OUR STORY

In 2018, three visionaries came together with a shared passion for flavor, fire, and the art of smoking. Thabiso Shoba, his wife Nelly Shoba, and his brother Thando Shoba began researching and experimenting with American-influenced BBQ smokers. What started as a curious fascination quickly evolved into an obsession, a quest to master the ancient craft of slow-smoking meats and create something truly extraordinary.

Two heads are better than one, but in the case of Shambooka's Smoke House, those heads combined with one singular vision to birth what we know today as the Biggest Reverse Flow Smoker in the African region. This wasn't just a piece of equipment, it was a "smoking goddess," intentionally and delicately curated, custom-built, wood-powered, and mobile. Every weld, every curve, every inch of this magnificent machine was designed with purpose: to deliver the perfect smoke, the perfect temperature, and the perfect flavor to every cut of meat.

On March 20, 2021, the trio turned their creation into a culinary business that hopes to offer meat as an experience. And that's where South African passion for flavor meets the time-honored tradition of American meat smoking. Nestled in the heart of Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province, Shambooka's Smoke House opened its doors as a restaurant, a celebration of bold flavors, tender meats, and the artistry of slow smoking.

Inspired by the rich tapestry of South African culinary heritage and the robust essence of American BBQ, we crafted a menu that tantalizes the taste buds and satisfies the soul. From juicy ribs to succulent brisket, each dish is carefully smoked to perfection, infusing every bite with layers of smoky goodness.

But it's not just about the food, it's about the experience. Step into our warm, inviting ambiance where the aroma of hardwood smoke fills the air and the sounds of laughter and good company echo through the space. Whether you're gathering with friends and family or savoring a quiet moment alone, every taste of Shambooka's delicacies is a journey of culinary discovery and sensory delight.

Our journey has been nothing short of greatness. Beyond our restaurant, we proudly serve events, corporate settings, weddings, parties, year-end functions, conferences, and offer call/collect services. We are careful with our meat choices and only settle for quality-grade cuts which we know will receive and maintain our application of spices, choice of wood, and process of smoking, which goes between 12 to 14 hours.

This commitment to excellence has made us stand out at major events like The Exclusive White Lifestyle with Metro FM and Draai Concepts events like SOGA & Potjie. Our smoker won the prize for Biggest Smoker in Africa at the "Big George BBQ Competition," cementing the vision and creativity of intentionally customizing and building a smoker that has the biggest entourage capacity while beating anyone with presentation.

We're more than just a mobile smoking business, we're a destination for food lovers, a haven for meat enthusiasts, and a testament to the marriage of two distinct culinary worlds. Join us as we redefine the art of smoking and embark on a gastronomic adventure unlike any other.

The business has a secret weapon: it can multiply through the customization of even bigger or better smokers or concepts alike. This positions us for significant growth and makes us an exciting opportunity for those who see the potential in what we've built.