Halaal restaurants for every taste

Fine dining, buffets, coffee shops, takeaways and more

Last updated: Tuesday, 18 April 2023

From the iconic Wembley Roadhouse in Athlone to South Africa’s first halaal fine dining restaurant, Cape Town has plenty of halaal restaurants that are worth visiting – and some that deserve to be on your foodie bucket list. Here are some of the best fully halaal spots in the Mother City (whether you’re going out for breakfast, lunch or dinner). 

INDULGE IN A CULINARY EXPERIENCE   

The Happy Uncles is South Africa’s first (and only) fully halaal fine dining restaurant. Chef Anwar Abdullatief hails from Grassy Park, and his chic establishment offers tasting menus of four, six or eight courses. The menu features plenty of seafood and Cape Malay and South African influences, like salt and pepper squid with bokkoms and green mango atchar. 

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 12pm - 2pm and 6pm - 9pm; Friday 6pm - 9pm
Halaal status: Fully halaal and Muslim-owned 

100 Voortrekker Road | Salt River | @the.happy.uncles | Image: The Happy Uncles 

VISIT THIS GEM IN THE HEART OF BO-KAAP  

This coffee shop proudly bares its Cape Malay influence: Along with bagels and coffee, you’ll also find masala scrambled eggs, koesisters, falooda (a milky drink made with rose syrup, vermicelli, and sweet basil seeds) and more. It’s filled with luscious green plants and large windows that look out over the colourful houses of the Bo-Kaap and Table Mountain. Plus, Against the Grain is super affordable.

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 7am - 5:30pm; Sunday, 8am - 2pm
Halaal status: Fully halaal and Muslim-owned

102 Wale Street | Bo-Kaap | @againstthegraincoffeeco | Image: Against the Grain 

TRY THIS ICONIC SPOT  

Wembley Roadhouse is an iconic Cape Town spot known for its burgers (including the Wembley Whopper), hotdogs, steak sandwiches, samoosas, milkshakes and falooda. Opened in 1976, this halaal staple is hard to miss with its massive red-and-silver sign and expansive parking lot (perfect for picking up a takeaway and eating in the car).  

Hours: Daily, 11am - 11pm
Halaal status: Certified 

Belgravia Road | Athlone | Web | Image: @asmalphotography

TUCK INTO THAI 

Khao Hom Thai Cuisine is the place to visit if you’re in the mood for tangy noodles or crispy spring rolls. There are a variety of Thai curries, stir fries, Phad Thai noodles, traditional soups and sushi. The prices are reasonable (especially considering the portion sizes) and the food always looks colourful and inviting. 

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 11am - 9pm; Friday - Saturday, 11am - 10pm; Sunday 3pm - 9pm
Halaal status: Fully halaal and Muslim-owned 

117 Imam Haron Road | Claremont | @khaohomhalalthaicuisine | Image: Khao Hom Thai Cuisine 

FILL UP WITH BUFFETS  

The Capetonian may be a four-star hotel, but its restaurant on the bottom floor offers great daily buffet specials. On the Square has a daily breakfast buffet, a Mongolian buffet Monday to Thursday (with dishes like chicken chow mein, egg fried rice and Asian salads), a Surf & Turf buffet on Friday and Saturday, and a Sunday lunch buffet. Each costs around R255pp. 

Hours: Daily. 7am - 10:30am; 12:30pm - 2pm; 6:30pm - 9:30pm.
Halaal status: Certified 

Pier Place | Heerengracht Street  | Foreshore | @thecapetonianhotel | Image: The Capetonian

GO FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH + DINNER  

The Butcher’s Wife was designed to feel like a home away from home, with its hearty pastas, grills and burgers in generous portions and for reasonable prices. This cosy eatery serves home-style food with an elevated twist (try the deep-fried camembert on sourdough crostini rounds with onion marmalade and cream cheese, or a smoked salmon and spinach croissant benedict). 

Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 09:30am – 10pm; Friday, 09:30am - 12:30pm and 2pm - 11pm; Saturday, 09:30am - 11pm
Halaal status: Fully halaal and Muslim-owned 

15 Belgravia Road | Athlone | @thebutcherswifesa | Image: The Butcher’s Wife

DRINK TEA IN A SUNNY COURTYARD  

Named after the 13th-century poet and Islamic scholar, Rumi Café serves toasties, breakfasts, burgers and cakes. This coffee shop in Pinelands is decorated with plenty of greenery and natural stone walls. With its tree-filled courtyard, it’s a cute spot to meet with a friend and enjoy a slice of cake in the sun.  

Hours: Monday - Thursday, 07:15am - 6pm; Friday - Saturday, 07:15am - 9pm; Sunday 07:15am - 3:30pm
Halaal status: Fully halaal and Muslim-owned

33 Central Square | Pinelands | @rumicafe_ct | Image: Rumi Café

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TANTALISE YOUR TASTEBUDS

Crazy for falafels? Try Nish Nush on Bree Street. 

Enjoy Durban curry in Cape Town at Nouveau. 

Turkey, India, South Africa and more: Try these cuisines at the Eastern Food Bizarre. 

Discover and explore with 7+ Things To Do This Week(end). 

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