HaWith accolades like Manawatu's 2020 Paddock to Plate, Manawatu's 2022 Restaurant of the Year and Gilmours Supreme Award, Little Savanna is truly a shining gem in Palmerston North's dining scene. Sourcing meat from trusted local suppliers, the restaurant transforms New Zealand's best cuts with its iconic hearty and smoky flavours, providing customers with an unforgettable meaty and saucy experience.
Behind the South African fusion restaurant's traditional braii flavours is South African-born chef Tshepo Bulane, who fell in love with cooking from a young age.
After studying hospitality management and culinary arts in Pretoria, Bulane worked in the United States before moving to New Zealand. Although he is accomplished in all sections in the kitchen, Bulane is a true whizz on the grill - serving up memorable and delicious South African BBQ.
"Working on an open fire is inspiring because it gives the food a great flavour and taste."
Bulane's most recent special creation was an ostrich dish, assembled using a fan fillet of ostrich from a local supplier, which was accompanied by hasselback potatoes, kumara puree, honey glazed carrots, grilled courgette, cranberry compote and topped off with house-made blue cheese compound butter.
His top advice for budding chefs is to put in sacrifices in time and energy to reach their goals.
"Anyone can climb the ladder but they need to put in the work."
In the future, Bulane hopes to start up his own cooking and baking classes as well as his own eatery.
