By Nosipho Mabuza (Intern)
EZULWINI – In the whirlwind of music, art, and colour that defines the MTN Bushfire Festival, few fixtures have become as beloved—and as dependable—as Luxy Garden. For over a decade, this Asian-fusion food stall has served up not just meals, but memories.
First joining the MTN Bushfire food village in 2013, Luxy Garden has grown from a crowd-pleasing vendor into a cultural mainstay, blending flavour with familiarity and becoming as much a part of the festival as the fire sculpture itself.
“We feel like part of the furniture,” laughs Kathy Liu, owner and head of the Luxy team. “Festival goers recognize us now—we’ve become a familiar flavour.”
That sense of recognition is built on consistency, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to quality. Luxy Garden begins planning for Bushfire almost a year in advance, with precision and care that allows them to serve up hot, fresh meals—often in less than three minutes—to hundreds of hungry festival-goers.
This year, Luxy Garden is introducing new hits to the menu: chow mein rolls and MEGA rolls, aimed at fans who crave something fresh and bold. But food is just one part of their Bushfire magic.
Located in Ezulwini, Luxy Garden has been open for over 13 years, with its roots reaching deep into Eswatini’s community and cultural scene. The MTN Bushfire platform has helped the restaurant branch into private catering and special events, elevating its profile beyond festival grounds.
“Our whole mantra is using authentic Asian cuisine, mixing it with local trends and flavours, and creating a new melting pot,” says Liu.
Liu’s commitment to cross-cultural exchange is taking on new dimensions this year. In collaboration with the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, the Embassy of Taiwan, and the Taiwan Ministry of Culture and Foreign Affairs, Luxy Garden is helping bring an aboriginal Taiwanese band to the Bushfire stage—further deepening the festival’s spirit of global-local connection.
Born and raised in Manzini in the 1980s, Liu—whose parents are originally from Taiwan—embodies a unique cultural blend. Her personal journey and culinary vision have made Luxy Garden more than a restaurant; it’s a bridge between cultures, and a celebration of fusion in every sense.
“Our goal is to share the rich, diverse flavours of Asian cuisine with the amazing community at Bushfire,” she says. “And we’re always learning—from other vendors, from the atmosphere, and from the people we meet.”
As Bushfire continues to grow, so does Luxy Garden’s flame. With warmth, precision, and a deep respect for tradition and innovation, Kathy Liu and her team continue to serve up the taste of togetherness that keeps festival-goers coming back year after year.
“We love doing festivals,” Liu smiles. “And we hope to keep the flame going.”
So whether you’re a returning fan or discovering it for the first time, a visit to Luxy Garden is a Bushfire tradition you won’t want to miss.
