Noon Gun Cafe. Photo courtesy jamesonf

Is there anything more tempting than the smell of a delicious chicken curry or a plate of denningvleis (lamb stew), prepared in the traditional Cape Malay way? 

In Cape Town, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés that cater for visitors and residents who prefer their meals cooked according to Halaal standards. 

Visit Bo-Kaap Kombuis in the city centre or Tashreeqa’s in the Southern Suburbs, and many others all on the Peninsula, to get your fill of tasty Malay foods.  

From springrolls, boeber (a spicy, milky drink) and butter chicken to sosatie lamb chops, you’ll find it, lovingly prepared at the following Halaal restaurants in the Mother City:

Bo-Kaap Kombuis

Situated in Bo-Kaap, the oldest settlement of Malay people in South Africa, this vibrant restaurant is renowned for serving the best Cape Malay food. Their masala steak sandwiches, not to mention their phenomenal view of the city, are amazing.

Location: Bo-Kaap Kombuis, 7 August Street on Upper Wale Street, Bo-Kaap
Contact: +27 (0)21 422 5446  
Website: www.bokaapkombuis.co.za

Biesmiellah

For one of the best butter chicken dishes this side of the equator and other mouth-watering treats, visit Biesmiellah in the Bo-Kaap.

Location: Biesmiellah, Cnr Wale and Pentz Streets, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0)21 423 0850
Website: www.biesmiellah.co.za

Noon Gun Tea Room and Restaurant

Spicy, aromatic food is Noon Gun Tea Room’s specialty. From bobotie to dahltjies (chilli bites) and more, you’ll find it all at this quaint, family-run establishment on the slope of Signal Hill.

Location: 273 Longmarket Street, Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap
Contact: +27 (0)21 424 0529
 

Wale Rose Lifestyle Restaurant

This chic eatery’s culinary talents are paired exquisitely with a breath-taking decorative walls displaying vintage images of the Mother City. Pop in for their amazing breakfast pancakes and freshly squeezed juices.

Location: Corners of Wale and Rose Streets, Bo- Kaap
Contact: +27 (0)21 424 1460

Escape Caffe

This new café has it all: decadent coffee, filling sandwiches, muffins and, if you’re still peckish, a yummy chunky chicken salad – all Halaal.

Location: Manhattan Place, 130 Bree Street, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0)21 422 1325
Website: www.escapecaffe.co.za

Eastern Food Bazaar

Enjoy mystical Middle East decor while dining on yummy food. You’ll find shwarmas, kebabs, breyanis and more at Eastern Food Bazaar.

Location: Eastern Food Bazaar, 96 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0)21 461 2458
Website: www.easternfoodbazaar.co.za

Mariam’s Kitchen

Delicious gatsbys, pies, chips rolls, samoosas and half-moons make Mariam’s Kitchen a must-visit.

Location: Mariam’s Kitchen, 101 St George’s Mall, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0)21 423 0772

On The Square at The Capetonian

Well known for its hearty Ramadan and Eid feasts, On The Square also provides fantastic Halaal meals all year round.

Location: On The Square Restaurant, The Capetonian Hotel, Cnr Adderley and Coen Steytler, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0)21 419 1553

Kaprinos

Situated in Green Point, Kaprinos prides itself on delivering Halaal soul food.

Location: Kaprino’s Restaurant, 57B Somerset Road, Green Point
Contact: +27 (0)21 418 5426
Website: www.kaprinos.co.za

Ladybee Dehli Diner

Dish up as much as you’d like of your favourite Malay food and pay per weight at this family oriented restaurant in Observatory.

Location: Ladybee Dehli Diner, St Peter’s Square, Observatory
Contact: +27 (0)21 447 6558
Website: www.ladybee.co.za

Tashreeqa’s Coffee and Cake Emporium

Meet your loved ones or business associates for a quick, light meal and cake at this buzzing coffee shop in Rondebosch East.

Location: Tashreeqa’s Coffee and Cake Emporium, Kromboom Centre, Kromboom Road, Rondebosch East
Contact: +27 (0)21 696 1005
Website: www.tashreeqas.co.za

Utoo Café

Take a well-deserved meal break between shopping in Claremont at this certified establishment. Indulge in their premium coffees while feasting on their scrumptious food.

Location: Shop 5 Grove Building, Grove Avenue , Claremont
Contact: +27 (0)21 671 9333
Website: www.utoocafe.com

Mugg&Bean

The only store of this popular franchise that is fully Halaal, the Vangate Gate Mugg&Bean specialises in all of our favourites, including the tasty huge muffins, Cajun chicken wraps and sloppy joe croissants.

Location: Shop 32/33, Vanguard Drive, Athlone
Contact:  +27 (0)21 699 1083
Website: www.themugg.com

Taj Mahal

Breathtaking views, gourmet Halaal dishes and quality time with your family are guaranteed at the Taj Mahal in Hout Bay.

Location: Taj Mahal, Shop No. 4, Rawoot Centre, 44 Victoria Avenue, Hout Bay
Contact: +27 (0)21 790 4711