The Asian culinary scene is thriving in Cape Town, with a mix of street food, fine dining and Asian grocers to stock up on your favourite items.
Here is a guide to Asian foodie establishments to visit in the Mother City:
Fine Dining
Nikkei
The new kid on the block, Nikkei, is making waves with its Japanese/Peruvian cuisine. While they showcase an elevated sushi menu, paired with some of the most delicious cocktails, we particularly love the Sushi and Sake Sundays. You can get a sushi platter of 25 pieces and half-price on all sake cocktails every Sunday. Enjoy the beats by local DJs while you savour your sushi and sip on some Sake.
Location: 87 Bree St
Contact: Visit nikkei.co.za/
Dawn Restaurant
Dawn Restaurant puts authentic Chinese cuisine in the spotlight. Situated in De Waterkant this restaurant promises to transport guests on a sensory journey through the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, cuisine, and aesthetics – all right here in Cape Town. Dawn’s vast menu includes everything from dim sum, Peking duck, spicy and sour shredded potato, salted egg yolk pumpkin, and Sprite wasabi prawns. Private dining experiences can be arranged.
Location: 10 Jarvis St, Green Point
Contact: Visit dawnrestaurant.co.za/
Tang Restaurant, V&A Waterfront
Tang, an acclaimed luxury South African restaurant renowned for its Asian-inspired cuisine, continues to make waves in the culinary world. The award-winning eatery serves up a sensory dining experience- all carefully plated with flair. We love the OTT dessert options.
Location: Shop 153, V&A Waterfront, 19 Breakwater Blvd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Contact: Visit cpt.tanghospitality.com/
Ramenhead
Ramen lovers will appreciate this edgy eatery, located on Parliament Street in the heart of the city and at the Time Out Market Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront. Here, you can slurp silky, freshly made noodles, sip umami-rich broth that has been simmered and nurtured for days and socialise with brimful glasses of sake. The creatives behind Ramenhead, Peter Tempelhoff, Ashley Moss and Jennifer Hugé, scoured the streets of Tokyo and Osaka for time-honoured ramen recipes, returning with the first (and only) Yamato noodle machine in Africa.
Locations: 37 Parliament St, Cape Town City Centre, and Time Out Market Cape Town: The Old Power Station, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Contact: Visit www.ramenhead.co.za/
Sushiya
Sushiya, meaning ‘Sushi Shop’, is at the Time Out Market Cape Town. The eatery merges the essence of Japan and Cape Town. Every element of Sushiya’s menu is carefully curated, from small-scale suppliers in Japan to ethical fishermen in the Western Cape and organic farms from the Cape region. The popular menu options include nasu dengaku, tuna tataki, shrimp uramaki, vegetable futomaki, and omakase sushi.
Location: Time Out Market Cape Town: The Old Power Station, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Contact: Visit www.sushiya.co.za/
Pocket-friendly Spots
Korean Kitchen
If you are looking for authentic Korean cuisine and BBQ, this Claremont eatery ticks all the boxes. The quirky interior, coupled with its expansive menu options, makes it a must-visit. Try their kimbab and kimchi or seafood pancakes, or mains like bibimbap, japchae, bulgogi, and spicy Korean stir-fry noodles. Korean BBQ options are also available. The restaurant has two karaoke rooms where you can belt out your favourite tunes. The rooms are available from Monday to Saturday, 11am to 9pm, and on Sunday from 12pm to 9pm.
Location: 103 Main Rd, Claremont
Contact: Call +27 21 671 4604
Khao Hom Halal Thai Cuisine
Experience a taste of Thailand at Khao Hom Halal Thai Cuisine. As the name suggests, this halal restaurant serves some of the best Thai dishes, including pad thai, chicken satay, fried rice, a selection of curries, and Thai fresh spring rolls. The Khao Hom Asian Grocery, where you can stock up on all your Asian-inspired goodies, is located at 67 Main Road, Diep River.
Location: 117 Imam Haron Rd, Claremont
Contact: Call +27 66 242 1183 or email khaohomthaicuisine@gmail.com
How’s Your Oni?
Known as Cape Town’s first onigiri shop, this Green Point Japanese eatery exudes a laid-back vibe, with striking posters plastered on the walls and quirky souvenirs adorning various seating areas. The menu is concise yet enticing, offering okonomiyaki, takoyaki, udon noodles, and, of course, onigiri.
Location: 47 Main Rd, Green Point
Contact: Visit howsyouroni.co.za/
Izakaya Matsuri
Another Green Point gem offering excellent value for money is Izakaya Matsuri. Nestled within The Rockwell, surrounded by other casual dining spots and bars, this Asian eatery serves up a delightful array of dishes, from sushi and fried rice to dumplings, tempura vegetables, chicken satay, and much more. This winter, take advantage of their special offer: R599 for two people, including two miso soups, three starters, and two mains, one of which is a sushi platter.
Location: 6, The Rockwell, 32 Prestwich St, Green Point
Contact: Call +27 21 421 4520
For Sweet Treats and the Aesthetics
Café Chiffon
This Asian-inspired dessert café boasts a minimalist aesthetic, serving up serious style along with its delectable treats. While its looks are captivating, the dessert menu truly steals the show. The range of cakes and desserts is the talk of the town, with popular choices including a gluten-free burnt Basque cheesecake, Japanese cheesecake, tiramisu, macarons, and a selection of croissants and danishes. Make sure to visit, indulge and snap a few pics for the gram.
Location: SHOGF007, Old Cape Quarter, 72 Waterkant St, Green Point
Contact: Call +27 68 035 5552
Mochi Mochi
Mochi fans are in for a treat at this Cape Town city centre restaurant. Try their wide range of truffle-sized mochi, including flavours like matcha, black sesame, milk tart, Turkish delight, and salted caramel. If you’d prefer something more traditional, try the mitarashi dango (mochi dumplings on a skewer topped with soy caramel and kinako) or the ever-popular Japanese-style cheesecake served with a side of sweet and salty miso caramel. Pair your dessert with a cup of piping hot Japanese green tea or a pour-over coffee.
Location: 71 Buitengracht Street, Cape Town
Contact: Visit mochimochi.co.za/
4TEA Stellenbosch
4TEA Stellenbosch is the brainchild of four former students from Stellenbosch University who wanted to create a space that is rooted in their Chinese heritage and inspired by their experiences in South Africa. This aesthetic spot serves a large selection of sweet teas, signature coffees, and treats, including bubble teas and mochi. You will find many pandas (plush toys, not the real ones) in the tea shop, which spans two floors.
Location: G3/4, Main Shop, De Wet Center, 5 Plein St, Stellenbosch Central
Contact: Visit 4tea.co.za/
Susu Bubble Tea
Susu Bubble Tea boasts several branches across Cape Town, including ones nestled in Canal Walk, Tygervalley Centre, Camps Bay, and De Waterkant. This vibrant and eccentric spot offers an extensive menu featuring delights like mango green tea, chocomisu, fruit teas, slushies, and other tempting seasonal drinks.
Locations: De Waterkant: 72 de Waterkant Street, Green Point, Tygervalley Centre: Willie Van Schoor, Bill Bezuidenhout Ave, Bellville Park, Camps Bay: Victoria Rd, Shop 101A, Canal Walk: Shop 407A, Century Blvd
Asian Grocers
China Town
Located in Sable Square, Ottery, and Parow, China Town offers a wide range of Chinese products, including footwear, fashion, toys and games, homeware, food, luggage, and bags. With over 150 stores, you’re guaranteed to find “more than you bargained for.”
Location: Ottery: Woodlands Road, Ottery
Sable Square: Corner Bosmansdam and Ratanga Road, Century City
Parow: Shoprite Park, Corner Jean Simonis and Voortrekker Road, Parow.
Contact: Visit chinatownsa.co.za/
N1 Chinese Supermarket
N1 Chinese Supermarket (one of the oldest in the city) is an Asian food importer and a restaurant supplier, offering a diverse array of sauces, spices, pastes, oils, and an assortment of sushi ingredients. What’s more, the supermarket boasts a section dedicated to Asian greens and salted duck eggs, to name but a few unique items available. Visitors can also take advantage of stocking up on frozen duck, pork, dim sum, and spring roll pastry.
Location: ZA Cape Town Goodwood Shop 1, N1 Value Centre
Contact: Visit www.chinesesupermarket.co.za/
Hello Asia!
Step into the world of Hello Asia! located in Sea Point, Rondebosch, and Somerset West. These vibrant stores are your one-stop shop for all things essential, boasting a diverse range from condiments, snacks, and beverages to noodles, ramen, and cooking ingredients. You will also find home decor, kitchenware, and other delightful home goodies.
Location: Sea Point: 164 Main Rd, Rondebosch: 14 Main Rd, and Somerset West: 93 Main Rd
Contact: Visit https://helloasia.co.za/
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