April 16, 2012
Cape Cuisine Secrets
Fazielah Williams
Fazielah Williams has lived in and loved her Mother City since birth. Having lived all over the Peninsula during her childhood, she now calls the picturesque City Bowl home and likes nothing more than watching the sun set over Table Bay from the window of her apartment.
A lover of the arts and proud Cape Town fanatic, Fazielah began her writing career by spending many hours as a child conjuring fantastical stories that featured independent heroines from faraway lands who saved the Prince instead. This Capetonian princess has enjoyed stints as a magical arts PRO and TV publicist before finding her calling as a travel writer.
When not waxing lyrical about the Fairest Cape’s most loved attractions and activities and embarking on unexpected adventures, Fazielah can usually be found taking in a show at one of the City’s fabulous theatres.
Bobotie is just one of the Cape's favourite dishes. Photo courtesy of dckf_$êr@pH!nX
The Mother City has been described by many as a cultural melting pot that offers locals and visitors an experience of sights, sounds and tastes. Good food has always been one of the city’s major offerings and there is no shortage of good eateries and fine wines. Here are a few secret Cape food spots that offer patrons a tantalising taste of popular Cape cuisine.
Bredie at Biesmiellah Restaurant
Breyanis and bredies have long been a part of Cape cuisine and, while you may have tasted breyani before, you should try out the popular tomato bredie. At Biesmiellah in the Bo-Kaap, it is made with braised lamb cubes, onions and fresh tomatoes, a dish sure to leave you satisfied and wanting more. They also have an assortment of other curries and treats on offer.
Where: Wale Street, Bo-Kaap
Tel: +27 (0)21 423 0850
Email: osman7278@gmail.com
Website: www.biesmiellah.co.za
A Gatsby at Golden Dish Restaurant
This unassuming eatery is always abuzz with locals, and patrons from far and wide. No visit to Cape Town would be complete without tucking in to a popular Cape Town delight called a Gatsby, and the Golden Dish is known for making some of the best. This long bread roll comes with a filling of hot chips and anything from masala steak and chicken to polony and vienna sausages. The portion size is large and a full version can easily feed four adults. They are open until the early hours of the morning, so it’s also the perfect spot for a late night bite.
Where: Corner of Hazel and Klipfontein Roads, Athlone
Tel: +27 (0)21 633 7864
Website: www.facebook.com/pages/Golden-Dish
Salomies at Cosy Corner
Roti wraps or salomies have always been a firm favourite in Cape Town. The butter chicken salomie at Cosy Corner Restaurant in Cape Town is tasty and good value for money. There are other fillings and you can also get your hands on some of their delicious samoosas while you wait.
Where: 119 Ottery Road, Wynberg
Tel: +27 (0)21 797 2498
Masala Steak Sandwiches at Wembley Road House
Somewhat of a Cape Town institution, Wembley Roadhouse is well known for its tasty treats. One of the most popular items served here is the masala steak sandwich, which is made with braised onions and extra strong masala. If you’re wishing for a tasty sandwich with a spicy bite, you can’t go wrong with this.
Where: 21 Belgravia Road, Athlone
Tel: +27 (0)21 697 1430
Website: www.wembley.co.za
The Mother City will also soon be playing host to a number of popular food festivals and regular cape cuisine experiences that you won’t want to miss.
Taste of Cape Town Festival
Now in its 5th year, this four-day festival of food is hugely popular with foodies. This distinctive festival brings together a medley of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, award-winning wineries, premium drink brands, gourmet food exhibitors, interactive programmes and fantastic entertainment. This year’s line-up includes chefs from acclaimed restaurants like La Colombe, Makaron, 15 on Orange and the Westin Executive Club.
Special menus of starter size dishes will be available to festival-goers who will also have the opportunity to participate in one of the many interactive programmes on offer. A kid’s zone will be available on Saturday, 21 April and Sunday, 22 April. This year’s official charity is the Peninsula School Feeding Association.
Where: Green Point Cricket Club, Green Point
When: 19 to 22 April 2012
Website: www.tasteofcapetown.com
Cost: Tickets price’s range between R85 - R750
The Good Food and Wine Show
Known as South Africa’s premier lifestyle event, The Good Food and Wine Show offers patrons the chance to see a host of world-renowned food celebrities in action at the Chef’s in Action Theatre, and the opportunity to taste and purchase numerous food products. This year sees Buddy Valastro aka The Cake Boss of the popular TLC show, and winner of MasterChef America, Whitney Miller, join the line-up. Other popular workshops at the event include the Lindt Appreciation Theatre, the Foods from Around the World Theatre (free entry) and the CBeebies Good Food for the Kids Theatre.
Where: CTICC
When: 24 to 27 May 2012
Website: www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za
Cost: Adults R95, children (5-12 years) R50 (Tickets for most theatres areb charged separately – see www.computicket.com)
Cape Malay Cooking Safari
If you are looking for a unique way of exploring some of the Cape’s culinary history, this Cape Malay cooking safari is sure to be just the experience. This acclaimed tour starts at the Bo-Kaap Museum and includes a walking tour of this historic area that was also declared a national monument. Your group (maximum 10 people per tour) will be taken to shop for ingredients for a typical Cape Malay dish, before participating in an interactive, cooking workshop at a Bo-Kaap family home. Here you will discover the art of mixing masala, folding samoosas and other Cape Malay food secrets, before enjoying a tasty traditional Cape Malay meal.
Where: Bo-Kaap Area
Tel: +27 (0)21 790 2592
Website: www.andulela.com
Cost: Half-day tour R660
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