Richard Holmes

It’s little exaggeration to call Siba Mtongana a South African culinary sensation. Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, her journey to becoming one of South Africa’s most recognisable chefs was inspired by her passion for sharing the rich tapestry of local food culture. With a background in food science, Siba's culinary prowess is not only grounded in tradition but elevated by her innovative approach. Her breakthrough came with the hit cooking show ‘Siba's Table’, where she showcased her signature style of effortless cooking with a modern twist, captivating audiences in more than 135 countries worldwide. That included more than 60 million homes in the USA through the Cooking Channel alone! Siba's infectious energy and passion for food have earned her numerous accolades, including five US Film and Television Awards and the prestigious Gourmand World Cookbook Award.  ‘Being able to bring my continent the food acclaim it deserves is both a privilege and a blessing,’ says Mtongana. Beyond television, Siba is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and advocate for food sustainability. While she runs a hugely popular restaurant within Cape Town’s iconic Table Bay Hotel, it’s at the Time Out Market Cape Town where locals can tourists can most easily discover a taste of her unique take on the diversity of African cuisine…  How would you describe the food on offer at The Siba Deli? Our food is a combination of a feast of freshness and a celebration of local dishes prepared daily with hig

As if the mountain, oceans, vibrant city and dynamic culinary scene weren’t enough to keep you busy, Cape Town also brings the goods when it comes to a jam-packed schedule of concerts and events. Across the city, you’ll find live music, vibey markets, and festive events that are a total jol (that’s a ‘party’, in local lingo). Here's our hand-picked selection of the hottest events to head for in the Mother City. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town🛍 The best shops in Cape Town Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Forget ‘saving money’ in 2024. You know what your New Year’s resolution should be? Get out more. Do more stuff. See more of the world. Life is short, after all – and 2024 promises a tonne of unmissable festivals, art, food and music. There are openings and re-openings. Brand-new train routes criss-crossing countries and continents. Whacky places to party. And even if the cossie livs does have you tightening the purse strings, there are plenty of free and affordable events on this list, too.  So get your booking fingers at the ready: your 2024 bucket list awaits. This is our definitive guide to the coolest new things to do in the world next year. See you out there!  RECOMMENDED:😎 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌃 The best European city breaks for 2024🖼️ The world’s best museums and galleries

Since opening in November 2023, Time Out Market Cape Town has become a cultural and culinary juggernaut, attracting thousands of hungry locals and tourists to experience the best of the city with a multi-course menu of the finest kitchens the Mother City has to offer.  From the original Market in Lisbon to six more Markets spread from Chicago to Dubai and New York – and another nine Markets in the pipeline – Time Out Market is changing the face of urban dining culture. Cape Town is the latest addition to the Time Out Market family, which sees more than 135 chefs capture a snapshot of the very best food in the most dynamic cities worldwide.  Each Time Out Market is home to incredible culinary talents and in 2023, ‘Chef’s on Tour’ was born, bringing together chefs from different Time Out Markets across the globe with selected chefs jetting between Markets to share plates, provenance and culinary traditions.  It’s a simple concept: one Market chef travels to a different Time Out Market to collaborate with the host chef in that city. Working together the chefs create an exclusive one-off multi-course menu that showcases their combined talents, and fuses their creativity and signature cuisines. It’s served up to a handful of diners lucky enough to book one of the extremely limited seats at a special collaborative chef’s table dinner hosted in the host Market. The host chef then follows suit by travelling to the next Market to collaborate with a new Market chef in that city.  And n

With the Atlantic Ocean on the doorstep and Table Mountain National Park as the ‘back garden’, it’s little wonder Cape Town is hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. But beneath the visual spectacle there’s a rich cultural and historical tapestry to be discovered. Centuries of history as a trading port have given Cape Town a cosmopolitan multiculturalism that fuses warm African hospitality with Mediterranean charm. It’s a city where you’ll spend your days outdoors and your nights enjoying the city’s legendary culinary scene. Not sure where to start? Don’t miss these must-do experiences handpicked by a local writer.  RECOMMENDED: 🛏 A guide to where to stay in Cape Town🍹 The best bars in Cape Town🍴 The best restaurants in Cape Town🐧 The best beaches in Cape Town🏡 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town

Cape Town is a truly global city, fusing vibrant African flair with European savoir faire, and that cosmopolitan character is on full display in the city’s shops and boutiques. From the inner city to the seaside, Cape Town’s shopping precincts and characterful suburbs offer no end of retail therapy, whether you're after big-name brands or local creatives. Not sure where to start? Try these must-visit stores... RECOMMENDED:☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town This article was recently updated by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

Few cities in the world are better geared for remote workers and digital nomads than Cape Town. It’s affordable by global standards and has plenty of laptop-friendly coffee shops and several vibrant and innovative co-working and remote working spaces. And when the sun sets on the working day, the oceans, mountains, and trendy bars are ready to reward you for a solid day’s (remote) work. Cape Town has seen an explosion of co-working spaces in recent years – both pre- and post-pandemic – and many of these cater to different working styles. Whether you’re looking to knuckle down in quiet corporate confines, collaborate with like-minded creatives, hot-desk over an extended period of nomadism, or take meetings and grow your business in private offices, there’s a co-working and laptop-friendly space in the city that will have you covered. With input from local experts and desk-hopping digital nomads, here is Time Out’s pick of the best remote workspaces and laptop-friendly spots in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Cape Town🍝 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏️ The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🛍 The best shops in Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.   

If there’s one thing to love about Cape Town’s coffee culture, it’s the sheer diversity of experiences on offer. Fancy a post-surf flat white? There’s a beachside barista ready and waiting. Want to delve into the geekery of roasting regimes and pour-over versus espresso? A passionate connoisseur will happily debate the finer points. And if you want to extend a simple cup into a lazy lunch? Well, you’ll find plenty of laid-back cafés across the city dishing up inspired menus of fresh, seasonal fare.   And while there are a handful of global brands promising to deliver your caffeine fix, do us one favour: go local. Spend your money with small businesses. Seek out people passionate about the perfect pour. Because in South Africa’s ‘Mother City’, the coffee culture is simply too vibrant to settle for a bad cuppa. These are the best coffee shops and cafés in Cape Town, according to local writer Richard Holmes. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cape Town😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🍕 The best pizza in Cape Town🍣 The best sushi in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town Planning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

South Africa’s love affair with meat means you'll find a steak featured on almost any restaurant menu across the city, from fast-food to fine-dining. But as any committed carnivore will tell you, a single option buried deep on a long menu doesn’t really count. Instead, if you’re after a fine steak and likely a good glass of red to match, you’d do well to head straight to one of the Mother City’s celebrated steakhouses. Many of Cape Town’s best steakhouses have been in business for decades; a testament to their quality and, often, personality. In recent years many have also honed in on what really matters: serving the best cuts sourced from local farmers, and grilled to perfection. Rump or sirloin, T-bone or hangar... whichever you prefer, these are the best steakhouses in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town This article was written by Richard Holmes, a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

With its Mediterranean climate, vibrant Italian community and an abundance of local produce, it’s little wonder that Cape Town plays host to an array of fabulous Italian restaurants. From authentic pizzerias throwing dough just like they would in Naples, to talented chefs turning steaks the Italian way, you won’t be disappointed with a table at our pick of the best Italian restaurants in Cape Town. Buon appetite!  RECOMMENDED: 🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🛏 The best Airbnbs in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town Born and raised in the city, Richard Holmes is a travel writer based in Cape Town. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

South Africa’s wine making may fall into the ‘New World’ category, but in fact its vinous heritage dates back more than 300 years. Many of the Cape’s greatest wine farms are less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, so it’s not hard to justify a day trip. But if you do need one more reason, here it is: scattered amid the vineyards you’ll find many of South Africa’s top restaurants, dishing up inspired bistro fare and elegant fine dining. Check your appetite (and the depth of your pockets) and tuck in. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape TownPlanning your next trip? Check out our latest travel guides, written by local experts.

Sushiya has fast become one of the most popular kitchens at Time Out Market Cape Town, with this upscale 'sushi shop' offering a concise menu of authentic yet contemporary Japanese sushi, created by Head Chef Ryan Reyes, Chef-Patron Peter Tempelhoff, and Chef Shin Takagi, also the owner of a two-star Michelin restaurant in Kanazawa, Japan. This month the talented trio offer sushi-fans a rare opportunity to learn more, with ‘Sushiya Unveiled’ taking place in The Studio, upstairs at Time Out Market Cape Town. This exclusive sushi demonstration will showcase the talents of all three chefs in a 90-minute masterclass showcase; a gastronomic event promising an unforgettable journey into the art of authentic Japanese sushi. Chefs Takagi and Tempelhoff – who both sit on the Relais & Châteaux World Culinary Council – will share their expertise and insights into Tokyo-style sushi, or Edomae, a style of cuisine that traces its roots back to Edo Japan of the 17th-century.  Along with hearing these talented chefs talk, guests will indulge in inspired sushi tasters, while savouring Shin’s favourite sake from Kanazawa and wines from the acclaimed Stellenbosch estate Cavalli. Sushiya Unveiled takes place in The Studio at Time Out Market Cape Town on Saturday, April 27, from 12pm-1.30pm. Tickets cost just R395 per person, and are available now on Howler. Seats are limited, so book early! Ticket price includes one five-piece sushi platter per person, and a sake taster. Alongside this unforgett

The Time Out Market is a unique global concept that aims to celebrate the authentic flavours, foods and chefs of a city under a single roof. What began in 2014 with Time Out Market Lisbon has become a global phenomenon, and in 2023 Cape Town became the first city in Africa to host a Time Out Market. Located in a renovated historic building in Cape Town’s popular V&A Waterfront precinct, Time Out Market Cape Town brings together more than a dozen of the city’s top chefs, serving up a diverse menu of dishes that find inspiration both in Africa and beyond. Alongside the food, a dedicated wine bar showcases the acclaimed New World wines of South Africa, while a trio of bars serves up everything from local craft beers and artisan spirits to signature Time Out Market cocktails. It’s a vibrant space of communal tables – with plenty of outdoor seating dishing up amazing mountain and harbour views – with an easy ordering and collection system. Our How To Order guide and FAQs will answer all your questions about a visit to Time Out Market Cape Town. Aside from a choice of innovative kitchens and delicious dishes, upstairs The Studio space plays host to weekly comedy and live music events, as well as a vibrant schedule of chef demonstrations, master classes and special events. But, of course, the highlight is the food, and at Time Out Market Cape Town you are spoilt for choice when it comes culinary adventures. Take your pick from:  Ramenhead at Time Out Market Cape Town Sushiya at Time

Within days of Ramenhead opening in Cape Town in 2022 there were queues out the door, as hungry locals lined up for the best noodles in the city. That’s not surprising, as Peter Tempelhoff, Ashley Moss and Jennifer Hugé – the culinary creatives behind Ramenhead, and award-winning FYN restaurant – scoured Tokyo and Osaka for time-honoured ramen recipes, returning with the first (and only) Yamato noodle machine in Africa. The trio brings that same passion and focus to Time Out Market Cape Town, with Ramenhead’s seaside outpost offering a compact list of Asian plates and slurpable ramen bowls.   RAMENHEAD MENU   Tori Chintan R240 (Light broth of chicken with soya sauce) Tori Katsu Curry R250 (Rich creamy style chicken curry ramen) Kids Ponyo ramen R140 (Half-portion of chicken tori chintan) Sesame & Mushroom R240 (Double dashi style vegan)   Ramen add-ons Ajitamago egg R20 Extra noodles R30 Gluten-free noodles +R30 Nekomanma R40 (Bowl of Ishikawa rice for leftover soup)   Rice bowl Chashu Don R210 (Spring onion, BBQ-glazed pork burnt ends, sesame)   Snacks Karaage R145 (Tokyo-style friend chicken, miso mayonnaise) Pork gyoza R130 (Potstickers with green chili ponzu) Cabbage gyoza R120 (Potstickers with spicy ponzu peanut sauce)   Dessert Purin R95 (With seasonal fruit and fragrant shisho syrup)  

It’s a burger bar, but not as you know it – and that’s thanks to the creativity of prolific restaurateur, chef and TV personality Bertus Basson. With a brace of popular restaurants across the Cape, Basson is passionate about celebrating homegrown South African flavours and culinary traditions. At De Vrije Burger you can count on having your hands full with his next-level burgers made with free-range beef and homemade buns.    DE VRIJE BURGER MENU Burgers: De Vrije Burger R125/R155 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickles) De Jonge Burger R115/R145 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese) Die Bennie Griessel R125/R155 with tjips (180g Free Range Beef, Double Cheese, mustard pickle) De Vrije Vegetarian R115/R145 with tjips (Bo-Kaap-inspired falafel burger, double cheese, all the trimmings) A complimentary De Vrije Roomys with every burger purchased.   Add on: Smoked chilli sauce: R12.50 Melrose and Biltong: R35 Bacon - 3 rashers: R30   Extras: Hand-cut Tjips: R45 Have it: BBQ spice dusted: +R7.50 Cheezy: +R25 Peri-Peri: +R17.50 Onion Rings: +R45 Basson and Son soft drinks: R40  

John Van Zyl is a chef who likes to fly under the radar. Don’t expect TV shows, branded cookware or product endorsement deals. Rather, he just quietly goes about his business serving up some of the best food South Africa has to offer. Until recently you had to drive for an hour from Cape Town to taste Van Zyl’s cooking, and the winelands setting in the Elgin Valley is certainly a wonderful way to take a deep dive into the small plates he’s cooking up at The Melting Pot. And while his Elgin restaurant remains worth the trip for its concise menu of globally-inspired small plates, at Time Out Market Cape Town he brings a whole new take on the Melting Pot experience. Here, Van Zyl turns his focus to the Cape’s bountiful seafood while drawing plenty of inspiration from his own travels abroad. That could mean tuna sashimi with fermented black bean dressing, coconut and mint, through to beer-battered hake sliders with smoked potato purée and (of course) a best-in-class tartar sauce. In a city famous for its seafood, Van Zyl sets the bar high with his concise menu of superb small plates.   THE MELTING POT SEAFOOD MENU Linefish Sashimi R140 (Fermented black bean dressing, coconut, mint) Peruvian Mixed Seafood ceviche R145 (Butternut purée, tortilla chips) Beetroot-cured Salmon R140 (Mint & dill yoghurt dressing, dill pickled cucumber) Chargrilled Octopus R135 (Cauliflower purée, bacon shrimp XO dressing) Fried Fish Tacos R120 (Smoked potato aioli, tartar sauce, house pickles, shredde

The menu of Asian restaurants in Cape Town may be small, but if you know where to look you’ll find some real gems, with talented chefs putting their own spin on the classics. How Bao Now is a great example, with two of the city’s top chefs – Matt van den Berg and Carla Schulze – bringing authentic Cape flavours to a concise menu of Asian plates at their Woodstock outpost of How Bao Now. Fluffy bao buns are, as you might have guessed, the star of the show, and at Time Out Market Cape Town this creative duo brings a local perspective as they plate up exclusive flavour combos such as crayfish bao infused with Cape Malay flavours and a coconut and curry furikake, or wagyu sando-bao with a chilli crunch mayo, tonkatsu and pickled cucumber.   HOW BAO NOW MENU Baos Wagyu Sando (2 in a portion) R170 (Panko bao, wagyu, tonkatsu sauce, chilli-crisp kewpie) Flaming Chicken R105 (Fried thigh, XO, peanut crumb, Szechuan dressing) Fried Fish R100 (Hake, pickled red onion, Thai red curry dressing, nuac cham) Kimchi Pork R105 (Sous-vide pork belly, kimchi, miso mayo, Asian dressing) Banana Blossom (Vegetarian) R100 (Pickled red onion, Asian dressing, XO, herbs Kiddies Chicken Bao R65   Bao Special Cape Malay Crayfish R200 (Curry aioli, coconut furikake, vadouvan XO, lime)   Bites Crack Peanuts R45 Andry Edamame

Giorgio Nava is a household name in the Mother City, as beloved for his mellifluous Italian accent as his deft hand in the kitchen. A staple of the city’s restaurant scene for the past 20 years, Nava first entranced locals with his elegant Italian fare at 95 Keerom, and stylish café experience at Caffé Milano. So when he brought that Italian palate and perspective to the world of flame-grilled fare, the city sat up and took notice. Since opening in the city’s legal district in 2008, Carne has set the bar for Nava’s remarkable steak dishes served in a minimalist Italian tradition, with a field-to-table philosophy that’s focused firmly on provenance. Salt, pepper, olive oil and the finest quality free-range cuts… that’s all Nava needs to make a little Milanese magic. Nava brings a pared-down menu to the Time Out Market Cape Town, offering a perfect snapshot of just why Carne has become a stand-out in the city’s restaurant landscape for more than 15 years. CARNE MENU Antipasti Arancini R80 (fried rice balls filled with mozzarella, tomato and herbs) Burrata Mozzarella R130 (Salad of tomato, burrata mozzarella, capers, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil)   Sides Fried baby potatoes R45 Tomato & Cucumber salad R45   Sauces Béarnaise R35 Mushroom R35 Green pepper R35   Pasta Ravioli Porcini Mushroom and Ricotta R120 (Porcini mushrooms and ricotta ravioli topped with browned butter, crispy sage and parmesan) Ravioli Spinach and Ricotta R125 (Spinach and ricotta ravioli topped wi

YARD began as a cult classic in the inner-city, as famous for its idiosyncratic service as the delicious fare. And now Eugene Smith brings his inimitable approach to pizza to Time Out Market Cape Town. Atop their signature hand-stretched dough you’ll find four classic YARD flavours flying out of the ovens. Whether your poison is New York pepperoni, barbecue chicken, spicy Italian salami or the heady mix of blue cheese and caramelised onions, expect the generous pizzas from YARD to come standard with a side order of their (in)famously cheeky service. YARD MENU Select your: Dough Style N = Neopolitan R = Romano NY = New York (45cm) C = Californian Please note: Neapolitan & Romano-base pizzas come with Fior de late cheese. New Yorker and California-style bases come with grated mozzarella cheese Sauce White Alfredo Italian Tomato Pesto Signatures Juicy Chick N245/R275/C225/NY465 (Choose Sauce, Pizza Warehouse BBQ Sauce, Mozzarella, Slow Roasted shredded Chicken, Feta and Peppadews) Sweet Baby Blue (Vegetarian) N190/R230/C180/NY375 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Blue cheese crumbled, Caramelised onions and fresh wild rocket) Italian Favourites Autumno (Vegetarian) N180/R185/C175/NY314 (Choose Sauce, Mozzarella, Italian herbs, Mushrooms, red onions, Baby Spinach finished with a crack of black pepper) Artigiano N210/R220/C205/NY400 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Artichokes, Roasted red peppers & Pepperoni) Capricciosa N180/R190/C175/NY340 (Choose sauce, Mozzarella, Salami, Kalamat

If there’s a singular flavour to Cape Town, then it is surely found in the kitchens of the city’s Cape Malay community. Incorporating both European and Asian culinary influences – a blend borne of trade and colonialism – Cape Malay cuisine speaks to the colourful history of the Cape. And few chefs offer an experience as unique as Anwar Abdullatief, a pioneer in the city’s nascent Halaal fine-dining scene. At Barakat Abdullatief – together with his wife; TV star and celebrity chef Yolani Abrahams – flips Cape Malay cuisine on its head with a thoroughly contemporary take on traditional plates. From slow-braised osso buco to traditional tomato bredie, Barakat shares the flavours and fables of the Cape’s homegrown culinary identity.   BARAKAT MENU Samoosa R12 (Masala steak crispy onion/ Potato, cheese & danyah/ Smoked snoek & apricot) Koesiesters R10 (Warm Cape Malay 'Donut') Boeber R40 (Sweet warm spiced milk beverage with vermicelli, sago & toasted almonds) Lighter meals 'Bobotie' R80 (Sweet curried beef mince in egg custard, topped with a chickpea shard, with homemade chutney & toasted coconut) Crispy tempura'd Malay chicken 'sosatie' R80 (Skewered cubes of chicken with peach, capsicum & red onion, fried in spiced tempura batter served with a cucumber & onion salad, sambal & flaky butter roti) Mains Snyboontjie Bredie (Vegetarian) R110 (Stewed green beans & potato in an onion-based sauce served with basmati rice) Cabbage Food (Vegetarian) R110 (Chargrilled cabbage profile with

Sushiya is a restaurant greater than the sum of its parts. While chef Peter Tempelhoff – also behind Ramenhead at Time Out Market Cape Town – and chef Shin Takagi – owner of a two-star Michelin restaurant in Kanazawa, Japan – are both hugely accomplished chefs and restaurateurs in their own right, when they decided to collaborate on a new restaurant, greatness was pretty much guaranteed. Sushiya at Time Out Market Cape Town takes the shape of an upscale 'sushi shop', offering authentic yet contemporary Japanese sushi. The menu is made up of small dishes with classic pickled and preserved Japanese-style vegetables, a variety of modern nigiri platters, a platter of maki, and temaki and gunkan maki infused with local and classic Japanese flavours. Beyond the considered cuisine, Tempelhoff and Takagi also use Sushiya to showcase their dedication to sustainable sourcing, craftsmanship and tradition.   SUSHIYA MENU    Small Plates Nasu Dengaku R120 (roast aubergine, katsuobushi, miso, sesame) Tuna Tataki R170 (peanut chilli ponzu, sesame tempura, daikon) Tsukemono Sea R65 (salt fermented Napa cabbage, ginger, radish, carrots) Vegetable Kakiage Tempura R95 (ginger tentsuyu)   Makimono Shrimp Uramaki, inside out R235 (8 pcs shrimp, avocado, sesame tempura, katsuobushi flakes, yuzu gel) Fish Uramaki, inside out R220 (8 pcs spicy white fish, pickled daikon, wasabi) Maguro Temaki, new style hand R160 (2 pcs lean tuna, chives, truffle & ajitamago purée) Otoro Temaki, new style hand R22

Chef Hitesh Panchal steps up from his previous V&A Waterfront location in the Makers Landing incubator hub to take up a coveted place at Time Out Market Cape Town. At Kapoochka – which Panchal runs with his two sons – this entrepreneurial chef dishes up a contemporary take on Indian street food, with a creative focus on more-ish pani puri. Considered the king of street food across India, pani puri are crispy hollow balls of dough, deep-fried and filled with potato, lentils, three chutneys and a spiced water, and at Kapoochka you’ll find a delicious array of savoury and sweet creations. KAPOOCHKA MENU Traditional Poochkas Paani Puri (4pc) R75 (Crispy puri filled with spiced potatoes, chickpeas and lenls, topped with a coriander and mint chutney, a tamarind chutney and served with chilled spiced water) Dahi Batata Puri (4pc) R80 (A crispy puri filled with spiced potatoes, chickpeas and lentils, topped with a coriander and mint chutney, a tamarind chutney and topped off with creamy sweetened yoghurt, vermicelli and a chaat masala tuile) Prawn Pop Puri (4pc) R115 (Crispy fried puri stuffed with spicy garlic butter prawns, a garlic and chilli aioli, garnished with Katsuobushi and sesame seeds) Mixed Tasting Platter (6pc) R125 (Combination platter of all the above favourites: 2 x Paani Puri, 2 x Dahi Bata Puri and 2 x Prawn pops) Dahi Samosa R55 (Punjabi samosa served on a bed of chickpea masala, dressed with our signature sauces, vermicelli and pomegranate seeds)   Main Dishes Mas

For all of the creativity in Cape Town’s restaurant landscape, a common complaint – often justified – is that indigenous African cuisines and culinary traditions are sidelined in favour of fine dining that looks to Europe, Asia and North America for inspiration. But not so at MLILO 'Fires of Africa', where chef Vusi Ndlovu brings a truly pan-African experience to the menu, interpreting the many ways that cultures across the continent have incorporated a lick of flame and kiss of smoke into their cooking. At MLILO you’ll find an elevated take on the traditional Zulu shisanyama barbecue, a taste of Senegal in the lamb didi, or the Kenyan classic nyama choma – thinly sliced beef – with a fresh kachumbari salad. It’s a brave and bold new approach to creating world-class cuisine imbued with the unmistakeable flavours of Africa.   MLILO MENU uMbhona R65 (Classic street corn grilled, inspired by the streets of Mombasa) Broccoli R65 (Charred broccoli, miso pickled peanuts,  drizzled with maafe sauce) Brochette of Dakar R110 (Baguette filled with Yassa onions, grilled chicken dusted in kan kan spice, chilli & lettuce) Pepe wings R110 (Grilled chicken wings seasoned with the flavour of pepe) Pork/Chicken Suya R110 (Grilled pork/chicken skewers marinated in homemade suya spice blend and brown butter served with plantain ketchup) Nyama Choma R110 (Thinly sliced beef with chunky kachumbari) iPlate R195 (South African braai plate: beef chuck/lamb chop, chicken wing & boerewors) Lamb

Want the scoop on the most creative ice cream in the Mother City? You’ll find it at Unframed, thanks to the innovative flavour creations dreamt up by founder Yann Rey. Ever wondered what lemon-infused olive oil and white chocolate ice cream might taste like? Here’s your chance to find out. Every flavour combination is crafted from scratch, in small batches and from quality ingredients, drawing heavily on what’s fresh and in season in the Cape. No surprise then that Unframed has been rated amongst the world’s greatest ice-cream parlours. UNFRAMED MENU   Scoops 1 Scoop R49 2 Scoops R79 3 Scoops R89   Indulge Tasting Flight R99 (5 flavours) Sundaes R109 (3 scoops, toppings, whipped cream)   Waffles Waffle R59 (Icing sugar, whipped cream) + Extra Scoop R25 + Extra topping R10  

Most travellers have a love/hate relationship with airports. When things go well they’re a portal to holiday adventures, exciting business trips, or reunions with far-flung loved ones. But when things go wrong? We curse the chaos… Happily, Cape Town seems to fare rather well when it comes to international gateways, with the recent 2024 World Airport Awards by Skytrax ranking Cape Town at #54 in the world. Voted for by well-travelled customers, the World Airport Awards have been going since 1999 and are considered the most prestigious accolade for the airport industry, and the largest annual global airport customer satisfaction survey. Now coming in at 54th position may not seem like much of a coup, but consider this: the World Airport Awards surveys customer service and facilities across over 570 airports worldwide. 570! What’s more, Cape Town pipped Sydney into #55, and came well ahead of global gateways such as Los Angeles (#60), Denver (#69) and Kuala Lumpur (#71). Cape Town claiming 54th spot also made it the highest-ranked airport in Africa! Durban’s King Shaka International Airport was the next closest African airport (at #72), with Johannesburg at #83. No other African airports made it into the top 100. Ouch. Cape Town was also named Best Airport in Africa and Best Airport Staff Service in Africa, while Durban’s King Shaka Airport took home the award for Best Regional Airport in Africa. And who topped the tables? Unsurprisingly, Doha’s Hamad International Airport was n

Whether you’re into plant-powered eating or conscious consumerism, you’ll want to head for The Good Life Show coming to Cape Town from May 31 – June 2, 2024.  Hosted under one roof at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, The Good Life Show is actually four inter-connected events tapping into the global trend towards more sustainable living: The Plant-Powered Show, Africa’s premier plant-based food, drink and conscious living event Natural & Organic Show The Free-from Show SustainEx, focused on living a sustainable life The Good Life Kitchen is perhaps the star of the three-day show, with well-known chefs demonstrating the best ways to create healthy, delicious and sustainable meals. Meet-and-greets and book signings will also be on offer, while you can add a little liquid inspiration to your show with a visit to The Sustainable Pub for conscious cocktails by leading mixologists. Another highlight is the Expo marketplace, where you’ll find an array of sustainable products from beverages to beauty, appliances to accessories. Expect plenty of free samples and tasters! There is also a busy schedule of masterclasses and talks on the bill, with nutritionists, health and sustainability experts designed to educate and inspire. Masterclasses (for premium ticket holders) will also offer access to leading chefs and mixologists who will demonstrate how to create everything from vegan cheese and artisanal ice cream to traditional kimchi.  The Good Life Show runs at the Cape To

It’s the day online shoppers have been waiting for in South Africa, as online giant Amazon finally launches a local storefront:www.amazon.co.za is now yours to explore. Amazon has been in the local news for years, with plans afoot for both a new (and controversial) African headquarters in Cape Town alongside a consumer portal to rival the likes of loot.co.za and takealot.com. 'We are excited to launch Amazon.co.za, along with thousands of independent sellers in South Africa. We provide customers with great value, broad selection - including international and local products - and a convenient delivery experience,' said Robert Koen, managing director of Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon. 'From today, customers can count on Amazon.co.za for a stress-free shopping experience, fast and reliable delivery, access to 3000 pickup points, 24/7 customer support, and easy returns.' The local site has now launched with an array of cut-price deals, from hundreds of books selling for half the usual price to steep discounts on everything from home electronics to mobiles and accessories. In the market for a pair of 2nd-generation Airpods? Amazon (at R4999) has them for a full R1000 cheaper than local Apple specialist Digicape. But as always, it pays to look closely at those prices. Amazon is also touting a Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 for 21% off the list price. But, ahem, that list price is more expensive than the list price on rival retailer Takealot. And, ooh, what’s that? A Nespresso Inissia Coffee

It’s a grey and overcast Autumn day when I walk down Buitenkant Street in the East City, but it’s all-but-impossible to miss the storefront of Rapt, where a riot of rainbow colours beckons curious locals into a Wonka-esque fantasyland of cocoa, chocolate and happy excess. Of course, another way to find Rapt is that it’s located right opposite TRUTH. Coffee Roasting, the iconic coffee destination created by David Donde that has gone on to be voted amongst the world’s best coffee shops. But if TRUTH. revels in its grungy steampunk aesthetic, Rapt is a rebellion in whites and rainbows. Indoors it’s brightly lit, with a multi-coloured tongue rolling out of one wall as an invitation to sit. In the pops of colour, polka-dotted décor and take-away packaging Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol would feel right at home here.   ‘Rapt is all about guilt-free indulgence,’ says Donde, as he walks me around the new store. ‘We created Rapt as a fun space that’s about joy and nostalgia. At TRUTH. and here, our way of thinking is around conscious consumption. It’s about real food. It is about making the healthy choices more desirable. And if you’re going to make healthier food more desirable, where else to start than a candy store?' Donde bills Rapt as a grown-up candy store, but in truth it’s a space for all ages. And by candy, he mostly means cocoa. And by cocoa, he means high-quality imported Callebaut, or beans they import from the island of Sao Tome, roasting the beans themselves to create

Cape Town’s inner city is having a moment, as the skyline bristles with cranes and new developments sprout across the vibrant ‘City Bowl’. One of the most exciting new central city developments is City Park, in what was once the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital. That building has stood empty for the past four years and counting, and the redevelopment into an exciting mixed-use destination of restaurants, retail and hotels will transform this section of Bree Street. And great news for savvy travellers is that City Park will soon host the first African address of quirky colourful hotel brand Mama Shelter. The new Mama Shelter Cape Town is set to be a drawcard for City Park, with 127 guestrooms across three room categories, and 68 branded residences. Mama Shelter Cape Town will also offer meeting rooms, co-working spaces and a gym, along with a pool deck dishing up seriously good city and mountain views. Also look out for Mama’s classic all-day dining restaurant on the rooftop. Since opening in Paris in 2008 with the concept of an ‘urban refuge’, the Mama Shelter brand has expanded to more than a dozen properties worldwide, from Paris to Los Angeles to Dubai, and has become known for creating bold, colourful and ever-so-cheeky destinations. Mama Shelter Cape Town will also introduce a new concept for the brand, with the 'Mama Play' offering a retro entertainment space complete with ten-pin bowling and karaoke alongside restaurants and bars. 'Cape Town is a dynamic city that

Get ready for four weeks of riotous laughter, as the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival returns to the Mother City this winter. Now in its 25th year , the Jive Cape Town Funny Festival is the Mother City's most popular comedy festival, attracting a line-up of international and local comics to the stage of the Baxter Theater in Rondebosch. Over the years the Funny Festival has hosted the likes of comedy giants including Trevor Noah, Tumi Morake, Nik Rabinowitz, Alan Committie, Jimmy Carr, Lee Mac, Paul Zerdin and Nina Conti. This year's festival runs from June 10 – July 7, and tickets (R150-R210) are available now via Webtickets . A highlight of this year's silver jubilee run will be the return of hilarious musical maestro and classical comedic pianist Kev Orkian, while American star funnyman Mario Queen of the Circus takes a break from his world tour to perform in Cape Town. Across the four-week festival audiences can look forward to the musical comedy of South Africa's most talented performing brothers, Emo and Loukmaan Adams, while MC Alan Committie will have you rolling in the aisles.  Alongside these stars, expect a roster of the country's leading comics on the bill, from locals Dalin Oliver, Kagiso KG Mokgadi and Yaaseen Barnes, while Joburg brings the talents of Khanyisa Bunu, Sifiso Nene and Dillan Oliphant. Visit www.funnyfestival.co.za to find out who is performing on which dates. Fancy a weekend away? Enjoy Franschhoek for less this winter !

When the doors first opened more than 20 years ago, the Spier Hotel outside Stellenbosch was something of a landmark; an upmarket overnight option in the heart of an estate offering myriad immersive activities and experiences. While it has been somewhat left behind, as other winelands estates raised the bar for boutique hotels, the hotel is curently undergoing a major (and overdue) refurbishment. The renovation – with reopening slated for early in 2025 – is set to bring the hotel more in line with the aesthetic and approach of the broader Spier estate. As Spier has embraced a new focus on art and sustainability in the past decade, the 80 rooms will better reflect traditional Cape architecture and design, with updated finishes and artwork from the Spier Arts Collection. Ground floor rooms will open out onto gardens of indigenous flora, while upper-level accommodation will offer garden views and farm from Juliet balconies. Other plans include the addition of a secluded wellness spa with treatments focused on healing fynbos botanicals harvested on the farm. 'Our farm and hotel will be an immersive place of peace and connection. Simple and timeless, with elegant comfort that never shouts,' said Mariota Enthoven, who lives on the farm and is leading the project. 'Set in a magnificent wild Cape garden, it’ll be a more personal, more encompassing expression of our family’s vision.' The fusion of food, wine and wellness will also extend to the new restaurant and bar offering, where t

Flat white or cortado? Macchiato or espresso? Perhaps just a plain old Americano? And while any local will no doubt have their favourite, um, local for grabbing a latte, Cape Town’s chops as one of the world’s leading cities for coffee culture has been given the stamp of approval by none other than respected US culinary magazine Food & Wine.  The influential mag recently released its authoritative list of the top 10 cities for coffee in 2024, and – are we surprised? – Cape Town cracks the list! The top-10 ranking forms part of their Global Tastemakers program, which celebrates the best culinary destinations in the United States and abroad, with more than 180 food experts casting their votes on everything from bars and hotels, to airlines, cruises and – of course – coffee. Copenhagen came out on top in this year’s list, with Tokyo and Sydney coming in at #2 and #3 respectively. Cape Town came grinding in at #9, comfortably beating out fellow Antipodean mocha hotspot, Melbourne. In the Mother City both Truth.Coffee and Deluxe bagged a special mention, and rightly so, but they are just the gateway to a city packed full of great roasters and baristas. Origin, Rosetta and Espresso Lab all deserve a visit, as does Nøsh at the Time Out Market Cape Town. Created by Origin co-founder Joel Singer, Nøsh Café offers a unique coffee experience, brewing up three of the city’s finest artisan roasters – Origin, Truth and Tribe – in a single location.  Want to take a deep dive into the world

Franschhoek wine estate Boschendal has enjoyed a dramatic transformation over the past decade, with an array of restaurants, cultural experiences and self-catering accommodation revelling in the rich landscape of this historic Cape farm. The latest evolution is the launch of the revamped Werf Food Garden. Embracing Boschendal’s estate-wide approach to sustainability ‘we have taken greater care to tread lightly,’ explains Boschendal’s Gardens and Landscaping Manager Kholwane Thela.  Beyond producing their own compost and upcycling materials from across the estate, invasive plants were used to create structures in the new Garden. ‘Our vegetable and herb boxes were made from 365 invasive Beefwood trees that were found on our grounds, which have been cleared to allow the rich variety of indigenous plants to thrive in their place,’ says Thela. Lovely as they are to look at, there’s a more important reason for the revamp of the Werf Food Garden: to eat it! The Garden is located steps from the historic heart of the farm’s Deli and conveniently close to the kitchens of The Werf Restaurant. 'We believe that the shorter the distance between the garden and our kitchens, the better the flavours in our food,' says Stella Delport, Head Chef at The Werf Restaurant, who has created a concise menu of contemporary plates that celebrate soil-to-fork dining and plant-based cooking. ‘Our teams will pick fresh herbs and vegetables daily in celebration of the best seasonal produce and authentic fla

In 2014 Dominique Ansel gave the world the Cronut, fusing a croissant and doughnut into a single pastry. In 2016 came the Crone – a croissant and ice cream cone – followed quickly by the Cruffin, Cretzel and the Croaf.  But 2024 brings us the Crookie, created in Paris but made into a global craze by TikTok. And now it’s landed in Cape Town, with three (or are there more? Tell us at hello@timeout.com) city bakeries serving up their take on the world’s latest pastry sensation The story begins in October 2022, when pâtissier Stéphane Louvard was tinkering in his bakery in the Opéra district of Paris. He sold a few, mostly as a novelty, but the idea never really took off. Until TikTok caught wind of it in December 2023, and Crookie videos were soon racking up millions of views. By February 2024 Maison Louvard was – sacré bleu! – selling 2300 Crookies a day, with queues around the block as locals and tourists lined up for a taste. The Crookie soon went global, and now the world’s newest pastry trend has made its way to the Mother City. From its main bakery in Salt River, Proof Bakery supplies bread and patisserie to more than 80 restaurants, shops and delis across Cape Town, but their small store in Claremont is the exclusive outlet for Proof’s artisanal take on the Crookie (R45).  ‘We’re always looking for new ideas, and my eldest son told me about them being so popular in Paris,’ says store owner Joanne Gloak. ‘The world’s going crazy about it, so I thought OK I’ll do it.’ At P

It’s no exaggeration to say that when chef Liam Tomlin opened Chefs Warehouse & Canteen on Bree Street – with a set menu of small-plate ‘tapas’ dishes – he all but reinvented Cape Town’s foodie landscape. That was in 2014. But now Tomlin is back, with bold plans to revive the concept – along with two other new venues – in a space just across the road from the original. In what is currently home to a trio of venues at The Bailey, Tomlin and business partner David Schneider, together with chef Adrian Hadlow, will close the doors on May 15, to spend the winter working on a grand reopening – date still to be confirmed – with a bold new offering. On the ground floor will be the new/old Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, with a choice of seating at the long communal tables the original restaurant was famous for, along with banquettes and smaller tables. It’s here diners will tuck into the time-honoured menus of global tapas, all served up with a heady urban energy. One floor above, in what is now home to The Bailey, the charming brasserie will give way to an entirely new creation: Merchant, a unique restaurant that shines a spotlight on local producers. “In South Africa, we have incredible produce; from meat, game and seafood to vegetables, grains and fruits,” says chef David Schneider. “At Merchant, we want to champion the best producers and their products, and make them the focal point of our offering.” Schneider is also planning ‘Producer Dinners’ offering multi-course menus focused on

Planning a trip to Cape Town – or the United Kingdom – this summer? There’s good news on the horizon, with Norse Atlantic Airways announcing the launch of new seasonal flights between London Gatwick and Cape Town. In what will be Norse Atlantic's first destination in Africa, the new route takes off on October 28, 2024, with three flights a week – Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday – departing from Gatwick Airport, a 30-minute train ride south of London. Outbound flights will depart London Gatwick at 8pm to land in Cape Town at 9.30am the following morning, while inbound flights depart Cape Town at 11.45am and arrive at London Gatwick at 9.35pm the same day. Return fares start from £499 (R11 800) return in Economy and £1199 (R28 500) in Norse Premium class. The new route is good news for travellers looking to fly direct from London to Cape Town, with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic currently the only two airlines flying this popular summertime route. Norse Atlantic is, of course, trumpeting its cheapest possible fare, so Time Out looked at booking for a random set of dates in November, opting for Norse Atlantic’s ‘Economy Classic’ fare. This includes a meal service and luggage allowance, to allow for easy comparison with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. Flying from London to Cape Town on November 20, returning a week later, the fare options were: Norse Atlantic (Gatwick): £642 (R15 300) British Airways (Heathrow): £931 (R22 200) Virgin Atlantic (Heathrow): £931 (R22 200