MANZINI – What began as a takeaway operation, Elegant Eats Catering Co., in Mkhiweni, Ngwane Park, has now grown into one of the most talked-about catering brands in Eswatini.
Known for its flavourful meals, reliable service, and elegant presentation, the company is now a trusted name among both individual clients and the corporate sector.
This company, founded by Nombuso ‘Bubu’ Nomvuselelo Mtsetfwa, at the age of 26. It operated as a one-roomed kitchen and has soon turned into a community favourite.
Within four months, customer demand pushed the founder to scale up operations and turn her passion into a fully fledged business.
Today, Elegant Eats is catering for major events, including high-capacity corporate functions with over 800 guests.
Mtsetfwa shared that it originated from her love for home-cooked meals and without any formal culinary training, she brings in class.
“I started with what I had, using household pots and a two- plate stove. It wasn’t much, but I was determined,” she says.
Bubu’s first big break came when she was asked to prepare lunch packs for over 100 people. That soon brought in catering for a major corporate event that required lunch and dinner for 800 people.
“That experience changed everything for me. I saw the results and made my first big deposit. It was confirmation that this dream was valid,” she said.
Bubu is a former social media marketing Assistant Manager with a background in Public Relations. She used her marketing skills to build Elegant Eats into a recognizable and admired brand.
“I posted pictures of my meals every day and used consistency to grow visibility online. People began to trust the brand just by how it was presented,” she said.
Elegant Eats is now known for more than just delicious food, it offers a full experience.
From neat packaging and professional service to timely delivery and attention to detail, the company has become a go-to for premium, yet affordable, catering. Word of mouth and social media have played a central role in that growth.
But the journey hasn’t been easy. Starting with limited resources, Bubu often had to rely on daily sales to purchase the next day’s ingredients.
“There were days I wanted to quit, and sometimes I still feel that way. But I believe if you’ve never felt like giving up, you’re probably not trying hard enough,” she said.
Lessons from the journey include the importance of pricing correctly, knowing your target market, and maintaining professionalism at every stage.
“You must have a purpose. Your ‘why?’ needs to be bigger than just making money. That’s what will carry you through the hard days,” she said.
Elegant Eats is now looking ahead to national expansion, including opening more branches, offering equipment rentals, staff outsourcing, and mentoring aspiring chefs across Eswatini.
“Success to me is now about creating jobs and impacting lives, not just about profit. I want to build a brand that lasts.”
Even with big dreams ahead, Bubu remains rooted in the personal touch that launched her business.
Her signature dish, a hearty beef stew with plain rice, is loved for its simplicity and soul.
“It reminds people of home,” she smiles.
And if she ever had the chance to cater for someone famous, who would it be, “Ayanda Ntanzi,” she said.
“I admire his character, his humility, and the way he respects people across different backgrounds.”
Elegant Eats proves that starting small doesn’t mean thinking small. With a clear vision, relentless passion, and consistency, Bubu is feeding more than clients, she’s feeding hope, growth, and opportunity.
Contact Elegant Eats Catering Co.
Call or WhatsApp: 7983 6895, 7812 0127
Email: mtsetfwanomvuselelo@gmail.com
Discussion about this post