Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Spiced minced meat with dried fruit, baked under a set egg and milk custard with bay leaves pressed into the top. Served with turmeric rice, chutney and sambals rather than gravy.
Bobotie reached the Cape through the Dutch table and the kitchens of enslaved and exiled people brought from the Indonesian archipelago, Bengal and East Africa from 1658 onwards, and the Cape Malay community made it its own. The Afrikaans etymological dictionary traces the name to the Malay boemboe, meaning curry spices, and the dish resembles patinam ex lacte, layered meat under a milk topping recorded by the Roman writer Apicius. What is now standard in Cape Town is minced beef or lamb with curry powder, onion, breadcrumbs soaked in milk and raisins or sultanas, baked until the custard sets.
3 editor picks for Bobotie in Cape Town, ranked by editorial score. All Cape Town signature dishes · Bobotie across every city.
Bo-Kaap Kombuis serves home-style Cape Malay bobotie and denningvleis from a house on August Street in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, with a Table Mountain view.
TipAsk for a window table before you sit; the view over the City Bowl is why regulars book ahead for weekend dinners.
Karibu at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town plates bobotie, venison potjie and Cape bredies alongside game, steaks and seafood, every day of the week.
OrderBobotie of spiced beef mince and raisins under an egg topping, served with celebration rice
TipThe venison and game specials change with what the kitchen sources, ask before ordering.
The Fireman's Arms has served Cape Town's Foreshore since 1864, a sports pub of big screens, fireplace corners and firefighter themed pizzas.
TipArrive early for a big match, since nine HD screens and the fireplace corner fill fast; Thursday is quiz night.
Bobotie makes more sense with someone from Cape Town explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 9 hours
Embark on a full-day safari from Cape Town to Aquila Private Game Reserve. Spot the Big Five, enjoy a buffet breakfast and lunch. Enjoy stunning views of Dutoitskloof ...
Day trip · 8 hours
Start with a convenient Pickup from your Hotel Accommodation before Embarking on a Safari from Cape Town to Aquila Safari Game Reserve. Enjoy a buffet lunch, spot the ...
Day trip · 4h 30m
Explore Stellenbosch on horseback with a private guided ride through scenic vineyards, then unwind with local snacks and a bottle of wine. A perfect blend of adventure...
