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From DJ Decks to Teppanyaki: Oskido’s Daruma Restaurant Lights Up Midrand

Published

2 months ago

June 24, 2025

Chiraag

Daruma By Oskido, Japanese teppanyaki, grilled prawns, sushi platter, Waterfall Midrand, Oskido restaurant, Johannesburg Japanese dining, Joburg ETC

A Kwaito Legend’s Return to the Hustle – But This Time, It’s in the Kitchen

Before he was a pioneer of South Africa’s music industry, Oskido – real name Oscar Mdlongwa – was hustling outside Club Razmatazz in Joburg, selling food to clubgoers just trying to make it through the night. Fast forward a few decades, and the man who gave us Kwaito classics and amapiano anthems is back at the grill – but in a more refined way.

Welcome to Daruma By Oskido, a modern Japanese fusion restaurant based in the bustling heart of Waterfall Corner, Midrand. Here, Oskido swaps out beats for teppanyaki plates, serving up fresh sushi, sizzling seafood, and high-energy dining with a side of township pride.

Also read: Inside Doppio Zero Clearwater: Mediterranean Comfort Meets Jozi Cool

A Japanese Twist with South African Soul

Daruma isn’t your typical Joburg sushi spot. The vibe is vibrant and theatrical – with teppanyaki chefs cooking right in front of diners and signature dishes like salmon combo platters, fried rice, and teriyaki chicken rolls flying out of the kitchen.

For those with a seafood obsession, the Seafood Platter (currently R834 for two) is the showstopper, loaded with prawns, calamari, fish, and sides. Or keep it simple with teppanyaki stir-fry, starting from R100 for noodles or rice and scaling up to R272.50 for grilled prawns.

What Locals Are Saying

Social media is loving it:

TikTok diners have rated it a “10/10 dinner experience” and shared videos of flaming teppan shows.
Uber Eats boasts 4.6 stars from 500+ reviews, with top praise for flavour, service, and presentation.
Instagram reels highlight weekend vibes, with DJs, drinks, and big flavours under neon signage.

Tripadvisor users do caution about occasional noise levels and hit-or-miss sushi freshness, but the overall verdict is solid: great service, fun energy, and a must-try if you’re in the Midrand area.

A Full Circle Moment for Oskido

While many celebrity restaurants feel like brand extensions, Daruma feels different. It’s a personal project rooted in Oskido’s earliest memories – before the fame, before the beats. The name “Daruma” itself is symbolic of perseverance, echoing the resilience behind Oskido’s own rise from township cassette mixes to international acclaim.

With Daruma, he’s not just dishing out food – he’s serving up a story. And in true Joburg style, it’s bold, busy, and impossible to ignore.

Daruma By Oskido interior, teppanyaki grill chefs, salmon sushi rolls, modern Japanese restaurant Midrand, South African celebrity chefs, sushi restaurant Johannesburg, Joburg ETC

Image 1: Instagram/@darumabyoskido

Set Menus & Specials

Keep an eye out for value-driven experiences:

Two-course dinners for R450 or three-course meals for R550 – often paired with a bottle of wine.
Ideal for date nights, anniversaries, or vibey group dinners.
Vegetarian and pescatarian options are available, making it versatile for all dietary tribes.

Why It Works in Joburg

In a city where Western and pan-Asian food dominates the “fancy night out” scene, Daruma brings something fresh. It blends Japanese technique with South African flair, served with the confidence and charisma only someone like Oskido could pull off.

It’s not just a restaurant – it’s a reunion with hustle, heritage, and heart.