Asoka: A place of mystery, Asian fusion, and an olive tree

From the moment you set foot inside Asoka from what is usually a very busy Kloof Street, the hustle and bustle of Cape Town is left firmly at the door.

Built around an ancient olive tree (one of the oldest in Cape Town), Asoka effortlessly creates a mysterious charm that not only affords you the chance to relax, but to indulge your senses - from the carefully-curated menu and refined drinks options to the soft lighting and ambience created by live music.

Whether you are visiting for a romantic dinner with that someone special, a girls' night out, after work dinner with colleagues or a proper session with your mates, Asoka is the type of place where you sit down for a meal, but seamlessly stay long into the night.

What to eat at Asoka

"Asoka’s menu has been designed in keeping with the current trend of 'sharing'. Portions are small enough, yet still generous in flavour for one to enjoy a variety of items instead of the usual starter, main, dessert," says Asoka Head Chef Nicholas Olifant.

"Our food is rooted deeply in 'worldly' inspiration, but leans more in the use of Asian seasonings. While we do make use of Maldon, EVOO, and the like, we also choose different soys, miso, mirin, teriyaki, gochujang, chilli oils, curry spices, tikka, and fish sauce."

Those flavour inspirations shine through in standout dishes such as the Spicy Gochujang Korean Fried Chicken, Seared Teriyaki Beef Fillet (Chef Nicholas' pick for must-try - "Bright, clean, simple, decadent," he shares), Duck Spring Rolls, and, a personal favourite, Sticky Asian Beef.

Interestingly, Asoka has a theme running through their entire menu to compliment the flavour profiles provided by the classy Asian fusion - the five elements.

Earth (vegetarian), Wind (Chicken and Duck), Water (Seafood), Fire (Red Meat), and Nirvana (Dessert) all cleverly combine to create a well-rounded menu which speaks to the zen diners are able to experience.

That elemental theme is carried through into everything Chef Nicholas and his team do behind the scenes, from biodegradable packaging, recycling, and seasonal cooking to making use of local suppliers, sustainable farming, and free range meats.

The intention behind what arrives on your plate aligns perfectly with the overarching theme of staying true to preserving the planet.

"We draw heavily on what is happening in the food scene when it comes to our menu, but also know what works for us," he adds.

"Our team refreshes the menu with each season and keeps everyone interested by running weekly seasonal off-the-menu specials. It's always fun and keeps guests coming back for something new."

When it comes to dessert, Asoka's offering may be small, but it is very much aligned to the mantra of 'quality over quantity'. For the traditionalists out there or foreign visitors who want something very South African, the Malva Pudding is the one.

However, if there is one star of the show, it has to be their Salted Caramel Cheesecake with Vanilla Ice Cream. It's dreamy. It's quintessentially Asoka.

You can check out Asoka's current menu here.

What to drink at Asoka

Asoka's Porn Star Martini has been a guest favourite for decades, with international guests often returning to Asoka just to get their hands on this cocktail. What makes it so special? Well, it's made using a secret recipe which has been kept under wraps and consistent for the last 20 years.

But the Porn Star Martini isn't the only favourite on the drinks menu, with their cocktails in general creating quite the buzz, especially when you're out with your mates and looking for something a little different, yet which still hits the spot after a long day at work.

The White Lotus - a combination of cognac, white grapes, litchi and lime juice, jasmine tea syrup, and orange bitters - is a winner, while the Zest For Life, Forbidden Fruit or Phi Phi Island cocktails make for a wonderful after-dinner treat (or before dinner - they're great whenever).

The wine selection is also top notch, featuring the best of local wines, while their French champagne offering is quite impressive. Cristal, anyone? Bottle service is very much available when you get into the full swing of things after dinner and the party mood takes over... or you're looking to treat yourself once the Christmas bonus lands.

The Asoka experience

Asoka has become known for its attentive staff, with the guest experience a top priority. You'll see exactly what that translates to when you visit.

Asoka wants its guests to feel a sense of escape when they step into the venue, and this is made possible by ensuring the product offering, service, and ambience is consistent - and it has been just that every time I have visited.

Asoka specials and entertainment

If you are looking for a meal out on a Monday, Asoka's 'Hungry Mondays' offers exceptional value. For R295 per person, you will be presented with a three-course meal your tastebuds will be singing about for the rest of the week.

If live music is your thing, 'Asoka Tuesdays' features live jazz from 20h00 to 22h00, before resident deep house DJs take over for your post-meal drinks from 22h00 until 02h00.

Every Wednesday to Saturday, live DJs take to the decks from 21h00, while on Sundays, intimate jazz sessions set the tone for your end-of-the-week decompression sessions with delicious food and flowing drinks.

Asoka are also big on celebrating special occasions (as I'm sure you are too!), so keep your eyes peeled to their socials for what happens around Christmas, New Year's Eve, and other celebrations throughout the year.

The Asoka essentials

Located at 68 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town, Asoka is open from 18h00 until late from Monday to Sunday.

To make a booking, you can call +2721 422 0909 / +2782 775 4945 or email info@asoka.za.com.