Sloppy Sam: Middle Eastern Fare on Cape Town’s Heritage Square

Sloppy Sam has been on the Cape Town food scene (in various incarnations) since 1935, owned by Hooman Saffarian – on and off – since 1985. The latest iteration of this oldie-but-goodie fits like a glove into the old brick walls of its new home, it feels like it’s always been there…

It took Hooman a year and a half to find his new space (after leaving his previous De Waterkant pop-up) but he’s created a cosy and intimate space lined with Persian carpets and vintage ephemera in the heart of Heritage Square. His devoted regulars are flocking back to savour what Persian-born Saffarian describes as “simple food, cooked well”, a style that is unmistakably Middle Eastern, with a bias towards Greek, Turkish and Persian flavours.

Small plates with heart

The focus of the new menu is a series of small plates to share mezze-style: fill the centre of the table with a whole selection and dig in. Everything is cooked from scratch, made with real ingredients, and Hooman’s down-to-earth love for feeding people is palpable in every bite you take.

The utterly moreish lamb riblets, pan-fried calamari, and his legendary hummus are a must. And you’ll definitely want to add Turkish Borek to the table – light and crispy phyllo pastry cases filled with a deliciously warm potato and cheese filling flecked with chilli and cumin. Moussaka, kufteh meatballs, perhaps a Greek salad, and a fluffy naan bread or two to scoop up the hummus, and you have a generous finger-licking feast.

Liberal with his ingredients, Hooman is one of the few remaining old-school restaurateurs: genuine, warm, charming – switching from the kitchen to the front of house, effortlessly and calmly, and always ensuring each and every one of his guests is treated as if they are a VIP guest in his home.

For a memorable night of delicious, made-with-love food and generous hospitality, Sloppy Sam is back.

Good to know There are two seatings, with ample time so you don’t feel rushed.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 5.30pm – 10pm
Contact 082 377 3707, info@sloppysam.co.za
Where to find it Heritage Square, 100 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town
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