Contemporary South African design meets modern local culinary flavours Vegan Restaurants in Cape Town

Chef Mmabatho Molefe’s modern Zulu cuisine offering at Emazulwini restaurant at Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, is a celebration of her culinary heritage and childhood food memories viewed through a 21st-century fine-dining lens.

Now, the restaurant’s dockside location has been transformed, with pared-back neutral tones brought to vivid life with the use of bold blues and reds, and beautiful and unique furniture and lighting by local designers.

The gorgeous new space, which has become a stage for a developing South African aesthetic that pays respect to its heritage, while charting the way forward in global style, is the result of a collaboration between Clout/SA, a purpose-driven creative agency and business-to-business market maker, and young interior designer Walter Train.

Train, whose practice is informed by his own diverse heritage, describes his work as sitting at the intersection of two seemingly disparate worlds: one a Nguni upbringing rooted in family and culture, the other a western lineage intimately part of his birth.

Train brought to life his concept, which was partly inspired by the surrounds of the restaurant’s dockside location, with the help and guidance of Clout/SA, which facilitates opportunities for companies to support and collaborate with South African designers.

In the new-look Emazulwini, Molefe’s modern take on traditional food now has a setting that echoes its deeply South African roots with a modern global twist.

‘Clout/SA is proud to have initiated and managed an approach that we believe amplifies the incredible energy and food shared by Chef Mmabatho Molefe,’ says Lynch.

Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant

The Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant, located in Granger Bay, is a hidden gem that offers a unique culinary experience for patrons.

Run by hospitality students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the restaurant provides a platform for these students to showcase their skills and gain real-world experience in the hospitality industry.

The restaurant boasts a menu that is both innovative and delicious, with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients.

Dishes are expertly prepared and beautifully presented, with options for all tastes and dietary requirements. Patrons can enjoy everything from classic French cuisine to contemporary fusion dishes, all at a reasonable price.

Overall, the Cape Town Hotel School Restaurant is a must-visit for foodies and those looking for a unique dining experience.

The combination of exquisite food, excellent service, and the opportunity to support young hospitality students makes for an unforgettable experience.

For bookings contact 021 440 5736/57 or email: restaurantfunctions@cput.co.za

Considering that South Africa is one of the highest per capita meat-consuming countries in Africa, one might be surprised to discover that there are 14 fully vegan restaurants in Cape Town alone. Humane Society International/Africa and ProVeg South Africa have partnered to create a My Plant-Based City map of Cape Town to highlight these restaurants, as well as 16 other vegan-friendly eateries offering great plant-based options.

More and more South African consumers are looking for healthier, more environmentally friendly, and ethical food options. This has led to an increase in veg-friendly restaurants, serving everything from burgers and brownies to finedining dishes. Offerings cater to everyone, from those looking for healthy poke bowls featuring fresh whole foods, to others craving plant-based versions of fastfood favourites like cheeseburgers. Advances in food technology have meant that plant-based meat and dairy alternatives are now able to successfully mimic the taste and texture of animal products they replace.

Leozette Roode, meat-reduction specialist for HSI/Africa, says: “The guide is an ideal tool to help Capetonians explore the diversity of the city’s incredible plantbased food options.”

The My Plant-Based City maps form part of HSI/Africa’s Green Monday SA campaign as a fun, affordable and tasty way to bring about positive change. The list of eateries featured on the map is based on recommendations from renowned local blogger and vegan influencer, Garth Tavares, better known as the Cape Town Vegan. The My Plant-based City Map also lists the top five most plant-based friendly national food chains according to ProVeg South Africa’s 2022 Plant-Based Friendly Fast Food Franchise Ranking.

ProVeg South Africa is the local chapter of ProVeg International, a global food awareness organisation working to transition the food system from one primarily centred on animal agriculture to one based on plant-based and cellular agriculture.

For more information visit www.myplantbasedcity.co.za