Cape Town’s Asian food scene sees bittersweet closure!

Cape Town’s love affair with Asian cuisine has gone from niche to full-on obsession. Over the past few years, the city has seen a surge in Japanese, Korean, and broader East Asian eateries, from ramen bars and izakayas to bubble tea spots and dessert cafés.

This shift reflects a growing appetite for bold flavours, street food culture, and playful fusion concepts - especially among diners chasing both authenticity and snappable bites.

And right now, that momentum is only accelerating. Case in point: the newly opened How's Your Yaki street food spot, bringing flavourful, high-energy casual dining to the mix.  

Your last chance to indulge in Mochi Mochi

But while new doors are opening, one beloved name is preparing to close theirs. After five years of redefining Japanese-inspired desserts in the city, Mochi Mochi has announced it will close on 18 April 2026.

If you’ve spent any time exploring Cape Town’s dessert scene, chances are you’ve encountered their signature truffle mochis: Chewy, and wildly creative, think flavours like Milo, Pink Nesquik, and even Milktart, blending Japanese tradition with unmistakably local flair.

But Mochi Mochi wasn’t just about sweets. Their menu also featured:

• Savoury milk bread bites like cream cheese bagel pan and egg benedict pan
• A thoughtful range of Japanese teas, including ceremonial matcha and wakocha
• A playful, modern take on a traditional café experience

If Mochi Mochi has been on your list - or your regular rotation - now’s the time to enjoy it, before the end of April! Make a plan, grab a friend, and order that matcha mochi cookie one last time. Explore the full menu, try the flavours you’ve been curious about, and give this cult café the send-off it deserves.  

Where to get your Asian food fix! 

Wondering where to get your next Asian fix? Here are a few suggestions to keep your cravings satisfied:

• How's Your Yaki: A fresh addition focused on Japanese street food favourites.
• East City Grill: Harrington Street is now home to Yakiniku, as part of its Japanese and African fusion dining offering.
• Kloof Konbini: A Japanese convenience store for all your on-the-go snacks and delectables. 
• In the Meantime: Don't be fooled by the simple menu of fried chicken, housemade gochujang and fresh kimchi dumplings. 
• Time Out Market: Stacked with some of the best Asian cuisine options from Ramenhead for noodles, Sushiya for fresh sushi, How Bao Now for bao buns and Kapoochka for Indian street food.  

The closure of Mochi Mochi feels bittersweet, but it also highlights just how far Cape Town’s Asian cuisine options has come. From experimental dessert cafés to authentic street food concepts, the city continues to evolve into a serious destination for Asian food lovers. And if anything, this moment is a reminder: in a fast-moving food scene, supporting your favourite-favourites before they're gone forever. 

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