Cape Point: South African Soul in the Heart of Soho

Hong Kong loves to talk about food. Every week, another omakase opens. New taco joints appear like clockwork. Korean BBQ and ramen bars light up the city till late. But for all its diversity, one cuisine has remained quietly overlooked, until now. Cape Point, perched on the Soho hillside, brings the warmth, smoke, and soul of South Africa to Hong Kong’s table, and in doing so, fills a gap few even realised was missing.

From the moment you step inside, Cape Point feels different. The space hums with a low golden light, the air heavy with spice and the faint crackle of meat on the grill. There’s laughter from a nearby table, the clink of wine glasses, the rhythm of easy conversation. It feels like the kind of place where no one’s in a hurry, where strangers arrive hungry and leave a little more like family. South African cuisine is a story told through migration, history, and heart. It’s food that carries centuries of influence, from indigenous roots to Dutch, Malay, and Indian traditions, layered together into something wholly its own. Cape Point celebrates that tapestry with dishes that are bold, soulful, and grounded in heritage.

The Chakalaka Chicken captures that spirit perfectly. Marinated in a blend of spices and grilled over an open flame, it’s smoky, tender, and served with the spicy vegetable relish that gives it its name. It’s the kind of dish that feels alive — bright, fiery, and comforting all at once. Then there’s the Bobotie, South Africa’s national dish: minced beef slow-cooked with curry spices and topped with a silky, savoury custard that melts into the meat beneath. It’s home on a plate, sweetened slightly with fruit and balanced by a hint of spice.

For those chasing something new, the Ostrich Steak is an unexpected delight lean, juicy, and seared just enough to bring out its natural sweetness. The Beef Boerewors, a traditional South African sausage made with a blend of beef, coriander, and clove, arrives coiled and sizzling, releasing a scent so rich it almost tells its own story. Every dish is served with care, without pretence, and with flavours that are both foreign and familiar the universal comfort of something grilled, seasoned, and shared.

The drinks menu is an equally proud reflection of the country it represents. Cape Point’s wine list is a love letter to South Africa’s vineyards from the crisp De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc of Cape Town and Baboon Rock Chardonnay of Franschhoek to bold reds like Juno Pinotage and Le Petite Femme Shiraz that pair beautifully with the grill. Every pour tells its own story, grounded in the country’s sun, soil, and spirit. The cocktails follow suit, blending South African influences with local flair for something bright, aromatic, and effortlessly smooth.

It’s not just what’s on the plate that matters here it’s the rhythm that comes with it. Cape Point’s service feels more like hosting than formality. There’s genuine warmth in the way the staff talk about the dishes, explaining where ingredients come from or how a recipe has evolved over generations. You get the sense that the team isn’t just serving food — they’re sharing a piece of home.

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The space itself tells the story just as much as the food. Rustic wood panels and soft lighting give it a grounded intimacy. On any given night, you’ll find a mix of diners curious locals, South Africans craving nostalgia, and food lovers who stumbled in and are now planning their next visit. The atmosphere is easy, lively, and generous exactly what you’d expect from a restaurant that celebrates connection as much as cuisine.

What makes Cape Point stand out isn’t just that it introduces South African flavours to a new audience, it’s how it does it. There’s no gimmick, no glossy reinvention. It’s authenticity wrapped in hospitality, and it’s the kind of place you wish more people knew about. Because in a city where trends come and go, Cape Point feels timeless — a little pocket of warmth that stays with you long after you’ve left.

So next time someone asks where to go that’s different, take them here. Skip the ramen queues and sushi counters, and trade them for a plate of Bobotie, a glass of Pinotage, and a night that tastes like something you didn’t know you were missing. In a city that’s always chasing the next new thing, Cape Point is proof that sometimes, the most exciting discovery is the one that’s been waiting quietly all along.

Address: 21 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong

Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:30am - 12am

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Note: The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.