Tjing Tjing House is a multi-storied Cape Town eatery with a Japanese twist, housed in a 200-year-old heritage building on Longmarket Street. The epitome of Japanese elegance is Tjing Tjing’s Rooftop Bar, located in the building’s restored attic. The interior was designed by owner Ilze Koekemoer and interior designer Francois du Plessis and features wooden mansards and a striking red bar.
The cocktail and drink menu is another standout feature.
Created by bar manager and mixology expert Phil Burrows, the drink menu comprises bespoke classic cocktails made with modern twists, Japanese whisky, gin, saké and an extensive wine list featuring Tjing Tjing’s house wine.
What makes this menu special is its commitment to creativity and quality, evident in the cocktail offerings.
A few standouts include:
The Last Old Fashioned: A nod to ‘The Last Samurai,’ this cocktail is made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon infused with smoked and braaied sweet potatoes, complemented by black sesame and honey.
The Beetle Basil Smash: A harmony of Roku gin, basil, thyme, lavender, lemon and shiso, topped with tonic, makes it herbal, savoury and refreshing.
The Mai Tai Yokai is a tiki-inspired mix of Bacardi Anejo Cuatro 4-year rum, Cointreau liqueur and Jagermeister, balanced with macadamia, pineapple and lime.
Additional offerings include the Show Me Negroni, Murasaki Mojito, Maneki-Neko Margarita, Kon Kon Toki Sour, Southside Kodama and several other uniquely named cocktails, each packing the perfect punch.
Tasty bites, or rather, otsumami, round out the menu, including classic bar snacks like spiced nuts, a plate of picked components, crispy rice balls and more.
A shared plates menu features a range of options, including deep-fried chicken wings (Tebasaki), steamed buns (Hirata), grilled skewers (Yakitori), pan-fried dumplings (Gyoza) and much more.
Browse through the full cocktail and food menu here.
The experience beyond the rooftop bar at Tjing Tjing House includes:
- Torii Restaurant: Offering Japanese yokocho-style food in a vibrant setting.
- Momiji Lounge: An intimate lounge area with a full à la carte menu, ideal for private events.
- Momiji Restaurant: Featuring a modern Sushi Omakase menu, this restaurant operates strictly by reservation on Saturday evenings.
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar, acclaimed by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the world’s best new bars in 2012, remains a must-visit destination for locals and tourists.
With its mix of traditional and modern elements, it’s not just a place to dine and drink, but an experience that captures the essence of Cape Town’s diverse cultural and culinary landscape.
Details:
- Location: 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town City Centre
- Book: info@tjingtjing.co.za
- Contact: 021 422 4374 |021 422 4920
- Website: tjingtjing.co.za
Social media channels:
- Instagram: @tjingtjinghouse
- Facebook: Tjing Tjing
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Feature image: Supplied
Article originally written and published by Sarah du Toit for Cape Etc.
