At times when the whole world is observing Ramadan days, how can Cape Town stay behind in celebration. Recently, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis shared the snippets from his visit to a friend for the celebration of Ramadan.
While sharing the moments he expressed, “Boeka in die bloke in Lotus River – met die beste Akhni.”
“Beautiful to see the church and Muslim community coming together in Lotus River to celebrate Ramadan and serve the residents,” said Lewis.
Cape Town offers a wide range of halal food options, from fine dining to casual, flavour-packed bites. The city is increasingly catering to Muslim diners with a variety of halal food options.
So here’s a list of Hala-Certified Restaurants that we have complied for you exclusively available in Cape Town:
Mariam’s Kitchen
The first and foremost is the Mariam’s Kitchen which is known for its salomis and gatsbys, which is located in parts of Cape Town City Centre and Crawford. The halal certified eatery serves affordable salomis, gatsbys, pies, vienna and chips parcels, with samoosas and more.
Bo-Kaap Kombuis
It is an authentic Cape Malay restaurant that pays homage to its surroundings. ‘The Kombuis’ as the restaurant is popularly known, has served guests for nearly two decades. Its expensive menu features everything from curries and vegetarian dishes to snacks such as potato waras and samosas.
Located at 7 August St. Schotsche Kloof, the restaurant also provides a selection of authentic Cape Malay dishes, such as slow-cooked Denningvleis, which is a lamb cooked with tamarind paste and local spices.
Tashreeqa’s
Established over 20 years ago, this eatery is one of the first restaurants to offer authentic Cape Malay cuisine fused with local and international flavours. From burgers to pasta to a comprehensive breakfast menu, Tashreeqa’s is a must-visit attraction in the South African city.
Wembley Roadhouse
The resto is a no-frills takeaway joint, offering various burgers, grills and Indian street food. Wembley is a home to the Wembley Whopper, a succulent burger popular with locals.
Here, the visitors will find a variety of other burgers, samosas, grills, curries, pasta and sandwiches. Wembley also boasts a confectionery, bakery and meat market. Eat under the roadside umbrellas or relax in the tranquil, sheltered garden.
Eastern Food Bazaar
Located at the 96 Longmarket Street, Cape Town, it is a bustling canteen-style takeaway that features a long row of traders selling everything from shawarmas and kebabs to biryanis and more. the food available here is affordable, quick and tasty, especially for those who want a bite to eat after a party night.
Biesmiellah
The restaurant in Bo-Kaap takes the visitors on a food journey, showcasing Cape Malay and Cape Indian cuisine. From tomato bredie, bobotie and crayfish curry to butter chicken and lamb biryani, each meal is set to tantalise your plate.
One can also build his or her own starter platter with favourites such as daltjie, samosa, mini pies and half-moons.
The Happy Uncles
It is the first halal, pure fine dining restaurant that is offering an authentic and memorable culinary experience in a contemporary industrial space. Here, you will be treated to a 4 to 8 course meal of innovative dishes that you have probably never had before.
The Butcher’s Wife
Situated in the heart of Athlone, the eatery place offers steaks, pizzas, flame-grilled chicken and pasta. The restaurant thrives on its motto – ‘We sell what we eat’, serving fresh meals for sit-down or takeaway.
The Butcher’s Wife does not accept reservations and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Get there as early as possible, coz the seating is limited.
About Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting that is known sawm, prayer as salah, reflection and community. It is also the month in which the Quran is believed to have been revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
Annually observed the festival of Ramadan, is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.
Fasting from dawn to sunset is obligatory known as fard, for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, traveling, elderly, breastfeeding, pregnant, or menstruating. The pre-dawn meal is referred to as suhur, and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar.
Moreover, the rulings known as fatawa, have declared that Muslims who live in regions with a midnight sun or polar night should follow the time-table of Mecca. It is a common practice to follow the time=table of the closest country in which night can be distinguished from day.