The Mother City, a melting pot of all things delicious for any avid foodie, is now home to a new burger joint.
Located on Loop Street, Cape Town's newest burger spot was founded by a team of four; Hanno Pienaar, Werner Neitz, and South African rugby stars Cheslin Kolbe and Ox Nché.
Hanno and Werner both bring a wealth of expertise in business and restaurants to the table at ShoSho. Hanno founded Pretoria eatery Cheese Louise Social Club, so alongside restauranteur Werner and the Springbok duo, it is a team that is built for success.
Embodying true patriotism to South African heritage and all things lekker, the new spot is aptly titled ShoSho to reflect the popular slang phrase used across all 11 South African languages, a word that unites us all through an understanding.
In an exclusive interview with Time Out, Hanno provides insight into the ethos behind ShoSho.
"South Africa is on a big heritage and unity wave since the 2019 Rugby World Cup win, and we want to play our part in this movement. No DNA, just RSA. The chant has been on many South Africans’ lips for the past few years. We want to form part of that DNA with our brand, quality burgers, and with a space where people can connect over an insane Smash or Bistro burger!"
Time Out Asks:
What’s it really like living in Cape Town right now?
True South African flair
While the menu may be limited, it is packed with flavour and focuses on quality over quantity.
Working alongside professional chef and restaurant developer Shane Smith, Hanno shares that the main aim of the menu is to deliver a "true burger joint experience while ensuring that local flavours and flair feature throughout".
Offering two distinctive styles of burgers, diners can look forward to opting for a classic smash burger that features a crispy-edged patty with added caramelisation or a more gourmet-style bistro burger.
Experimentation and uniqueness are key elements of ShoSho, and this can be seen in their Truffle Berry Burger.
Additionally, adding to the South African spirit, the menu features an Atchar-based Chicken Burger.
When asked what makes their restaurant unique, Hanno provided some insider information into their chips: "We bring the edge when it comes to serving a lekker handcut chippie. Upgrade to Parmesan fries or add any of the sauces. It gets saucy."
With a strong focus on vleis in all its true glory, the restaurant does not cater to vegans or vegetarians, as Hanno shares: "We unapologetically serve Meaty Burgers. Real burgers."
Currently, ShoSho offers a few UK-imported soft drinks, such as Cherry Pepsi, to pair with their range of juicy burgers.
"We hope to have two beer options soon," adds Hanno.
Live Rugby Guide: Best restaurants, pubs and bars to watch a match
A focus on quality
With quality at the forefront of the restaurant's business ethos, all waygu meat and Angus mix of meat patties are sourced from a local organic, grass-fed and free-range farm located near Veldrif.
While we haven't had the chance to dine at this new burger joint, we can say this for sure, if the Bokke are behind it, so are we.
Need to know details:
Address: 32 Loop Street, Cape Town
Operating hours: Monday from 12pm to 8pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 12pm to 11.30pm, Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 1am and closed on Sundays.
Sign up to Time Out Cape Town's free newsletter for expert recommendations on new things to do, see, eat and drink in the Mother City. You can also follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!