Images: Raising the roof.
On the top floor of a three-storey Japanese emporium on Longmarket Street, Tjing Tjing’s Rooftop is the ideal spot to kick off a special night out. Whether you sit inside or on the view-drenched terrace, you are pretty much poised for an evening of pleasure, with some of the best cocktails in the city, finger-licking otsumami (Japanese snacks), and an up-to-the-minute electronic-indie playlist that’ll have you toe-tapping till the wee hours.
Located in a Cape Dutch-style attic, with wooden mansards, the hotspot recently underwent a swish refurb – a fitting way to celebrate 10 years in operation!
Take me to Tokyo
Those who’ve visited before will recognise the signature red bar that still takes centre stage – but that’s about all that remains of the former furniture… Architect Suzanne Schekman and interior designer Francois du Plessis have given the bar a brand-new look and feel, with lashings of Japanese pop culture.
Upon entering, indigo-blue vinyl-covered seating immediately invites you to take a seat and settle in with a cocktail. This lounge-style seating is complemented by bar-height tables and luxurious indigo wallpaper with bathing Macaque monkeys embroidered upon it.
Three kokeshi dolls (traditional limbless dolls made of wood), designed by Suzanne Schekman, manufactured by Elani Allers (Akkedis Fabrication) and clothed by designer Casper Schutte (Spook Design Co), are dotted around the place, subtly infusing layers of personality and Japanese subculture. The Samurai warrior doll represents the past, the Harajuku doll symbolises the present, with the Cyberpunk doll infusing a Japanese futuristic twist.
The Goldilocks of cocktails
If, like us, your excitement levels spike at the mention of crafted cocktails, walk this way! The rooftop’s cocktail menu feels like the Goldilocks of cocktail menus: not too sweet, not too bitter – just perfect! Offering the classics by request only, you’ll be coaxed out of your drinking comfort zone into the magical world of sake sours, umami bombs and spicy Kasai whiskey tipples. Think Japanese-inspired flavours, with a hint of chilli here and there.
For the purists, there’s an extensive range of Japanese whiskey, gin and sake, and Tjing Tjing even has its own wine label, made by David & Nadia Wines.
As for the otsumami menu, it includes edamame beans in burnt garlic oil and togarashi (mixed spices); tebasaki (deep-fried chicken wings), cauliflower katsu, yakitori and okonomiyaki fries (fat-cut fries with okonomiyaki sauce, kewpie mayo, nori, sesame and bonito flakes) that will transport you straight to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo.
The bar doesn’t take bookings – seating is on a first-come-first-served basis – and it is available for private functions.
“Kanpai!” (Cheers!)
Opening times Tuesday – Friday, 4pm – 11pm
Saturday, 2pm – 11pm
Contact 021 422 4920, info@tjingtjing.co.za
Where to find it 165 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
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