South African restaurant group Taste of Cape Town has opened its first permanent outlet in East Africa in Nairobi, bringing a selection of South African cuisine and wines to the Kenyan market.

The restaurant, located in an upmarket Nairobi neighbourhood, offers a menu inspired by the culinary traditions of Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal, with dishes including Cape Malay curries, wood-fired meats and seafood.

The outlet is also incorporating seasonal ingredients sourced from East Africa, creating a menu that combines South African culinary traditions with locally available produce.

The opening comes as business, travel and cultural links between Kenya and South Africa continue to expand, creating greater opportunities for businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

South African High Commissioner to Kenya Salome Zulu Baloi said the restaurant’s arrival in Nairobi reflected the growing connections between the two countries.

“For years we have welcomed Kenyan visitors into our kitchens and dining rooms in Cape Town. They have brought energy, curiosity and a genuine love for our food,” Baloi said.

The Nairobi outlet seeks to build on that relationship by giving Kenyans and visitors an opportunity to experience South African cuisine without travelling to South Africa.

Its menu draws from the diverse food traditions of South Africa, particularly the Cape and KwaZulu-Natal regions, while seasonal East African ingredients are incorporated into selected dishes.

Cape Malay cuisine, known for its combination of aromatic spices and rich culinary influences, features prominently on the menu, alongside grilled meats and seafood prepared using wood-fired cooking techniques.

The restaurant also offers a selection of South African wines, adding another element of the country’s food and hospitality culture to its Nairobi offering.

Its interior has been designed to reflect aspects of Cape Town, with inspiration drawn from the city’s harbour and street culture.

The combination of food, wine and design is intended to provide diners with an experience that goes beyond the menu and reflects the character and cultural influences of South Africa.

Taste of Cape Town said it decided to establish a permanent presence in Nairobi in response to growing demand for South African food, supported by increasing travel between Kenya and South Africa.

The two countries have strong links in tourism, business and investment, with regular travel between Nairobi and major South African cities supporting greater interaction between consumers and businesses.