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!!!!
