FASTA FASTA MAGAZINE

If you’ve spent some time in Dar es Salaam, there’s a 90% chance you’ve heard of Cape Town Fish Market or more commonly known as CTFM, or even simpler: Cape Town. This place really has been the talk of the town since it’s opening in June 2013 but the real question on your mind is whether or not it lives up to the hype.

South Africa’s premier seafood restaurant brings a taste of Cape Town to Dar with a wide selection of fresh fish platters and sushi. Allergic to seafood? Fret not, you can still enjoy some meat dishes, including a variety of burgers and steaks. My personal favorite is Surf n Turf, which is a mouthwatering plate of crispy fried calamari and a juicy steak with a side dish. Who says you can’t get the best of both worlds? However, if you’re in a spoil yourself kind of mood, try the Lobster Thermidor, hands down the best lobster in town: creamy, full of flavor and fairly portioned. The best part is you won’t be sitting there wondering where your food is being imported from because your plate will be in front of you in 15 minutes.

Of course your taste buds are not limited to my favorites. There’s a lot to choose from. If you want a bit of everything you can go for the seafood platters that have prawns, calamari, oysters and fish cakes. I’ve also heard from quite a few gems that the sushi here is really good so if you’re into sushi, give it a try. P.S. it’s half price during happy hour (5 – 7pm).

And just when you think your experience can’t get any better, this is the one place where you can have a nice dinner and then move to the bar to share some drinks with your girls or a date! Their cocktails actually taste like cocktails, unlike the watered down sugary drinks that most places in Dar serve. Whether you fancy a Long Island Iced Tea or a Strawberry Mojito, you’re sure to have a good time. And if you’re a wine lover, then you’ve come to the right place. They don’t have a million selections on the menu (which can get overwhelming) but they’ve narrowed down some of the best of South African reds and whites to spice up your taste buds. Try the Fat Fish Pinotage if you like red or Van Loveren Sauvignon Blanc for white. They’re both flavorful with body, neither too sweet nor too bitter. Whatever you do decide to drink, I’m sure you’ll have a great time because truthfully, Cape Town’s bar is the real gem of this place in my book. You should try to go around 5 30 pm for the happy hour and of course, the view of the stunning sunset into our Indian Ocean.

It wouldn’t be an honest review if there are no setbacks now would it? Truthfully, the only complaint I’ve heard is the price, which ranges between Tshs 25,000 (for a single plate) and 135,000 (for the big seafood platters). Frankly put, I think it’s part of the package. If you want superior quality, better be ready for superior costs. Besides, if you do the dollar conversion for their prices, it’s actually quite fair. It may not be the most affordable place, but it’s definitely worth the buck for a special occasion.

So does Cape Town Fish Market live up to the hype? I’d say yeah, because the food is delicious, the bar is a treasure and the breathtaking view is just icing to a wonderful cake.

***Bonus***

They have great customer service. In case you didn’t know, that’s a rare diamond in Dar es Salaam!!!!