Batavia Cafe, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Sometimes I get the feeling that I’m the last to know things. Given that I blog about said things it’s not a great trait – but at least I have friends who bring me up to speed every now and then (thanks Reyaaz!). So, I was invited to the not-so-recently opened Batavia Cafe – a cute and stylish halaal eatery in Cape Town.

Although there are more and more halaal eating spots in CT (and most takeaways places are halaal), in my opinion, there still aren’t that many upmarket halaal places to sit down and grab a bite. So, it’s always great news when more open.

The cafe is just up the road from the Hilton and close to the colourful houses that dot the steep roads of Bo Kaap. You’ll know the area – it’s a popular tourist spot and a place that cool hipster couples like to take their wedding pics.

We arrived Saturday around lunch time and found parking easily (which I’m not sure is the norm). The exterior was pretty and they had some impressive cars parked outside it.

I walked in, looked around and saw lots of hip youngsters (I know, I sound rather old saying that). The pretty decor brought a smile to my face.

The cafe is on the small side but luckily it wasn’t too busy so we took our pick of seats.

There were so many items on the menu that I wanted to try. I was really tempted by the eggs benedict but in the end, I opted for the spicy chicken salad. I asked the waitress to describe the pineapple krusher and it sounded healthy enough (fruit & ice). They didn’t have milk alternatives and I hope they consider adding it to the menu in future as I would have loved a coffee.

The food took a bit long to come. Also, slowly but surely, the place was starting to fill up.

I don’t do cold chicken. If you did Microbiology at some point in your life, you probably wouldn’t either. I was happy when my salad came and the chicken was nice and hot. I can’t say it was spicy though. Maybe it’s tourist-friendly spicy, I’m not sure. Either way, the chicken salad was delicious.

My pineapple krusher tasted too good to be healthy. I wasn’t sure if it was fresh pineapples or canned but it was a little too sweet for my liking. It eventually mixed more with the ice and luckily the sweetness was diluted.

The place just got crazy busy. There was a fashion shoot in the street and the crew kept coming into the cafe and then running out to catch the perfect light. It was interesting to watch but very chaotic. It seemed our waitress forgot about us in the hustle and bustle and we eventually had to get up and go to the front to pay the bill.

The place is a cute little spot and I’m keen to try out the rest of their menu. I’m not sure when is the least busy time to go (and if I knew I wouldn’t tell so I can have it all to myself!!).

– Rif

Batavia Cafe

67 Rose Street, Corner of Church & Rose Street, CBD, Cape Town

https://www.zomato.com/capetown/batavia-caf%C3%A9-cbd

https://www.facebook.com/bataviacafe/