TJING TJING House and everything inside the 200-year-old heritage building in Longmarket Street is beautiful – from the delicious casual Japanese food at Tjing Tjing Torii at street level, to the cocktails at the Rooftop Bar, and everything in between; that being Tjing Tjing Momiji and Momji Lounge on the middle floor.
We were invited to sample the new cocktail menu on the rooftop (people, there are a lot of steep stairs to navigate so keep that in mind when choosing your shoes and how you’ll get down later) “curated by bar manager Philip Burrows who has created a twist on some classics. The Tjing Tjing drinks list includes Japanese whiskey, gin and sake as well as an extensive wine list, including Tjing Tjing’s own house wine, made by David & Nadia Wines.”
It was the second-hottest day last week and the luckiest guests were the ones outside getting sprayed by the misters. Inside we sweltered at bit and very quickly got our first cocktail: Murasaki Mojito – fresh mint, lime juice, citrus syrup and soda, with butterfly pea-infused Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, floated to resemble a purple sunset. Each different cocktail comes with its own illustrated coaster.
I wasn’t terribly concerned about the absence of drinks because there were even more trays of delicious canapés and even though I’d come from a Christmas-style lunch (gammon makes it so), I tried everything I could. Smoky sweet potato gyoza, sushi, karaage chicken, yakitori, tonkatsu ribs possibly? There was more but in my excitement I neglected to make notes. The funniest part of the entire night was Colleen trying mochi for the first time, which of course I videoed. Let’s just say it’s not for everyone. The mochi doughnuts were a winner though. There’s a fab food menu for the rooftop, so no matter where you end up you’ll be well-fed. I’m a firm fan of Tjing Tjing and its sibling Mochi Mochi; not only is the food amazing but the staff have such a cool vibe, and it won’t send you looking for a loan shark.
Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar is enveloped in wooden mansards in the old attic space of the building. Its signature Japanese shrine-inspired red bar takes centre stage since Tjing Tjing Rooftop Bar opened its doors in 2011. Lounge-style seating is complemented by bar-height tables and indigo fabric wallpaper with embroidered bathing Macaque monkeys. Three kokeshi doll tables subtly infuse layers of personality and Japanese subculture. The Samurai warrior doll represents the past, the Harajuku doll symbolises the present, with the Cyberpunk doll infusing a Japanese futuristic twist.
The bar opens up to an airy outside rooftop terrace and is well known for its current indie and electronic music. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 4pm – close, kitchen closes at 10pm. No reservations. Exclusive events can be requested via email info@tjingtjing.co.za
Tjing Tjing Torii offers casual Japanese food typically found in yokocho (street food alleys) in a space inspired by the multiple layers of old and modern Japan – a brightly coloured street-food joint with electrifying decor that encapsulates the youthful energy of Tokyo. Torii trades Tuesdays-Saturdays from 12pm to late on a first come, first served basis with the kitchen closing at 10pm.
Tjing Tjing Momiji, a tranquil restaurant on the middle level of the building is open for dinner on Saturdays. A passion for modern Japanese culture and cuisine coupled with the chefs’ (Adri Morel and Nicola Aucamp) creativity and personalities result in a unique and often playful menu. This season Momiji offers their interpretation of a modern sushi omakase menu (see sample), bringing some familiar South African flavours to some dishes and keeping it traditional in others.
- 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
- info@tjingtjing.co.za
- +27214224374
- Website