Cape Malay cuisine is a fusion food originating in Cape Town; a Western Province of South Africa. The origins of Cape Malay cuisine can be traced back to the 17th and 18th century exiled dissidents and slaves brought to the Cape in South Africa from the Dutch East Indies. Although Asian flavors are used, Cape Malay cooking has changed quite a bit to suit local tastes and ingredient availability.

Yellow rice, which is combined with saffron, cinnamon and raisins, provides the ideal accompaniment to the gentle aromatic flavours of bredie lamb casseroles. Still, no real Cape Malay meal is complete without its delicious condiments; ranging from palate-cooling sambals to fiery blatjang chutneys and atjars.

There are three excellent restaurants in Cape Town, South Africa, where guests can enjoy a traditional Cape Malay meal:

The Noon Gun Restaurant, Cape Town

For cheerful, family-style Cape Malay dished in Cape Town, The Noon Gun in the Bo-Kaap district is highly recommended. Chef Zainie Misbach serves samosas and chili bites from heaven; so they’re certainly a must try. Furthermore, the Noon Gun Restaurant (like most Cape Malay restaurants) in Cape Town is strictly Halal and no alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises.

The Gold Restaurant, Cape Town

From the moment guests walk through the Gold of Africa Restaurant in the historic Martin Melck building, one can feel the heartbeat of a unique African restaurant.  The unique Gold Restaurant takes visitors on a taste safari from Cape Malay to African cuisine – from Cape Town to Timbuktu with its set 15 course menu served at the table. Most evenings even start out with an interactive Djembe drumming session to entertain guests!

The Quarterdeck Restaurant at the Portswood Hotel, Cape Town

The four star Portswood Hotel in Cape Town, which is located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, features the popular Quarterdeck Restaurant.  The Restaurant is located in an original section of the Breakwater Convict Station, which was built in 1860. Rich in heritage and history, it specializes in traditional Cape Malay cuisine.

It is here where patrons are taken on a culinary journey to experience the different food items, which make Cape Malay food so unique.