Persian decor and mazzeh in Heritage Square

Sloppy Sam returns after almost two years away

Last updated: Wednesday, 13 March 2024

Sloppy Sam is back, and now in Heritage Square. Inside you’ll find the decor matches the Middle Eastern-inspired menu, with exposed brick walls, Persian carpets, mismatched tables and chairs and kilim saddlebags. The menu is mazzeh-style (not mezze!) with favourites like naan, hummus, kebabs and köfte. 


Sloppy Sam is now located in Heritage Square. Image: Sloppy Sam

IT’S BEEN AROUND FOR 89 YEARS

Operating on and off since 1935, Sloppy Sam has had pop ups all around the city. Their last location in De Waterkant closed in March 2022, and it took chef Hooman Saffarian (who’s been the owner since 1985) almost two years to find the right next space. Sloppy Sam officially reopened in Heritage Square in January 2024. 


Chef Hooman Saffarian has been the owner for almost 40 years. Image: Sloppy Sam

HOMELY PERSIAN DECOR

The Heritage Square location has been carefully-curated to match the Middle Eastern-inspired menu. There’s rustic bags of onions and potatoes dangling from ladders; tapestries and woven lamps hanging from the ceiling; and Persian carpets spread across the floor. The space feels distinctively homely with small wooden cabinets, vintage-looking picture frames and kilim saddlebags (a common sight in Turkish village homes).


The decor has been curated to match the menu. Image: Sloppy Sam

SHARE SMALL PLATES WITH MATES 

With a new space, comes a new menu. Chef Saffarian specialises in Persian, Turkish and Greek cuisine.

The menu is designed around ordering lots of small plates (or mazzeh), such as bademjan (a Persian eggplant and tomato stew), naan and hummus, slow roasted lamb, köfte, kebabs and tarama (a Greek dip made of fish roe). 

Sloppy Sam is open for lunch and dinner, and past customers’ rave reviews mention chef Saffarian doing his rounds through the restaurant, chatting to customers and being involved in every process. That’s how you know the food is going to be good! 


The Turkish borek is made with layers of phyllo pastry and filled with potato, cheese and chilli. Image: Sloppy Sam

VISIT SLOPPY SAM 

Sloppy Sam is open: Tuesday – Saturday 8pm to 10pm
Find it: Heritage Square, 100 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
Cost: TBC
Contact on: 082 377 3707, @sloppysamcapetown, info@sloppysam.co.za

By Sarah Williams 

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