Keeping the Casbah alive

BORN and raised in the heart of the Casbah – the historically Indian community in downtown Durban – Leila Ally’s affinity for community and food stemmed from her youth.

Ally, the author of Casbah cookbooks, said she was raised at home on the corner of Lancers and Acorn roads.

“When I was 8 we moved to the Stamford Hill area. However, my links with the Casbah continued as I commuted to and from school at Epsom Road. I also frequently visit my friends who still live in the area.

“I was exposed to many different cuisines which proved to be a catalyst in my passion for cooking. My mum taught me the finer details of cooking and – through trials and tribulations and a few flops – I became quite adept in preparing food,” she said.

Ally moved to Johannesburg in the early ’80s and started her own business, La’Fays Tasty Eats.

“I started out in my food truck. I provided ‘street food’. Later I introduced the much-sought-after Durban curries and breyanis. This was an instant success which encouraged me to open La’Fays Events and Caterers.”

About nine years ago, Ally was invited to join childhood friends and known ambassadors for the Casbah community, Buddy Govender and Ishaan Blunden, on their Grey Street Casbah brand.

Govender and Blunden create an informal archival space to share urban histories through digital spaces. Their platforms include the “Grey Street Casbah and surrounding”, a closed Facebook group.

“With our combination and passion, the Grey Street Recipes Facebook Group was then formed. Four years ago our first recipe book, Casbah Family Recipes, was published. It celebrated the religious festivals commemorated in South Africa.

“The second book, Casbah Masala, is about the blending of different spices, marinades and dry rubs,” said Ally.

◆ The Grey Street Casbah recipe books are available from www. madeindurban.co.za or call Anivesh Singh at 083 778 1991.