Tapi Tapi

Ice cream shop · Observatory

Tapi Tapi

Ice cream shop · Observatory

4

76 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa

Photos

Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by Tapiwa Guzha
Tapi Tapi by Tapiwa Guzha
Tapi Tapi by Tapiwa Guzha
Tapi Tapi by Mary Fawzy
Tapi Tapi by Tapiwa Guzha
Tapi Tapi by Tapiwa Guzha
Tapi Tapi by Tapiwa Guzha
Tapi Tapi by Mary Fawzy
Tapi Tapi by Mary Fawzy
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null
Tapi Tapi by null

Highlights

Tapi Tapi in Cape Town is a vibrant, hidden gem serving innovative African-inspired ice creams that turn every scoop into a delightful adventure.  

Placeholder
Placeholder
Placeholder

76 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa Get directions

tapitapi.co.za
@_tapi_tapi

Menu

Information

Static Map

76 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa Get directions

tapitapi.co.za
@_tapi_tapi
𝕏
@tapitapidessert

Menu

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay

Last updated

Mar 12, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@atlasobscura

"Even in South Africa, African food is not the default. And in Cape Town especially, dining can be quite Eurocentric. Centuries of colonialism erased indigenous foods and entrenched the idea that European food is somehow superior. These effects are still found today, but a microbiologist turned ice-cream maker, Tapiwa Guzha, wants that to change. With every handcrafted scoop served at Cape Town’s Tapi Tapi, he tells the story of his own food history, as well as stories from across the African continent. His freezers contain flavors like rondo ice cream, made with a nutritious edible clay consumed by pregnant women all over Africa, as well as botanical flavors such as black-jack, bitter leaf, and baobab. Sometimes Guzha whips up an ice-cream version of kelewele, a caramelized Ghanaian plantain snack with ginger and fire-roasted peanuts. Guzha’s recipes range from comforting to challenging. One of his more daring ice-cream flavors included matemba, a dried fish that he paired with toffee. Tapi Tapi is located in the heart of Observatory, an eclectic and diverse neighborhood in Cape Town. Guzha has painted his open-air parlor with his own artwork and words. As a one-man business, his operation is truly remarkable, open six days a week and closed for churning ice cream on the seventh. But Guzha’s passion for his creations and his mission keep him going." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

Around the World in 14 Unique and Historic Ice-Cream Shops
View Postcard for Tapi Tapi
@atlasobscura

"Even in South Africa, African food is not the default. And in Cape Town especially, dining can be quite Eurocentric. Centuries of colonialism erased indigenous foods and entrenched the idea that European food is somehow superior. These effects are still found today, but a microbiologist turned ice-cream maker, Tapiwa Guzha, wants that to change. With every handcrafted scoop served at Cape Town’s Tapi Tapi, he tells the story of his own food history, as well as stories from across the African continent. His freezers contain flavors like rondo ice cream, made with a nutritious edible clay consumed by pregnant women all over Africa, as well as botanical flavors such as black-jack, bitter leaf, and baobab. Sometimes Guzha whips up an ice-cream version of kelewele, a caramelized Ghanaian plantain snack with ginger and fire-roasted peanuts. Guzha’s recipes range from comforting to challenging. One of his more daring ice-cream flavors included matemba, a dried fish that he paired with toffee. Tapi Tapi is located in the heart of Observatory, an eclectic and diverse neighborhood in Cape Town. Guzha has painted his open-air parlor with his own artwork and words. As a one-man business, his operation is truly remarkable, open six days a week and closed for churning ice cream on the seventh. But Guzha’s passion for his creations and his mission keep him going." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

Our Favorite New Places of 2021
View Postcard for Tapi Tapi
@atlasobscura

"Even in South Africa, African food is not the default. And in Cape Town especially, dining can be quite Eurocentric. Centuries of colonialism erased indigenous foods and entrenched the idea that European food is somehow superior. These effects are still found today, but a microbiologist turned ice-cream maker, Tapiwa Guzha, wants that to change. With every handcrafted scoop served at Cape Town’s Tapi Tapi, he tells the story of his own food history, as well as stories from across the African continent. His freezers contain flavors like rondo ice cream, made with a nutritious edible clay consumed by pregnant women all over Africa, as well as botanical flavors such as black-jack, bitter leaf, and baobab. Sometimes Guzha whips up an ice-cream version of kelewele, a caramelized Ghanaian plantain snack with ginger and fire-roasted peanuts. Guzha’s recipes range from comforting to challenging. One of his more daring ice-cream flavors included matemba, a dried fish that he paired with toffee. Tapi Tapi is located in the heart of Observatory, an eclectic and diverse neighborhood in Cape Town. Guzha has painted his open-air parlor with his own artwork and words. As a one-man business, his operation is truly remarkable, open six days a week and closed for churning ice cream on the seventh. But Guzha’s passion for his creations and his mission keep him going." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

7 Ice Cream Shops Grounded in Cultural Traditions
View Postcard for Tapi Tapi
@atlasobscura

"Even in South Africa, African food is not the default. And in Cape Town especially, dining can be quite Eurocentric. Centuries of colonialism erased indigenous foods and entrenched the idea that European food is somehow superior. These effects are still found today, but a microbiologist turned ice cream maker, Tapiwa Guzha, wants that to change. With every handcrafted scoop served at Cape Town’s Tapi Tapi, he tells the story of his own food history, as well as stories from across the African continent. His freezers contain flavors like rondo ice cream, made with a nutritious edible clay consumed by pregnant women all over Africa, as well as botanical flavors such as black-jack, bitter leaf, and baobab. Sometimes Guzha whips up an ice-cream version of kelewele, a caramelized Ghanaian plantain snack with ginger and fire-roasted peanuts. Guzha’s recipes range from comforting to challenging. One of his more daring ice cream flavors included matemba, a dried fish that he paired with toffee. Tapi Tapi is located in the heart of Observatory, an eclectic and diverse neighborhood in Cape Town. Guzha has painted his open-air parlor with his own artwork and words. As a one-man business, his operation is truly remarkable, open six days a week and closed for churning ice cream on the seventh. But Guzha’s passion for his creations and his mission keep him going. Know Before You Go Tapi Tapi  is also the home of “Iwe neni,” Guzha's food accessibility project where he makes nutritious meals for hungry locals. You can donate money or produce to Guzha’s feeding scheme, or pay it forward by donating ice cream to someone else. This allows Guzha to offer ice cream for free to someone who would like to try it but has financial limitations. He also offers a barter system. If you have an ingredient that you think would make a good flavor, you can exchange it for ice cream. The shop is closed to the public on Mondays. But you can learn how to make ice cream for free by joining Guzha for Monday morning churning. He’ll teach you the ropes, and you’ll get to take some dessert home." - Mary Fawzy, Collector of Experiences

Tapi Tapi Ice Cream – Cape Town, South Africa - Gastro Obscura
View Postcard for Tapi Tapi

David Campus

Google
We visited Tapi Tapi on our way to the airport. very convenient stop with lots of parking in a colourful neighborhood, full of life near to the university. The flavours they have were SUPER interesting, representing a more diverse take on African food culture (different regional grains for example). Would absolutely recommend and certainly will be back. I was able to try everything before I picked a flavour. Servings are generous. Thanks guys and congratulations on the great and really inspiring project.

Dr.T G

Google
They have different flavors periodically. All inspired from African ingredients and/or fruits. You can taste up to 3 flavors and split 2 flavors in one scoop. Cool comfortable seating in back. Grest vibe.

Sven Tietz

Google
Such an awesome experience. The flavours are AMAZING, really unexpected and remarkably coherent. Educational without being laboured. The space is funky, the service was friendly, and did i mention the incredible ice creams already 🤪😋. Tapi Tapi really should be on everyone’s must visit list in Cape Town for both tourists and locals alike!

Andy Turman

Google
Stunning flavors (rotated weekly so I hear). We tried a taste of each, which made picking a couple even harder. Not a bad flavor in the set. We ended up choosing 4: 1) Roasted Peanut (vegan) 2) Toasted Teff 3) Amasi and Chimodho 4) Fynbos sorbet (vegan)

Andrew Soh

Google
My recent excursion to Tapi Tapi in Cape Town was a revelation in every scoop. Nestled in the heart of the city, this quaint ice cream parlor offers more than just frozen treats—it's a testament to the ingenuity of its owner, a microbiology virtuoso turned ice cream artisan. Despite forgetting to capture the moment with photos, I can't help but share the delightful taste of the double scoops of ice cream I enjoyed. Each flavor was a masterpiece in itself, showcasing the owner's dedication to offering something truly unique. From unconventional combinations to bold tastes, Tapi Tapi redefines the ice cream experience. Although I missed capturing the visual feast, the flavors linger in my memory, tempting me to revisit Tapi Tapi soon. If you're in Cape Town and craving an ice cream adventure beyond the ordinary, Tapi Tapi is the place to be. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a taste of innovation and passion in every scoop.

Pravesh Valab

Google
I have never thought of ice cream in the African context. I loved all the flavours and I mean all the flavours. While it isn't the easiest place to find Its a well known fact that that the harder a place is to find the better the quality. Just trust the your GPS is correct. If you get a chance to go there from Wednesday onward if you want to enjoy some of their other treats which are in my opinion better then the ice-cream, the Butternut cheesecake and brownies are amazing

Robert Winterfield

Google
Extremely impressed by the arrange of locally sourced flavors and the way the staff walked us through the descriptions during the tasting. Only thing that would have been better is if they offered a flight of all the flavors! Next time I am in Cape Town this ice cream will be top of my list.

Kearabetswe Rabolele

Google
Lengana and sorghum ice cream?! Egusi biscuits?! I was so skeptical at first but walked away a true believer of how these flavours work in in ice cream, truly one of the most delicious ice creams I’ve had. The service was awesome and the great lady behind the freezer was patient in explaining all the different flavours to us. A lovely experience that I can’t wait to go back for. Service 5/5 Flavours 5/5