CapeTownMagazine.com

Batavia Cafe in Cape Town

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

Batavia Cafe in Cape Town

Soak up the rich atmosphere and culture of the Bo-Kaap while nibbling on appealing treats at this quaint new eatery

Every home has a distinct scent. And when it comes to Batavia, a new café that was launched in April 2015 in the Bo-Kaap building where Haas used to sit, the aroma is definitely vanilla. It’s a subtle and delicate sort of fragrance that sweeps over me on my arrival at the restaurant in a way that gently says, “hello”. I’m greeted by Nancy Molina, the manager of the eatery, who kindly leads me to a comfortable window seat and from there begins to recount the long and beautifully multifaceted story of the bistro.

batavia cafe in cape town

“Batavia is not a name that is strange to the Cape Malay people that reside in this suburb. It was the name of the capital of Indonesia back in the 1700s, and most Cape Malays can trace their ancestry to this spot,” explains Nancy, and she continues to tell a tale rich with details about battles and victories, slaves and trade ships, Napoleon and the Netherlands, and finally, a colony in Cape Town. The family behind the new café once lived in the Bo-Kaap, and as coincidence would have it, the building that the eatery rests in actually belonged to a close relative some years ago. This full circle of history adds wonderful colour to the story, and those wanting to know more can simply ask Zayaan Rasdien (the co-owner) or any other member of staff to hand you a booklet that documents the chronicle of events.

Although the eatery has its roots in Cape Malay culture, the halaal-friendly food (Batavia is yet to be certified) on offer branches out to cater to all kinds of tastes. Guests can indulge in breakfast treats like crêpes, organic oats with mixed berries, omelettes, muffins, fruit platters and traditional koeksisters as well as heavier midday items like sandwiches, homemade burgers, salads, roast chicken with couscous and more. Abdoul, the chef, also adds a touch of surprise each day with a lunch special that he whips up on a whim. “We never know what the special is going to be,” says Nancy. “Abdoul will go outside, look at the clouds, feel the air and say something like, ‘today is a soup day’”.

batavia cafe in cape town

This particular afternoon is far from a soup day, though. The sun is warm and pleasant and rather than sipping on a steaming bowl of broth, I’m cooling off with a cold mint lemonade (the café also serves up other drinks, like coffee, regular and speciality teas, milkshakes and ice-cold crushers). From where I’m sitting, I can see people, cars and scooters casually making their way up and down Bo Kaap’s Rose Street.

Zayaan joins Nancy and me at our table and explains the thinking behind the décor at Batavia. “I really wanted the café to have a homely atmosphere, so we’ve set it up to make customers feel as if they are walking into someone’s house from the kitchen.” We’re sitting in a space that’s designed as a living room. In it lie wooden tables (surrounded by multi-coloured chairs), a magazine rack, bunches of flowers, comfy couches and a section that’s base to locally produced clothing (Issa Leo), jewellery, artworks, genuine leather bags, bamboo coasters and other impressive items for sale – an offering that makes the restaurant so much more than just your standard café.

batavia cafe in cape town

Needless to say, there is always something pleasant to look at or tuck into at Batavia. As I finish off my lemonade and bid farewell to Zayaan, Nancy and the rest of the staff, I take in the comforting vanilla scent once more and leave with plans for a second visit already in mind.

batavia cafe in cape town

Tip: The culturally rich eatery is open to delivering orders in the Bo-Kaap area on special request. Nearby offices can even contact Batavia for discounts on large lunch orders. Call the café on +27 (0) 21 422 2272 for more information.

The Bill: Batavia’s prices are reasonable. Breakfast items cost between R20 and R70, sandwiches range from R22 to R55 and salads are priced between R70 and R85. Cold beverages ring in between R15 and R35, while hot drinks cost between R12 and R25.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm; Saturday: 8am – 3pm (lunch is served until 3pm only; on Friday afternoons, the café is closed from 12:30pm to 1:30pm).

Corner of Church and Rose streets | Bo-Kaap | Cape Town | +27 (0) 21 422 2272

---

Drink Napoleon’s favourite wine while he was in exile on St Helena at the Wine on Exile exhibition at Groot Constantia.

Looking for more Muslim-friendly eateries? Have a look at our round-up of Halaal Restaurants in Cape Town.

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.

Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, connect with us on LinkedIn, check out our photos on Instagram and follow our Pinterest boards for updates on what’s happening in and around the Mother City!

 

Cape Town Events Calendar
June 2023
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30

Cederkloof Botanical Retreat getawayWe just found our next place for a ...

Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven

Excentric Hair5 ways to transform your hair (with ...

Give your locks some love or change them completely

Rose's Table pop up dining experienceIntimate fine dining in an art gallery

A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art

Woodstock Brewery burgersA brewery with food specials for every ...

Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery

Excentric Hair camera diagnosisHow healthy is your hair, really?

How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit

Cannibisters weed barCape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed

PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon8 reasons to run these races in a lush ...

Do a marathon, fun run with the fam and explore small towns

Char'd Grill meat appreciation platterMeat appreciation platter at a ...

3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience

Char'd Grill tasting traysSpirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...

Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts

Pear Tree cocktailsHolistic food + drink at this healthy ...

Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view

Pear Tree HermanusUnconventional vegan dishes at this ...

From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts

Milk on the Beach5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...

Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...

Waffle Shack by Milk on the BeachOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike

Taj Jiva SpaJiva Spa Special: 3 massages x 30 mins ...

Select 3 treatments from 7 options, from head massage to deluxe pedicure

Blue Train ParkKids Party Idea: Take a ride on the ...

BOOK Now and let the outdoor adventure begin!

Judd's Local wineFree wine tastings in the city

What’s on offer: Wines from Darling to Hermanus, all at Judd’s Local

Breathwork Africa foundation3+ ways to get your breath back and ...

Classes, courses, retreats on conscious breathing run by the trainers leading the global ...

Klein Roosboom tasting caveTaste wine in a cave

Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails

GiveawaysTravel Tips