Unveiling The Happy Uncles: Salt River’s Culinary Gem

3 mins read
fine dining halaal cuisine

The Happy Uncles is a hidden gem located in Salt River, Cape Town, that offers a blend of refined dining and halaal cuisine. Chef Anwar Abdullatief’s 4-, 6-, or 8-course tasting menus are a showcase of impeccable presentation, bold flavor pairings, and theatrical culinary finesse, all achieved without the use of pork or alcohol. The restaurant’s ambiance is a combination of modern and rustic elements, and every dish is an immersive fine-dining experience that takes patrons on a culinary adventure.

Unveiling The Happy Uncles: Salt River’s Culinary Gem – An Innovative Culinary Beacon in Cape Town. The Happy Uncles offers an intriguing fusion of refined dining and halaal. Chef Anwar Abdullatief’s meticulously designed 4-, 6-, or 8-course tasting menus are a showcase of impeccable presentation, bold flavor pairings, and theatrical culinary finesse, all achieved without the use of pork or alcohol.

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In the revived core of Salt River, next to a scrap yard at The Spice Yard, an unexplored treasure lies in wait – The Happy Uncles. This covert culinary delight might be easily missed by an occasional stroller, but once you cross its threshold, you’re met with an unforgettable sense of joy and satisfaction.

The Ambiance: A Blend of Modern and Rustic

As you walk into The Happy Uncles, the experience is comparable to stepping into a cozy, atmospheric loft. The dimly-lit room casts a warm, welcoming radiance on the exposed brick walls. This artistic combination of modern and rustic elements creates an ambiance that seamlessly communicates the spirit of refined dining. The restaurant’s unpretentious elegance impeccably mirrors the subtly captivating flavors that saturate its menu. Here, the balance between visual appeal and taste is flawlessly upheld, making certain that every dish is not just a visual treat but also a culinary pleasure.

Although it’s a brief journey from the city’s vibrant heart, this dining spot justifies the slight diversion. A quick Uber ride escorts you to this lesser-traveled location, assuring an experience that fills you with gratification, both in heart and appetite.

An Innovative Culinary Beacon in Cape Town

Emerging as a pioneering entity in the Cape Town food scene, The Happy Uncles offers an intriguing fusion of refined dining and halaal. Enclosed in Salt River’s semi-industrial rejuvenation district, this fashionable open-concept restaurant stands as a powerful testament to the collective brilliance of Chef Anwar Abdullatief, co-owners Riedaa Manie and Fuad de Vries. The dining establishment has transitioned from a production kitchen that catered for events to a high-end dining destination in early 2022.

Having honed his culinary prowess at esteemed eateries like Cavalli, Jordan, Siba’s Restaurant, and Rupert & Rothschild, Anwar has imbued The Happy Uncles with his fine dining skills in a fully halaal format. His meticulously designed 4-, 6-, or 8-course tasting menus are a showcase of impeccable presentation, bold flavor pairings, and theatrical culinary finesse, all achieved without the use of pork or alcohol.

An Immersive Fine-Dining Experience

Patrons are treated to a medley of beautifully arranged dishes. The charred broccolini complemented with pesto, avocado, and wild mushroom tea delivers an earthy delight. The West Coast squid accompanied by dune spinach and smoked mussel velouté pays homage to the freshness of the ocean. The aged beef sirloin paired with spiced bone marrow introduces a tender, savory flavor. Each menu, including a canapé and palate cleanser, serves as an exciting journey through a captivating fine-dining adventure.

Cape Town’s culinary influences are intricately intertwined with every course offered at The Happy Uncles. These local flavors, when combined with the Sea Breeze’s sweet-sour sauce and the green mango atchar in the squid starter, enhance the dishes, infusing each with a unique twist. From the mouth-watering starters to the piña colada-inspired sorbet palate cleanser and the final pièce de résistance – the white chocolate marquise dessert with tart passion fruit – every morsel is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Embark on a Culinary Adventure

You can find The Happy Uncles at 100 Voortrekker Rd, Salt River, Cape Town, 7925. The doors are open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 12 pm to 2 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm. They can be reached at 079 929 5322 for an unforgettable dining journey. This off-the-grid culinary jewel is not just a dining establishment; it’s an epicurean adventure awaiting your exploration.

1. What is The Happy Uncles?

The Happy Uncles is a hidden gem located in Salt River, Cape Town that offers a blend of refined dining and halaal cuisine.

2. What kind of ambiance does The Happy Uncles have?

The Happy Uncles has a blend of modern and rustic elements creating an ambiance that seamlessly communicates the spirit of refined dining.

3. Who is the chef of The Happy Uncles?

Chef Anwar Abdullatief is the chef at The Happy Uncles, and he has honed his culinary prowess at esteemed eateries like Cavalli, Jordan, Siba’s Restaurant, and Rupert & Rothschild.

4. What kind of menu does The Happy Uncles offer?

The Happy Uncles offers a meticulously designed 4-, 6-, or 8-course tasting menu showcasing impeccable presentation, bold flavor pairings, and theatrical culinary finesse, all achieved without the use of pork or alcohol.

5. What is the dining experience like at The Happy Uncles?

Patrons are treated to a medley of beautifully arranged dishes, and each menu, including a canapé and palate cleanser, serves as an exciting journey through a captivating fine-dining adventure.

6. How can I visit The Happy Uncles?

You can find The Happy Uncles at 100 Voortrekker Rd, Salt River, Cape Town, 7925. The doors are open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 12 pm to 2 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm. They can be reached at 079 929 5322 for an unforgettable dining journey.

Liam Fortuin is a Cape Town journalist whose reporting on the city’s evolving food culture—from township kitchens to wine-land farms—captures the flavours and stories of South Africa’s many kitchens. Raised in Bo-Kaap, he still starts Saturday mornings hunting koesisters at family stalls on Wale Street, a ritual that feeds both his palate and his notebook.

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