5 Asian restaurants in Cape Town to add to your “must-try” list

It’s become clear that eating food is considered much more than simply a survival technique here in the Cape. Oftentimes, it’s become the very activity we centre our social lives around.

When was the last time a TikTok restaurant review appeared on your ‘for you page’? Probably just yesterday – if not seven minutes ago – given the hype of food culture.

We may even go as far as saying, food as a whole has become an entire way of life (not that we’re complaining at all).

So if you’re looking to replenish your restaurant-to-do list or simply craving to discover new flavours, here are five Asian restaurants that will do just that:

1. How Bao Now

This culinary gem serves flavour-packed buns stuffed with crayfish, kimchi, brisket and Szechuan fried chicken – to name just a few. Truth be told though, we were already hooked by the name. Who doesn’t love a good play on words? We’re ready to eat, how bao you?

• Location: 375 Albert Rd, The Old Biscuit Mill
• Operating Times: Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 4pm

2. Awara

Think of it as Bukhara’s young and trendy offspring, combining Indian, Korean, Thai, Japanese and Chinese flavours to bring you the best in Asian contemporary tastes. With a desire to modernise its already-renowned gourmet Indian dining experience, the team behind Awara curated a menu that includes a variety of Asian grilled tapas alongside the finely prepared classic curries the Mother City adores.

• Location: 33 Church Street, City centre
• Operating Times: Sunday to Thursday,  11am to 10pm | Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm

3. Three Wise Monkeys

If ever you are in need of a soul-warming meal, look no further than this. They offer a range of dishes, from baos and sushi to yakimos. The wholesome ramen bowls will put your soul at ease, while the Dragon Ball Z mural will take you right back to childhood memories of waiting patiently in front of the TV for the show to come on SABC 2.

• Location: La Rhone Building, 77 Regent Rd, Sea Point
• Operating Times: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 10pm

4. Yu Restaurant

Tucked away inside the Onyx Hotel in Foreshore, this hidden gem provides Asian dining with a contemporary twist so good that they were nominated for a World Luxury Restaurant Award in 2020. Whether you’re peckish or famished, Yu offers both gourmet tapas and main dishes.

• Location: The Onyx Apartment Hotel, Cape Town, 59 Heerengracht St
• Operating Times: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 10pm

5. Café Chiffon

In true foodie style, it’s mandatory to end a culinary experience with something sweet. So this one’s for all the fellow sweet tooths out there.

READ MORE: The Coffee Lounge: Where foodies, sweet tooths and coffee lovers unite

This aesthetically pleasing minimalist and contemporary-styled café serves equally pleasing Asian-inspired desserts, ranging from fluffy Japanese cheesecakes to Korean macarons and more.

• Location: SHOGF007, Old Cape Quarter, 72 Waterkant St, Green Point
• Operating Times: Monday to Friday 7.30am to 5.30pm | Saturday 8am to 4pm

ALSO SEE: Get your fill of fresh produce and little gems at these Cape Town markets

Written by Tauhira Ajam for Cape {town} Etc.

Feature image: Unsplash