It probably goes without saying that the best place to find Cape Malay cuisine in Cape Town is the ever-colourful Bo-Kaap. Visiting the Bismillah Restaurant is your best bet to try Cape Malay food.  Here, you’ll find a fusion between Malaysian, Indonesian and South African culinary traditions characterised by a burst of flavours and aromas.

The locals consider Bismiellah to be a culinary institution in the community that has upheld the culture and traditions of Cape Malay food for years. On the menu, you’ll find Cape Malay delicacies like the samosa, which is a triangular-shaped fried pastry dish with a filling of your choice from chicken or mince to vegetarian options with peas, carrots or potatoes. You should also try the Bobotie, a sweet and sour flavoured lean beef mince, stir fired with fresh herbs and spices, topped with a milk egg glaze and served with sweet yellow rice. Yum! Another specialty you just have to try is the famous Koesister (not to be confused with a koeksister – that deliciousness deserves its own blog post!), a fried doughnut generously coated with coconut flakes on the outside and a honey cinnamon glaze.

Cape Malay food encompasses the art of home-styled cooking. The flavours are unique to Cape Town and the food remains an important part of Western Cape’s culture and heritage, especially amongst the Muslim community of Cape Town.  If you have not tried Cape Malay cuisine or your mouth is just watering right now – grab your car keys, an uber, bicycle or your tekkies JUST DO WHAT YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET THERE and try this mouth watering cuisine.