Dining at Haiku feels a little like stepping onto a fast-moving culinary highway that runs straight through East Asia.
One moment the scent of a sizzling wok drifts past, the next a steamer basket glides by, and somewhere in the background a chef is slicing with the kind of calm confidence that can only come from years of practice.
It is modern Asian dining, tapas style, with flair and just the right amount of theatre.
- The restaurant itself sets the mood long before the first bite. Stone, paper, wood, water and soft lighting create a sleek space that feels both stylish and warm. It is the kind of atmosphere where everyone looks good, the dishes look even better, and the whole experience feels intentionally crafted without losing its sense of fun.
What makes Haiku stand out is its brigade of chefs, each bringing influence from different regions of China, Japan and Thailand. That means the menu reads like a passport. Dim sum with delicate folds. Robata-style grilled bites with smoky charm. Crispy tempura that somehow stays light. Fragrant Thai dishes that sneak up on the senses in all the right ways. Every plate is rooted in skill, balance and fresh ingredients, which keeps even the simpler dishes feeling alive.
And then there is the tapas format, which might be the smartest decision on the menu. It gives diners the freedom to explore, share, compare and point excitedly to the next dish they want to try. The adventurous palate will be busy, the cautious eater will be converted, and everyone will be plotting their return visit before dessert even hits the table.
Haiku is bold, elegant, a little dramatic, and completely addictive. A place made for the young at heart, the flavour-curious and anyone who enjoys the kind of meal that becomes a talking point long after the last chopstick tap.
58 Burg Street, Cape Town
+27 21 424 7000
haiku@bukhara.com
