Hankering for hot, crispy-battered succulent fish, served with salty chips drenched in vinegar and tangy tomato sauce? Here in Cape Town, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to satisfying that craving – with so many fishing villages and harbours within an easy drive from the luxury Steenberg Hotel, it’s not hard to get your fish ‘n chips fix. Here’s our pick of the Top 5 Fish ‘n Chip shops in the Cape.
Kalkies, Kalk Bay Harbour
This tiny, rustic local favourite is situated in the working harbour of Kalk Bay, one of the Cape’s most popular fishing villages. Expect an authentic fish ‘n chips experience: place your order at the counter, pick a spot outside in the sun, and make sure to have lots of napkins on hand – you’re going to want to get stuck in with your fingers! Kalkies offers a variety of freshly-caught fish and shellfish, with single portions and platters available.
Snoekies, Hout Bay Harbour
Snoekies is a long-standing favourite in the beautiful harbour town of Hout Bay, having been established over 60 years ago as a takeaway business serving fishermen and the local community. Today, their extensive takeaway menu includes fried fish, seafood platters and grilled fish options, as well as daily specials. If you just can’t get enough, then pop into their fresh fish market and stock up on your favourites to cook at home.
Fish on the Rocks, Hout Bay Harbour
Known particularly for their gorgeous location (quite literally on the rocks of the harbour) and mouth-watering prawn combos, this Hout Bay eatery is a firm favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. This bright yellow building, with its red tin roof, began over 24 years ago, and is still family-owned and run. Don’t worry if you can’t choose from the delicious menu – they say they’re open “366 days a year”, so that’s all the more reason to go back again and again.
Lusitania Fisheries, Waterkant Street, Cape Town
Situated in the heart of the Mother City, this very popular takeaway shop was established in the 1940s. Today, the Lusitania Group is a nationwide and international wholesaler of fresh fish and shellfish, but the original shop still remains in Waterkant Street – much to the delight of those who live and work in the city. Expect plain-wrapped parcels of steaming hot fish, accompanied by a generous portion of perfect chips, at what many vote to be “the best fish ‘n chips shop in Africa”.
Ooskus Fisheries, Gordon’s Bay
While this favourite might be a little further away from our hotel than the others, it’s absolutely worth the drive. Located in the historic naval town of Gordon’s Bay, just past Somerset West, Ooskus Fisheries draws the crowds from near and far. Operating from a tiny shop, they offer a huge selection of the freshest fish and shellfish takeaways, as well as a large variety of frozen seafood, platters and oysters. They’re known for large portions, so come hungry.
Image: Fish on the Rocks
