Dining at a German restaurant on a visit to Africa might not seem the logical choice. Refine the geographical area to South Africa and Cape Town even, where the history of European occupation is more acutely noticeable still today, and the cuisine doesn’t seem like such an unusual suggestion. Paulaner Bräuhaus, on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront , is a German chain that apparently originated in Munich in 1634. Serving a German expat population and curious Western tourist base alike, Paulaner Bräuhaus is certainly worth a try for those with sausage and sauerkraut cravings.
German Food on the Waterfront
Food served at the Cape Town branch of Paulaner Bräuhaus does not differ from the menu offered in Germany, so the authenticity is as spot-on as it could be. That is a particularly notable selling point, seeing as many Western tourists do not have the same access to ‘authentic’ German food back at home, as they might Italian or Chinese. Dishes served include the ‘Paulaner Sausage Mix’ – a selection of five Bavarian sausages served with sauerkraut and wholegrain mustard mashed potato. Five skewered sausages can be a bit of a chore to get through, but washing them down with some German beer makes all the difference.
Another hearty favourite is the ‘Bavarian Roast Pork’, which is served with beer sauce, bread dumplings and cabbage salad, or the ‘Paulaner Sandwich’, served with ‘whipped’ Camembert spread, German cabbage salad and pastrami on Paulaner beer bread. The Bräuhaus also serves up the popular spätzle (German dumplings).
For those entering into a first time foray in German cooking – proceed with caution. It’s flavoursome food but stodgy to the core – bigger eyes than bellies can be a common problem. Regardless, in line with restaurants across the rest of South Africa, prices are very reasonable at US$7-8 for a main course.
Drinking German Beer in Cape Town
The German reputation for producing quality beer is not lost in translation in Cape Town and the Paulaner Bräuhaus is a superior establishment to go for even just a few drinks. In fact, the Bräuhaus claims that all its beers are brewed on the premises according to the Reinheitsgebot (the German consumer protection law and guarantee of beer quality) by their brew master, Wolfgang Ködel.
The Paulaner Lager is worth trying for a lighter beer. For a stronger, cloudy beer, the Paulaner Weissbeer seems to be a popular choice. The Bräuhaus also has a rotating selection of speciality and guest beers, meaning that drinkers could have a different beer on every visit if they so wished.
German Atmosphere
The location of Cape Town’s Paulaner Bräuhaus on the V&A Waterfront is outstanding, as the wide beer garden means that many tables have a direct water view. The waiters and waitresses (particularly Maggie) are the right combination of attentive but unobtrusive and the ambience is typically German, particularly inside where there is nothing but wood panelled ceilings and walls and German soccer adorning the TV screens.
Oktoberfest is as big a deal for Cape Town’s Paulaner Bräuhaus as it would be in Germany itself. German bands travel all the way from their homeland to play at the bar/restaurant and there is music and singing (patrons and musicians) every day. The place is positively heaving every day of October so booking a table in advance is essential.
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