Cape Town has a large Muslim population residing in the city, and it’s also an increasingly popular destination for Muslim visitors from around the world. As a result, there are a multitude of halal restaurants in Cape Town that serve traditional Cape Malay cuisine as well as Western dishes, such as burgers and steak, that come with halal certification. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best halal restaurants in Cape Town.
The Bo-Kaap Kombuis is nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill in the former Cape Malay quarter. The restaurant is lovingly run by residents Yusuf and Nazli Larney, who warmly invite locals and tourists to experience not only their delicious food, but the culture, heritage and beauty of the area. Taste the exotic flavors and wholesome goodness of Cape Malay cuisine in an array of traditional dishes, such as bobotie, butter chicken, lamb penang curry and denning vleis, to name a few. Bo-Kaap Kombuis is situated at the top of the neighbourhood, offering breathtaking views of the city and Table Mountain. Keep in mind that they do not serve alcohol.
Addis in Cape is one of the city’s best and most authentic Ethiopian restaurants. They’re known for their rich flavours and generous use of herbs and spices, and the fragrant dishes are served together on a large platter layered with sourdough called injera. All meals are eaten by hand; the dough is used to scoop out the stews and sauces. Try the kitfo – an Ethiopian delicacy consisting of beef tartar mixed with kibe (clarified butter simmered in spices and herbs) – or the shimberaasa wot, which is chickpea cakes simmered in berebere sauce. Don’t leave without trying some tej, a sweet homemade honey wine, or their home-brewed Ethiopian coffee. The restaurant is decorated in traditional Ethiopian furnishings, creating an exotic ambiance and a memorable dining experience. Addis in Cape has a full bar on the premises.
Biesmiellah is a family-run Cape Malay restaurant and long-standing favourite in the Bo-Kaap community. They are well known for their Cape Malay and Northern Indian dishes, including fragrant curries and a host of favorites, like tomatobredie (mutton stew), bobotie (curried meat and fruit), lamb rogan josh (lamb stew) and mutton biryani (mutton and rice with spices). Their food is exceptionally tasty and of great value, especially when compared to other top restaurants in the city. Biesmiellah is strictly halal and does not serve alcohol.
Pearl Spoon is a restaurant and coffee shop with two branches in Claremont and Observatory. The décor is elegant and tasteful and their staff are friendly and helpful. They serve a wide variety of breakfast items, as well as open sandwiches, toasted tramezzinis, salads, and meat and seafood options for dinner. Their food is well presented, tasty and of great value. They also have a superb selection of cakes and sweets if you’d just like to pop in for coffee and dessert. Again, this venue is strictly halal and does not serve alcohol.
Anatoli is an authentic Turkish restaurant featuring beautiful traditional décor and a relaxed and cosy ambiance. The menu features a selection of hot and cold mezzes, kebabs and mouth-watering mains, including slow-roasted lamb, chicken and vegetarian dishes. A stand-out on their menu is the lamb shank, which is slow cooked for four hours with orange juice and spices, and is served on a bed of smoked aubergine puree. For dessert, pick from a range of delectable Turkish desserts, such as baklava and Turkish delight cheesecake. They also serve wine and delicious cocktails.
Saray (meaning place in Turkish) serves authentic Turkish-Kurdish food in the heart of Cape Town. This strictly halal restaurant transports diners to Istanbul with a range of fragrant dishes and eats. You can choose from a variety of mezze for starters, wraps and Turkish flatbreads for lunch, and traditional grilled meats cooked in piquant sauces for dinner. The restaurant is intimate and relaxed, and offers shishas with 12 different flavours to enjoy after dinner.
Sabria’s is the fine dining version of Cosy Corner, which is run by the same owners in the southern suburbs of Cape Town. While Cosy Corner is famous for their gatsbys and takeaway food, Sabria’s offers a contemporary setting and a more refined menu, ranging from seafood and curries to salads and steaks. They are strictly halal and thus do not serve alcohol.
Woodstock’s Market Deli may not look like much on the outside, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you step inside. The walls are lined with bookshelves, interesting ornaments and paintings depicting the history of Cape Town and bright red chairs offset dark wood tables. Food at The Market Deli is also delicious, and the staff are friendly and hospitable. On the menu, you’ll find a range of halal meals, including traditional Cape Malay curries and Western favourites like burgers and steak. For the early risers, they also serve a delicious breakfast and offer a selection of sandwiches and wraps. They do not serve alcohol.
The Eastern Food Bazaar offers a wide variety of Indian, Chinese, Turkish and Cape Malay street food for an explosion of tastes that will keep you coming back for more. There are 10 stalls to choose from, all of which are halal, and patrons can sit down to eat at canteen-style tables. Two meals will cost you roughly R100 (a little over £5.34) and there are also options for vegetarians. They do not serve alcohol.
