In the heart of Durban, a halal seafood restaurant is making waves with more than just prawns. Prawnstar ZA, founded by Yunus Paruk, has gone from a pop-up stall to one of the city’s most sought-after eateries. What began with a single prawn dish at night markets has now grown into a full restaurant known for its warm atmosphere, bold flavours and thoughtful service.
Yunus left his career in IT in pursuit of something more hands-on and soulful. The gamble paid off. “I gave it my all. Alhamdulillah, Allah has brought us to where we are today,” he shares. Driven by passion, purpose and the belief that food connects people, Prawnstar has become a beloved name among Durban locals and visitors alike.
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A space made with intention
Every part of the restaurant reflects care. From turquoise walls to wooden finishes, the space feels modern but grounded. A Nikabi screen offers privacy for women who prefer to dine in seclusion and there is a washing basin set up for those indulging in messy seafood boils. The setting is family-friendly, wheelchair accessible and designed for comfort.
Children are not an afterthought. Kid-friendly meals like chicken strips and creamy pasta are on the menu and small details like in-house mocktails created by Yunus’s daughter help create a space where families feel welcome.
What sets Prawnstar apart is the sincerity in its offering. This is not just a seafood joint. It is a space that honours cultural sensitivity, cleanliness and shared values without ever compromising on taste.
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More than just prawns
The menu is bold, diverse and fully halal. From buttery prawns and seafood boils to sliders and Asian-style curries, dishes are made fresh and served hot. Most meals range from R100 to R300, making it accessible for casual dining or special occasions.
Customer favourites include the signature Kings boil, featuring grilled butterfly prawns, spicy rice, chips and flavourful sauces like Cajun and lemon butter. Other standout items are the prawn martini, tempura prawns in a spicy cream sauce and a desi-style halloumi served with turmeric and yoghurt. For those not keen on seafood, burgers and pasta hold their own with portions generous enough to share.
Everything on the menu is carefully selected. No products from genocidal or oppressive regions are used, with a clear commitment to ethical consumption. Even the final touch, a rich and creamy karak chai, is crafted with purpose.
Though the restaurant is now fully operational, Prawnstar continues to offer catering services and pop-ups in other cities. Whether it is a private event or corporate function, they cater from the store or run live stations across South Africa.
Since opening its doors in December 2024, the restaurant has already claimed second place in the Best of Durban Readers Choice Awards. Expansion to Johannesburg and Cape Town is planned, inshallah, but Yunus remains focused on learning and growing with each step.
“If you overcook prawns, you have killed it. It is gone,” he explains. And that sums up Prawnstar’s philosophy. Do it right the first time with care, flavour and heart.
Contact Prawnstar ZA:
Mobile: 082 786 2249
Email: yparuk247@gmail.com
Instagram, Facebook and TikTok: @prawnstarza
