Have Your Cake and Eat it Too

The city of Cape Town has been blessed attractions that draw millions of tourists, year in and year out. But there’s a lot more to do here than viewing a flat-topped mountain and visiting a historic prison. As someone who has an insatiable appetite for dessert and freshly ground coffee, I often advise our visitors to do is visit our wonderful cape cafés.

Nzolo Brand Café

I recommend this afropolitan café for its ambience –it is situated along Church Street and nestled between some of Cape Town’s oldest buildings. The sidewalks around the café are flanked by antique stalls, and inside the soundtrack includes the laid back sounds of Afro jazz. The tables are dressed in bright east African fabrics and linen and the most beautiful pillows, and the menu also has all of your favorites with an African twist. The café is probably most famous for its Tanzanian fish curry with kinglip; but don’t forget to try the famous carrot cake and their delicious afro tea.

Mountain Nelson

One of the reasons the luxurious Mount Nelson hotel has sheltered a long list of prominent people that include Winston Churchill and Dalai Lama. The hotel is renowned for decadent spreads that guests enjoy for afternoon tea. There’s something about the colonial grandeur at the Mount Nelson that makes me feel like shouting, “let them eat cake!” But everything laid out on table is delicious, from the cucumber sandwiches and quiche, to the petit fours and iced cakes. But in my opinion, the food isn’t even the best part– that would be the tea menu. Be sure to try out the signature Mount Nelson Tea, which is a blend of six types of teas and rose petals from the garden.

Charly’s Bakery

If you’ve ever wondered how Charlie felt in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, then a trip down to this family run bakery will definitely give you a good idea. This most-loved bakery is situated on Canterbury Street and houses cakes that are (as their slogan suggest) “mucking afazing”. Whether you want a cake that’s classic and elegant, or one that is quirky and whimsical, Charly’s oompa loompa’s are some of the best bakers in town. I recommend a slice of the Wicked Chocolate Cake or the Hummingbird Cake.