It’s no secret that Cape Town is home to countless hidden gems – many of them tucked away behind grand (and sometimes even humble) facades. For tourist and flâneur alike, it’s what makes the Mother City so enchanting; step out onto the streets and you’re bound to find something special. One such locale is Silk Asian Fusion, conceived by restaurateurs Faisal Khakoo and Christophe Durand, and situated on the corner of Buitengracht and Shortmarket streets. Here, the vestiges of typical 18th-century Cape architecture is home to a dining experience that is every bit as contemporary as it is intimate; making it a rather welcome escape from the bustling streets of the CBD. Inside, the restaurant pays subtle homage to the East, with a dark and moody interior ambiance that’s chic, but very relaxing. Having several successful restaurants under his belt (La Boheme Wine Bar & Bistro in Sea Point, and Bouchon Wine Bar & Bistro in the city centre are both worth a visit), Faisal is no stranger to creating spaces that speak to the discerning diner. Gorgeous location and settings aside, the real triumph at Silk is the menu.
Inspired by the ancient transcontinental trading network known as the Silk Road, the menu is a fusion of culinary traditions and styles. There are some real surprises here:potstickersfilledwithfeta, sundried tomatoes and spinach; carpaccio dressed in chilli ponzu; seekh kebab prepared by robatayaki – the list goes on. “The menu is ultimately a creative demonstration of East meeting West,” says Chef Nicholas Blazic, who along with Chef Cairn Hanafey, commands the small, yet busy kitchen every night at Silk. “It’s a wonderful experience exploring these traditional methods of cooking – like the robatayaki – while using fresh seasonal ingredients, and reimagining them in new and exciting ways.” And exciting it is. Without the bells and whistles so typical of many eateries in the city, Silk presents a focused approach: it’s all about enjoying good food while having a good time; with a fine selection of wine and cocktails guaranteeing the latter.
