Finding Halal food in Cape Town is not an issue at all. The religious tolerance in South Africa is deeply rooted in its constitution.
In the 17th century, Muslims from Indonesia were the first settlers exiled from the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia), followed by Indian Muslims from British East India Company and Indian merchants from the 19th to early 20th century. Despite being a minority in South Africa, the Muslims in Cape Town are still visible by their practices and traditions and are well-respected in society.
The South African cuisine is, therefore, a mélange of influence from its African native, the European colonization period (such as the Dutch, German, and British) and Indo-Asian slaves. During your visit, try some of our recommendations below! This guide excludes the usual international chains – KFC, Burger King, McDonald's and Dunkin Donut - which are Halal-licensed and certified by one of the four authoritative bodies in South Africa. There are also plenty of restaurants that may not be officially certified, but due to Muslim ownership, the restaurants are deemed to be Halal.
(Psssst... Check out our Cape Town City Guide)
There are plenty Halal eateries in the outer and inner suburbs such as in Sea Point, Claremont, and Wynberg. However, the following guide recommends 5 Halal restaurants with an emphasis on the city center for convenience and easy accessibility.
Image Credit: GOLD Restaurant on Facebook
At Gold Restaurant, you are not only served with a delectable cuisine but a line up of performance to keep you entertained throughout your dining experience. Serving you traditional African cuisine, Gold Restaurant's 14-dish menu changes seasonally. Here, meals are served in individual and sharing portions, honoring the tradition of feasting with your family and friends.
Image Credit: GOLD Restaurant on Facebook
All their Halaal-certified meat, poultry and fish dishes come with vegetarian or vegan substitutes. Feel free to drop them a message to inform them of your dietary preferences when booking so that they can adjust accordingly.
Halal Status: Halal Certified Poultry
Address: 15 Bennett Street, Green Point, 8005
Opening Hours: 6.30 PM to 11 PM (Daily)
Reservation: Yes
Contact: +27 (0)21 421 4653
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Image Credit: www.biesmiellah.co.za
Biesmiellah is famous among the local and tourist alike. A must-visit when in Cape Town, this humble joint is one of the oldest shops in the brightly coloured, historical suburb of Bo Kaap. You won’t be disappointed with bobotie (spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping), tomato breedie (slow-cooked tomato and lamb stew) and denning vleis (sweet and sour lamb stew) for the goodness of its Cape Malflavorsurs. Or simply opt for the delicious kingclip curry, or crayfish curry. If you're still peckish after your meal (we don’t blame you), pack up some freshly made samosas from its takeaway joint beside the restaurant.
Cuisine: South African Indian and Cape Malay
Address: 2 Wale St & Pentz St Bo-Kaap, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, South Africa
Opening Hours: 12am-10pm. Closed Sundays.
Price/Price Range: $$ - $$$
Reservation: No
Contact: +27 21 423 0850
Website: www.biesmiellah.co.za
Image Credit: mariamskitchen.co.za
Miriam’s Kitchen offers home cooking, perfect for exploring local Capetonian street food delights from breakfast to late lunch. The restaurant features the owner's Indian roots, so there you can sample the popular salomie (choice of curry wrapped up in Malaysian-style roti bread) and the iconic Gatsby sandwich (a kind of baguette bread stuffed with chips, meat of choice and salad). You can choose from three locations, but the St George’s mall branch is right in the city centre and it has a prayer room.
Cuisine: Fast-food, South African Indian, and Cape Malay
Opening Hours: 6:30am to 5:30pm (Mon-Fri),8am to 2pm (Sat),Closed Sunday
Price/Price Range: $
Reservation: No
Contact: +27 21 423 0772
Website: www.mariamskitchen.co.za
Heerengracht St
Address: 31 Heerengracht St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
St Georges Mall Arcade
Address: 101 St Georges Mall Arcade, CBD, Cape Town, South Africa
This Muslim-owned café invites you to a spacious establishment where you'll feel right at home once you enter it. You will be surrounded by local and handmade designers that the joint is promoting. Visit this unique café for crêpes, oats, muesli, omelettes, English breakfasts, eggs benedict, and muffin. And we love how ‘macon’ is served in these breakfast eggs menu. This stylish café also serve the traditional koeksisters – a Cape Malay dessert with a sprinkling of coconut. For lunch, have a go on open sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizzas, bunny chow (a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry) and our handmade crafter burgers.
Cuisine: Western and South African Cape Malay
Address: 67 Rose Street, Corner of Church & Rose Street, CBD, Cape Town
Opening Hours: 8am to 4pm (Mon-Fri),8am to 3pm (Sat), 9am to 2pm (Sun)
Price/Price Range: $
Reservation: No
Contact: +27 21 422 227
Woodies is a gourmet burger stall inside the V&A Food Market. The hashtag ‘bestdamnburgers’ is simply irresistible if you fancy hand-pressed beef patties with delicious sauces and extras. You can’t go wrong with Saffa which is famous among locals. If the single or double won't suffice, indulge in triple or colossus. While they do not serve drinks, you can get it from one of the drink stalls nearby. Bring your burgers outside to take in the magnificent view of the waterfront.
Cuisine: Fast-food, Western
Address: 19, V&A Food Market, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
Price/Price Range: $
Reservation: No
Contact: +27 79 125 7228
