Asian food is known for a unique combination of flavors, aromas, and textures, mixing sour with sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. From Japanese Ramen to Korean Kimchi, from Peking Duck to Sushi, from Chow Mein to Pad Thai, the complex flavours of Asian food enthrall foodies the world over and Cape Town is no exception.

The Mother city took some time to offer a variety of halaal Asian food to Capetonians. But in recent years we have seen a wonderful increase in venues and pop-ups serving it up. Here’s some great spots to get your next umami fix.

Pho & Bun, Diep River

Pho & Bun is an unassuming casual eatery on Diep River’s Main Road serving halaal Vietnamese food. Pho pronounced “fuh” refers to a Vietnamese rice noodle soup and Bun is vermicelli noodles, grilled meat and salad. It’s as authentic as it gets. They also offer dumplings, Dim Sum, Spring rolls, Stir Fry, Sushi and Dessert. Special mention for the standout Vietnamese coffee.
Get their details and review here.

Gogi Halal Korean BBQ, Observatory

Korean BBQ is still trending in South Africa, and Gogi have a halaal branch in Observatory. Complete with a bbq pit set inside each table and concertina style copper extractors which is dramatically pulled down from the ceiling when your grill is lit. The menu includes slivers of brisket, bulgogi beef, wontons, short rib, kimbab and much more. The mocktails and desserts are different from most other places. This is a must try for a complete Korean BBQ experience.
Details and more about them here.

Nuri Sushi

Nuri Sushi Factory is quite easily Cape Town’s favourite sushi restaurant. They’ve been around at least 10 years if not longer and have cornered the market on great quality sushi at great value. Their branches are now also halaal certified. Find them here:
Nuri Sushi, CBD
Nuri Sushi, Sea Point
Nuri Sushi, N1 City
Nuri Sushi, Claremont
Now also in Maitland.

Khao Hom Thai cuisine

This cosy spot on Imam Haron road is a favourite with the locals. They are the OG of the 2-for-1 sushi special but it does not stop there. They serve authentic Thai food in a homely setting and are popular for takeaways. They recently opened a second branch where you can get your fix.
More details about their branch in Claremont. You can also find them in Diep River.

The Wok Bar

This popular spot always has a wait-list during the busy season times, which tells you how good it is. They do fresh and flavourful Asian inspired dishes cooked with heart on the vibey Kloof Street in Gardens. You’ll also find them at various pop-ups in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Get details about their Cape Town branch here. You’ll also find them at Palmyra Junction.

Plucky’s Korean Fried Chicken, Sea Point

Plucky’s have combined Asian street style food culture, with a nostalgic 1950’s American style diner, to create a uniquely SA brand of fast food restaurants. Get the tastiest, crispiest, umami flavoured Korean Fried Chicken at their halaal branch in Sea Point inside the Mojo Market.
Find their details here.

The Sushiary, Belgravia

A cute spot in Belgravia, Athlone serving sushi, poke bowls, sushi salads and seafood. A good choice if you want your fix and don’t want to venture too far from the southern suburbs.
Get their details here.

Linko Utopia, Claremont

A popular spot for authentic Chinese food and fresh Sushi. Known for their sushi platters. Their halaal branches offer takeaways only.
Details of the Claremont branch here. The other halaal branch is in Rondebosch.

J&S Sushi

If you like fusion sushi you’ll enjoy J&S. They have good special offers, serve sushi and noodles and prices are quite reasonable. Happy to say the sushi is good, a decent size and not skimpy on the ingredients. They have 4 branches in Cape Town.
Find them at:
Athlone 0792111091
Claremont 0682590518
Mitchells Plain 0694569042
Blaauwberg 0636535004
More about them here.

Simply Asia

The OG of Thai food in South Africa, Simply Asia has halaal takeaway branches all over Cape Town. The 514 Noodles with roasted chilli paste and cashews has become a cult favourite. Their sit-down stores serve alcohol but they have one sit-down branch which is fully halaal in Kenilworth.
Find the Kenilworth store details here. Find their other halaal express stores here.