The Tjing Tjing House: A Delightful Exploration of Flavor & Tradition

4 mins read
rooftop bar gastronomy

Tjing Tjing House in Cape Town is a unique gastronomic destination that offers a rooftop bar, Torii Restaurant, Momiji Lounge, and Momiji Restaurant. The rooftop bar, praised for its creative cocktails and otsumami snacks, is a must-visit for locals and tourists. Tjing Tjing House transcends the ordinary dining experience and embodies the spirit of Cape Town’s diverse cultural and culinary scene, offering much more than just food and drink – it’s a captivating journey through tradition and innovation.

What is the Tjing Tjing House and Why is it Special?

The Tjing Tjing House is a culinary oasis located in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. It’s a unique gastronomic hub that features a rooftop bar, Torii Restaurant, Momiji Lounge, and Momiji Restaurant, each offering a different flavor to the overall experience. The Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar is particularly renowned for its eclectic mix of cocktails and delicious otsumami snack options. The bar’s focus on quality and creativity makes it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

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Unfolding the Marvels of Tjing Tjing House

Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Cape Town, the Tjing Tjing House is an extraordinary gastronomic hub that pays homage to the city’s rich, diverse cultural legacy. This culinary oasis, situated within a two-century-old edifice on Longmarket Street, presents a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. It’s a captivating journey that traverses a blend of architectural grandeur, artistic Japanese aesthetics, and the magic of innovative cuisine.

Residing within the ancient structure, which beautifully encapsulates the passage of time, is the city’s renowned rooftop bar. This attic bar, carefully restored and encased within wooden mansards, encapsulates the minimalist beauty of Japanese design. The ingenuity of interior designer Warren Franken is apparent in the striking, shrine-like red bar that serves as the room’s focal point.

The Rooftop Bar: Where Cocktails Meet Creativity

The Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar is a haven for those who appreciate an eclectic mix of cocktails. Phil Burrows, the seasoned bar manager, has meticulously crafted a rich assortment of beverages, infusing tradition with a touch of modern flair. Patrons are spoilt for choice with an array of Japanese whisky, gin, saké, innovative spins on classic cocktails, and an in-depth wine list featuring Tjing Tjing’s house wine.

The cocktail offerings at Tjing Tjing stand apart due to their emphasis on quality and creativity. The ‘Last Old Fashioned,’ a refined blend of Woodford Reserve Bourbon infused with smoked sweet potatoes, black sesame, and honey, is an exclusive homage to ‘The Last Samurai.’ Another crowd favourite is the ‘Beetle Basil Smash,’ a delightful blend of Roku gin, basil, thyme, lavender, lemon, and shiso. The tiki-inspired ‘Mai Tai Yokai’ concoction, with its perfect balance of macadamia, pineapple, and lime flavors, is a must-try. The extensive cocktail menu also includes the ‘Show Me Negroni’, ‘Murasaki Mojito’, ‘Maneki-Neko Margarita’, ‘Kon Kon Toki Sour’, ‘Southside Kodama’, and more, each promising a unique and memorable experience.

In addition to the drinks, the bar offers an enticing array of otsumami – bite-sized snacks. Options range from spiced nuts and pickled components platter to crispy rice balls. A shared plates menu also includes a variety of appetizing choices like deep-fried chicken wings, steamed buns, grilled skewers, and pan-fried dumplings.

More than a Bar: A Gastronomic Experience

However, the Tjing Tjing House experience extends beyond the rooftop bar. The establishment features the Torii Restaurant, known for its lively yokocho-style food, the intimate Momiji Lounge, perfect for private events with a comprehensive à la carte menu, and the Momiji Restaurant, specializing in a contemporary Sushi Omakase menu. Each adds a unique flavor to the overall appeal of this multifaceted culinary destination.

The Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar, hailed by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the world’s best new bars in 2012, continues to be a preferred go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. It embodies the spirit of Cape Town’s diverse cultural and culinary scene, offering much more than just dining and drinking – it’s a deep dive into tradition and contemporaneity.

For those wishing to explore the Tjing Tjing House experience, it is conveniently situated at 165 Longmarket Street, in the Cape Town City Centre. Reservations can be placed via email at [email protected] For any questions, reach out at 021 422 4374 or 021 422 4920. Further information can be found on their website: tjingtjing.co.za. For a peek into the world of Tjing Tjing, follow their Instagram page, @tjingtjinghouse, and Facebook page, Tjing Tjing.

What is the Tjing Tjing House?

The Tjing Tjing House is a unique gastronomic destination located in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. It features a rooftop bar, Torii Restaurant, Momiji Lounge, and Momiji Restaurant, each offering a different flavor to the overall experience.

What is special about the Tjing Tjing House Rooftop Bar?

The Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar is particularly renowned for its eclectic mix of cocktails and delicious otsumami snack options. The bar’s focus on quality and creativity makes it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

What kind of cocktails are offered at the Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar?

The cocktail menu at Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar includes an extensive list of Japanese whisky, gin, saké, and innovative spins on classic cocktails. Popular options include the ‘Last Old Fashioned,’ ‘Beetle Basil Smash,’ and ‘Mai Tai Yokai.’

What are otsumami?

Otsumami are bite-sized snacks that are served alongside drinks in Japanese culture. At Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar, customers can enjoy a variety of otsumami options, ranging from spiced nuts to crispy rice balls.

What other dining options are available at the Tjing Tjing House?

In addition to the rooftop bar, the Tjing Tjing House features the Torii Restaurant, Momiji Lounge, and Momiji Restaurant. Each offers a unique dining experience, with the Torii Restaurant known for its lively yokocho-style food, the Momiji Lounge perfect for private events, and the Momiji Restaurant specializing in contemporary Sushi Omakase.

How can I make a reservation at the Tjing Tjing House?

Reservations can be placed by calling 021 422 4374 or 021 422 4920. Further information can be found on their website: tjingtjing.co.za.

Aiden Abrahams is a Cape Town-based journalist who chronicles the city’s shifting political landscape for the Weekend Argus and Daily Maverick. Whether tracking parliamentary debates or tracing the legacy of District Six through his family’s own displacement, he roots every story in the voices that braid the Peninsula’s many cultures. Off deadline you’ll find him pacing the Sea Point promenade, debating Kaapse klopse rhythms with anyone who’ll listen.

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