The Happy Uncles

Fine dining restaurant · Mowbray ·

The Happy Uncles

Fine dining restaurant · Mowbray ·

Halal fine dining reimagining Cape Malay staples with tea pairings

Information

100 Voortrekker Rd, Salt River, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa Get directions

@cntraveler

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Our Readers Say This Asian City Is the Best Place to Eat in the World | Condé Nast Traveler

"The city’s first halal fine-dining restaurant, paying homage to Cape Malay spices passed down over the generations." - Sharan Kuganesan

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-food-cities-readers-choice-awards

The Happy Uncles

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

South Africa's Vibrant Cape Malay Community Is Synonymous With Creativity

"In an unassuming industrial space in the Salt River neighborhood east of the city—once a hive of textile factories—chef Anwar Abdullatief artfully reimagines Cape Malay staples in an eight-course tasting menu at the Happy Uncles, Cape Town's first halal fine-dining restaurant."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/cape-town-vibrant-cape-malay-community-is-synonymous-with-creativity

The Happy Uncles

@foodandwine

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Experience the Best Restaurants in Cape Town

"A pioneering halal fine-dining concept that brings Cape Malay flavors into a contemporary tasting format, the kitchen emphasizes classic Muslim-Cape dishes plated with sculptural flair and paired with tea rather than wine. Offerings range from a simple Malay chicken curry served on a spicy charred tomato risotto to theatrical courses like a reinterpretation of a Cape Malay favorite—oumense onder die komberse—featuring osso buco–stuffed cabbage finished with a clove-and-nutmeg jus. The restaurant positions these homegrown flavors at the center of a refined dining experience." - Sarah Khan

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-restaurants-in-cape-town-8557468

The Happy Uncles

Leila D.

Google

If there were 5 more stars, that’s what I would have given for this phenomenal experience. From the booking, to the food, to the ambience, the service, to say it was amazing is a grave, understatement. Moegamat, Husna and Rukaya just made it all more special. They are the real reason why this place is so awesome. Indeed fine dining on another level. Thanks again❤️

Mohamed D.

Google

The Happy Uncles .. left me an Unhappy Uncle 🥴 on 23rd Jan 2026 Summary: 3/10, food 3 of 8 dishes excessive salt , 3+hours to serve 10 total diners, location on an industrial estate with customers toilets in the car park !, dessert inedible was over sweet & one dimensional. More focus was on plating than on taste. Detailed Review: Such high expectations were set for @the_happy_uncles, based on reviews and pictures, had it saved on my top places to dine in Cape Town, being a Special place for a South African halal fine dining experience of 8 course etc etc..including amuse bouche They had changed the menu from the advertised menu as “the new menu” some items were same. The overall time of food service took 3hours+ to deliver 8 courses, for 10 customers ! 3 dishes were too salty (not just over seasoned),almost inedible level of salt … 1st course was amuse bouche.. too salty 2nd course was a savoury tart .. too salty 3rd course was a mushroom ++ in a mini eclair .. too salty 4th Fourth Course was a carrot many ways , correct seasoning and probably the best dish served , but best eaten with a spoon 5th was a palate cleanser, was ok 6th course was fish and daal course but was too hungry between the courses forgot to take a picture 7th course was a beef, veg and jus (but the jus was overpowered with cloves) 8th course dessert was a disaster both of us hardly touched it , one dimensional white chocolate with chantilly cream with honey and vanilla ice cream , no acidity or texture and over sweet based on the combination Lastly location , it’s in an industrial estate, next to a container park and if you need to goto toilet it’s in the car park , outside the restaurant. ! So on multiple fronts i wouldn’t bother sadly , would expect for the type of food and price of rand 1000++ in an nice ambiance place more central or on river front Sorry guys but need to be honest

Muhammed S.

Google

When I say something is cosmically mind-blowing, it is said without being biased. From the moment you are magnetically drawn to this hidden gem, you are greeted with hospitalilty regardless of the Maesk containers that are neighbours to this space. The Michelin chef and his sous chefs undeniably has mastered the art of fine dinning conjured with some nostalgia and contemporary art all into every dish they served, let's not forget the oceanic / meteor shell-like plating. l would undeniably do an injustice to describe the meals served but what I want to share is that the food is something comprising of your grandma's pantry that has been revolutionary enhanced with the finnese of fine dinning. The ambience of the space is perfect for a couple that wants to converse and just dog deep into each others souls whilst waiting or just having convo food with pace suited to your own needs. The Waitrons service with their warmth and knowledge of every dish was always welcoming even though half the time I thought they were talking to me in a different language about the food they presented. This place is a Must do for every couple be it for their birthday, a space to enjoy with group of friends or for that special occasion you wish to celebrate with people you love to be around with. Thank You Happy Uncles especially Mr. Shafiek & Rukaya for making my special day with my spouse, cosmically awe-inspiring

Google

What a pleasant experience, from the welcome drink to the quick chat with chef Anwar at the end...may your business grow from strength to strength...we'll be back to come and check out the new menu ...

Hannah

Google

Happy Uncles offers an exciting dining experience that is unique to other concepts. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted with creativity, showcasing a variety of intriguing flavors. While I had high expectations beforehand, and probably would not go again, taste is subjective, making it a must-try for everyone to discover their own favorites.

Rolam A.

Google

Perfectly delivered plates. Taste, presentation, textures. All with a Cape Malay twist. Very well done. Service was good and attentive. Waiters speak a little too soft, make too long presentation of dishes, and one has an accent sometime difficult to follow. Weird location (next to a container yard) that adds to the charm of the restaurant. Overall, very solid fine dining restaurant.

Brent Allan B.

Google

The Happy Uncles is an incredibly well-hidden gem in Salt River. The food was outstanding, both in flavour and presentation, with a clear attention to detail. The introductions to each course added a personal and thoughtful touch that made the whole experience feel special. We were there for a work function and everyone left impressed.

Google

Fine dining, but in a relaxed setting. Opted for the 8 course menu which took 3 hours in total. We were left feeling very well fed. Each dish was delicious, the only downside was the rice served with the short rib (zaatar was too overpowering) and the sparkling grape juice is too sweet. Other than that, everything tasted amazing. Service was top notch. Would highly recommend.