Cape Town Caters For Veggies & Vegans
By Saskia Carelse
Our top 6 spots in Cape Town that cater exclusively for vegetarians and vegans, as well as those that are relatively vegetarian friendly.
It's no secret that Capetonians are foodies and love their sizzling steaks, fresh-out-the-ocean seafood or a steaming plate of oxtail stew (to name just a few). Luckily it's not difficult to find these meals in the Mother City. The city knows how to feed her foodies well and dining in Cape Town is nothing short of an absolute treat. But what about the vegetarians and vegans? How do they fit into a city that loves their braaivleis and potjiekos almost as much as they love their oxygen?
Not to worry! Cape Town has such a variety of cultures and psycho-graphics that it would only make sense that she provided an eclectic menu, which she does indeed. Although the menus for the meat lovers are more extensive and easier to come across, the vegans and veggies have not been forgotten.
Sexy Food
This restaurant was inspired by James Kuiper’s life journey through battling cancer and thus diving into the world of organic farming, alive foods, indigenous fermentation and how to work with Southern African flora to restore good gut bacteria and lasting health. Sexy Food focuses on the raw foods and super-foods and their menu includes kombuchas, sprouted sunflower ‘dung balls’, spring distilled buchu water and micro-greens (living protein). Read their healthy eating books while dining at one of their wooden, tree-like tables! All their meals are free from gluten, soya, sugar, dairy and preservatives.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 08:00 to 17:00 ; Saturdays: 09:00 to 15:00
Plant
Opening hours: Monday: 09:00 to 17:00 ; Tuesday-Saturday: 09:00 to 22:00
Raw and Roxy
Raw and Roxy is the pioneer of the raw and vegan restaurant movement in Cape Town. Although the restaurant space is quite small, don't underestimate their menu. Raw main meals include lasagna, pasta, red Thai curry, a tapas platter and sushi. Be sure to try their delicious smoothies and deserts - everything completely vegan! They also sell raw ingredients and offer raw cooking lessons.
Address: 300 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
Opening hours: Monday–Friday: 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday: 09:00 to 16:00
Maharaj
Tucked away in the heart of Rondebosch, Maharajah is looking to create a difference in the usual take out enviroment. They are a pure vegetarian establishment, based on a lacto vegetarian diet and cater for vegans as well, serving fresh, flavourful ingredients. Maharajah has quite an extensive, delicious menu, from appetisers and an array of curries, to wraps, bunny chows and rice dishes, you may have a difficult time choosing what to order. Regardless, whatever you end up ordering, you are guaranteed to thoroughly enjoy!
Address: Fountain Square, Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 11:00 to 21:00
Yoffi Falafel
Located right on Muizenberg's beach front! Yoffi Falafel is a great place to get delicious falafels, which are spiced and mashed chickpeas or other pulses, formed into balls or fritters and deep-fried, usually eaten with or in pitta bread. This restaurant also offers meat options. Order your meal and enjoy it either at one of their tables or on the beach - watch out for the sneaky seagulls!
Address: Surfers Corner, Muizenberg, Cape Town
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00 to 18:00
Elixir Café, Bree Street
Elixir Cafe is a bohemian-themed restaurant situated on Bree Street, one of the trendiest streets in Cape Town's CBD. They serve lovely wraps, rotis, and pastries, with their main focus being fresh pressed juices, delicious smoothies and tea/coffee.
Address: 120 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre
Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 7:00 to 17.00 ; Saturdays: 8:00 to 15:00
Take your pick of any of these restaurants! If you're staying with us at Riverlodge Backpackers, don't be shy to ask one of our staff to organise transport to your chosen restaurant. Bon appetit!
Written by Saskia Carelse
All pictures sourced from Google Images
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