Tucked into a narrow side street at the heart of the city, Tjing Tjing House makes guests feel as though they’ve stepped through Alice in Wonderland’s looking glass, entering into a Japanese world. A small slice of heritage building on the outside opens up a diverse collection of spaces filled with the sights and smells of Japan.
While the venue has been open for some years, the team celebrates creativity and constantly reinvents and surprises.
Omakase at Momiji Restaurant
Situated on the middle level of the Tjing Tjing House building, Momiji exudes tranquillity and refinement. From the privacy screens to the custom-made maple furniture and a collection of Kokeshi and Momiji dolls, every detail has been thoughtfully laid out to offer a serene dining experience.
A carefully curated seasonal Omakase set menu is presented every Saturday, serving only a small number of guests. Nicola Aucamp, Adri Morel and the team showcase an unwavering passion for modern Japanese cuisine and culture in every dish they prepare, created with the utmost attention to detail.
A unique and reasonably-priced wine list, a full spirit list including Japanese whisky and sake, and a full cocktail list are available. A special cocktail crafted by Phil Burrows is on offer at Momiji only – currently, a Cherry Blossom Martini made with Suntory Roku Gin, Yuzu, Verjuice, and salted Cherry Blossoms.
Cost: R595pp, book via email info@tjingtjing.co.za or Dineplan
When: Every Saturday, from 6pm
Where: 165 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar
Set in a revamped 200-year old attic, opening to an outside area, Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar is something of an institution for its crafted cocktails, welcoming atmosphere and carefully curated indie & electronica music. At the heart of the venue, a bright-red bar inspired by a Japanese shrine is the main hub of activity.
Comfortable seating inside is backed by bathing Macaque-adorned wallpaper and kokeshi doll tables which subtly infuse layers of personality and Japanese subculture.
Guests can sample Phil’s selection of crafted cocktails (including classics by request), Japanese whisky, gin, and sake as well as an extensive wine list, including Tjing Tjing’s own house wine, made by David & Nadia Wines.
What’s on the menu?
An a la carté menu is available at the Rooftop Bar, Torii (Tjing Tjing House’s street-level restaurant) and the Lounge section (adjacent but separate to Momiji).
Momiji’s Omakase Set Menu is available on Saturdays only and is a must for foodies with an interest in Japanese cuisine.
Tjing Tjing provides a level of care for the environment not seen often. All fish is sourced from local sustainable suppliers and organic produce is brought in from the nearby Chapel Street Primary School garden, run in partnership with Urban Harvest to empower the community.
Reservations for Momiji are a must as walk-ins are not allowed. Reservations can also be made at the Lounge section (via email), but Torii and the Rooftop Bar operate on a first come first serve basis.
When: Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm (Lounge and Rooftop); Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm (Torii); Saturday from 6pm (Momiji)
Where: 165 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town
Website: tjingtjing.co.za
Email: info@tjingtjing.co.za
Tel: 021 422 4374
Facebook: @tjingtjing
Instagram: @tjingtjinghouse
