Kwa Ga Ncinci, is a popular restaurant in Maun, owned by Ncinci Motsemme, who recently welcomed The Weekender into the soul of her operation, the kitchen where she unveiled some of the secrets behind her culinary magic.
Motsemme, let us in her secret. “Food is not the end product,” she said with a smile. “It is part of something special. Every meal I prepare comes from a place of instinct and passion. I have learned to let the ingredients guide me, to find harmony in their natural essence. My goal is simple, to create food that feels like home, with that simple but wonderful ingredient that only a mother can sprinkle into the meal, love.”
Kwa Ga Ncinci reflects that ethos in every detail. Its design combines rustic warmth with a chic edge, creating an atmosphere that immediately puts guests at ease. Whether you are seated indoors in the cozy dining space or outside on the sunlit patio, the setting feels more like an inviting living room than a restaurant. The sunlight pours through, illuminating not just the space but the spirit of the place, a feeling of warmth that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget.
It is not just the decor that evokes home. The waiting staff at Kwa Ga Ncinci have a way of making you feel seen, their genuine smiles and easy hospitality melting away the day’s stresses. Here, you are not rushed. You’re encouraged to settle in, sip a drink, lose yourself in a book, or admire the thoughtful artworks that adorn the walls. Every piece tells its own story, much like the meals that are lovingly prepared just a few steps away.
Then comes the food, a symphony of flavors that speaks to Motsemme’s passion and precision. The pork fillet, tender and perfectly seasoned, and the oxtail, slow-cooked to perfection, are nothing short of revelations. Paired with your choice of sides, perhaps golden wedges or fragrant rice, each dish is a celebration of taste and texture. With every bite, the outside world fades away, leaving you fully immersed in the present moment. It is an umami experience that lingers, not just on the palate but in the heart.
For Motsemme, this is not just about serving meals, it’s about creating connections. “I have worked in many fields, including the creative industry,” she shared. “But cooking gives me something deeper. It is not about the money. It is about crafting a space where people can gather, share stories, and feel at home. There is a certain magic in seeing someone’s face light up after their first bite. That’s the connection I strive for every day. That in itself is the gift my mother shared with me, where I learnt the power of dining and how it can bring people together, regardless of who they are and where they are from.”
Over the past decade, Kwa Ga Ncinci has become a cornerstone of Maun’s community. It is a place where locals and travelers alike find comfort, nourishment, and a sense of belonging. It’s reputation has spread far beyond its doors, with diners frequently asking Ncinci to bring her magic to their private events. Yet, despite her growing success, Ncinci remains grounded in gratitude.
“My fondest memory,” she reflected, “is the day I opened Kwa Ga Ncinci. The first meal I served was oxtail. Watching my guests savor it, seeing their happiness, it was like seeing my dreams come to life. That’s when I knew I was where I belonged. Home.”
