Eastern Food Bazaar
Capetown
Best value for money meal in the whole city. There's enough on the various menus not to have to eat the same thing twice in a month-long stay, but we highly recommend the chicken tikka masala dossa, washed down with a mango Jive soda. Lunchtimes are chaotic, so time your visit just before or after.
The Eastern Food Bazaar is a Cape Town institution. Which is surprising, considering it's tucked away in a tiny slither of a building out of the main hubbub of tourist Cape Town. But perhaps that's what gives it the unique charm that keeps people coming back for more.
On first look, you might think this to be a simple take away joint, but dig a little deeper and sample some of the dishes on offer, and you'll realise that you're getting superb value and a massive selection to choose from, all of which is prepared by expert chefs directly in front of you.
Food is ordered at the counter in the middle, at which point you locate your cook and hand over your ticket. The dish is then prepared quickly in front of you, usually consisting of finishing touches or quick additions before it's served either in a take away carton or on plastic plates. It's no frills in this spot, which keeps the food cheap, the turnover quick, and the unusual resulting charm consistent.
The primary market for the Eastern Food Bazaar is busy city centre workers, looking for a cheap and quick bite to eat before they head back to the office. But more and more people are realising that you don't need to spend hundreds of rands on a fancy meal out to have a good time, sometimes all you need is a buzzing atmosphere, good quality ingredients, and a unique location to make for a memorable dining experience.
