. Spice Kitchen in Sandton secured the title of ‘Best Indian’ cuisine, showcasing the area’s diverse and authentic flavours.

Sandton’s Kung Fu Kitchen on Grayston Drive took home the accolade for ‘Best Asian,’ highlighting the suburb’s commitment to delivering exceptional Asian cuisine. Meanwhile, McDonald’s on Douglas Road was crowned ‘Best Burgers’ in Gauteng, underscoring Sandton’s diverse range of preference, from cuisine to convenience. The Maui Poke Co in Rosebank claimed the ‘Best Vegan’ award for Gauteng, emphasizing Sandton’s embrace of diverse dietary preferences and culinary innovation.

Apart from Sandton’s culinary triumphs, the awards acknowledged excellence across various categories. Notable winners included New York Bagels for ‘Highest Ratings’, AA Sushi for ‘Best Customer Availability’, and Blue Bottle Liquors for the ‘2023 Delivery Choice’ award in Gauteng.

According to Nakampe Molewa, General Manager for Uber Eats, Sub-Saharan Africa, the awards serve as a testament to the hard work and dedication of merchants using the platform. He emphasized Uber Eats’ commitment to nurturing and promoting the growth of the South African hospitality and retail industry.

As inaugural winners of the Merchant Awards, the recognized businesses set a high industry standard, inspiring others to strive for excellence in providing exceptional service and offerings. Chef Naledi, the event’s MC, congratulated the exceptional merchants, recognizing their profound impact on South Africa’s hospitality and retail experience.

Beyond individual achievements, the awards underscored Uber Eats’ dedication to creating a thriving ecosystem where businesses can flourish and customers can access a diverse range of options. The ‘2023 Delivery Choice’ award for Blue Bottle Liquors highlighted the growing importance of the alcohol category on the platform, showcasing Uber Eats’ adaptability to evolving consumer preferences.

The spotlight shone on KIMCHI, a small business in Cape Town, as it clinched the prestigious ‘Merchant of the Year’ award. Known for consistently delivering outstanding Korean cuisine, KIMCHI’s excellence in food quality, customer service, and innovation earned them a prize package that included a R100’000 promotional offer funded by Uber Eats.

The Uber Eats Merchant Awards not only celebrated culinary excellence but also highlighted the platform’s role in shaping and supporting South Africa’s vibrant hospitality and retail industry.

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