In the North-West of the City Centre on the slopes of Signal Hill lies Bokaap, a traditional residential area of Cape Town's Muslim community and historical centre of the Cape Malay culture. The community has a very proud heritage and was started by immigrants from Indonesia, Java and elsewhere in the Malay archipelago who were originally mostly slaves brought to the Cape by the Dutch in the 17th century. Here, in stark contrast to the paved streets and avenues of the rest of the City Centre you will find cobbled streets, brightly colored houses from the nineteenth century, Muslim shrines ("kramats") and mosques.
The Noongun Tea Room and Restaurant
273 Longmarket Street
Bo-Kaap
+27 (0)21 424 0529
This family run restaurant is a great way to be introduced to Cape Malay cuisine and the views of the city bowl and Waterfront are most impressive. The food is spicy, but not necessarily hot and you can expect lots of stews, curries and sweet and sour sauces. Menu favorites include Bobotie (Oven baked sweet and sour curried beef, served with rice and sauce) Milktart (a bit like custard tart but not as rich) and Koeksisters (nothing like custard tart and VERY VERY rich). Two things to note before making a booking. 1 - Alcohol is not part of the Malay culture and therefore not permitted. 2 - The restaurant is situated right next to a large canon that is fired every day at noon and if you’re not prepared for the “bang” it could very well shock you into spilling your Bobotie right into your lap.