Welcome to Bang K: A Modern Thai Restaurant with a Twist

Discover the flavors that are revolutionizing Cape Town’s food scene.

When I set out to create my new Thai restaurant, I knew I needed the perfect location. And in York Road, Muizenberg, I found just that. This charming street, filled with historic buildings and whimsical decorations, feels like a hidden gem of culinary delights. Strolling down the street, you can’t help but be drawn towards the inviting atmosphere of Bang K.

Step inside, and you’ll find a cozy space that instantly feels like home. A long table runs down the center, bringing back memories of my first private dining venture on Bree Street. On either side, intimate tables for two are neatly arranged against the walls.

When I first step into this place, I’m immediately struck by the dark elegance that surrounds me. The black walls, the flickering candlelight, and the delicate chandeliers create an inviting and mysteriously cozy atmosphere. As I glance around the room, I notice shelves lining one wall, filled with vintage ornaments that were carefully selected by Danielle Oosthuizen, my partner in this venture. The shelves also hold massive bottles of sake, framed drawings, and a collection of Asian paperbacks. On the opposite wall, there’s a gallery of captivating black-and-white photo art, perfectly positioned above a row of luxurious leather banquettes. The whole ambiance exudes a subtle glamour, giving me a sense that something truly exceptional is about to unfold.

This place is not just a restaurant; it’s a labor of love. Danielle and I have poured our hearts and souls into every aspect of it. The serendipitous discovery of this space felt like it was destined to be ours. We took on the challenge of renovating and decorating it ourselves, ensuring that every detail reflects our vision and our current stage in life.

A Unique Twist on Thai Cuisine

Meet Cheyne, a chef with a deep fondness for Southeast Asian cuisine. After spending years immersed in the culinary traditions of the region, he has returned with a fresh perspective and a simplified approach. His menu celebrates the essential flavors that define Thai cooking: lemongrass, tamarind, coconut, green chili, galangal, ginger, and lime. With his unique style and modern twist, Cheyne creates dishes that are both familiar and exciting.

Prepare to have your expectations challenged. Cheyne’s Thai cuisine extends far beyond the realm of noodles and broths. It’s a delightful exploration of taste combinations, focused less on fiery heat and more on the bright and tangy flavors that come from using fresh ingredients. Cheyne embraces the local bounty, incorporating the catch of the day from the Kalk Bay harbor or showcasing the vibrant flavors of seasonal vegetables.

Hey there! Let’s talk about some delicious food together. Have you ever heard of “clean” food? It’s all about celebrating the natural flavors of ingredients without any fancy techniques or strange additions. No foams or mysterious elements here. Instead, we’re going to focus on beautifully presented dishes that look like little gifts on your plate. Trust me, they taste just as amazing as they look!

Now, let me tell you about the menu. It’s divided into four categories, and each one offers something unique. First up, we have the Thale (Sea) section. Imagine biting into a crisp taco-like base topped with tuna tataki, galangal, smoked tofu, and lime leaf. Or how about trying river prawn tempura with a delicious green curry sauce? Sounds mouthwatering, right?

Next, we have the Thidin (Land) category. Here, you can savor the flavors of roasted pork belly paired with a classic nam jim sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, give the massaman duck gyoza with tamarind a try. It’s an explosion of flavors that you won’t soon forget!

So, what do you think? Are you ready to embark on this culinary adventure with me? I promise it’ll be a feast for your taste buds!

At Lok (Earth), I offer you miso-roasted cauliflower with fermented lemongrass and coconut kimchi, or a refreshing summer roll filled with tofu, cucumber, daikon, and mint. And for dessert, Hwan (Sweet) has a treat for you – a Dinso Road pancake with mango, coconut, and condensed milk, or a tantalizing banana and miso sorbet with apple spring rolls.

My menu is small but focused, designed to captivate your taste buds and change with the availability of fresh ingredients and my own creativity.

But wait, there’s more…

Here’s a little secret about Bang K – it’s designed to emulate the authentic Bangkok “alleyway” experience. Behind the tiny kitchen lies a hidden passage that leads to an enchanting outdoor courtyard illuminated by twinkling fairy lights. There, you’ll find additional tables, some of which offer a glimpse of the sea. It’s no wonder that these dining spots are highly coveted in Muizenberg, especially when combined with Bang K’s innovative cocktails.

I’m so excited about this new chapter in my life, moving to a new neighborhood! I have big plans to collaborate with the neighboring restaurants and maybe even have a street party on York Road. Of course, I still need to get permission from the council, but fingers crossed!

Even if the street party doesn’t happen, I’ve already brought something new to this area. Now, there’s even more reason to visit the Deep South.

Here are the opening times for my place: Tuesday and Wednesday, 5pm – 10pm; Thursday to Sunday, 12pm – 10pm. And if you need to get in touch, here’s my contact info: 082 373 5045. You can find my restaurant at 2 York Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town.

Remember, I’m open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 5pm to 10pm, and Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to 10pm. Feel free to drop by and say hi!