Wanjiru Kinyua the culinary artist behind The Breakfast Room
"The Breakfast Room is more than just a restaurant; it's a sanctuary of warmth and genuine hospitality," says Wanjiru Kinyua.
Opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant has always been a gamble in the food industry. Since the pandemic, people have either celebrated or regretted this gamble.
But one woman who bet on her passion and won is here to share her journey.
Today, Carol Ofori speaks with her Woman Crush on Wednesday, Wanjiru Kinyua – the visionary behind the renowned restaurant and coffee shop, The Breakfast Room.
Located at 162 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Durban, The Breakfast Room is a popular brunch and coffee spot, known for its all-day breakfast and warm, home-away-from-home atmosphere.
For Kinyua, the journey to the culinary world was one of exploration – "searching before finding her true passion".
"In 2018 and 2019, I immersed myself in the rigorous training of French culinary techniques at Silwood School of Cookery in Cape Town," she shares.
"While the pandemic altered my immediate plans for kitchen apprenticeships, it unexpectedly opened a new door. On August 29th, 2020, a friend's birthday celebration led me to a market, and there, I found it – The Breakfast Room."
Her all-knowing attitude and self-assurance made us sit up and listen to this Black woman's journey to realising her dream.
It's rare to find someone who takes such a bold leap, but the success of The Breakfast Room is a testament to her fearless mindset – and a key reason behind her achievements.
Kinyua’s story is a powerful reminder that success is ultimately self-determined. Yet, she also acknowledges that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the unwavering support of her family and friends.
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, a strong support system can be the foundation that helps turn dreams into reality.
It was more than a location; it was the realisation of a long-held dream, a vision I'd always imagined, but never expected to find so soon. I knew, with unwavering certainty, this was where my restaurant would be born. Opening in February 2021, amidst the uncertainties, was a testament to that vision. Rooted in my Kenyan heritage (having moved to South Africa in 2004), The Breakfast Room is more than just a restaurant; it's a sanctuary of warmth and genuine hospitality. We strive to create a space where every guest feels at home, where every interaction is a moment of connection, and every meal contributes to lasting memories.
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