From smoke-kissed meats and wild herbs once used by Khoi healers, to bokkom-laced oysters and veld-grown greens, de Tafel at Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa’s winter menu is a poetic tribute to land, ocean, air and fire.
The Elemental Menu Series celebrates the Cape’s unique ecosystems and, over five-courses, tells a distinct story, rooted in terroir and tradition and through fire, flavour, and foraged ingredients.
Land and Air
There are three menu options within the Series.
- Land and Air is a game-forward feast of springbok, kudu, duck, quail and marrow, cooked over flame. Diners can also expect broths infused with veld herbs once used by Khoi healers, and fynbos inspired Panna Cotta.
- Salt and Sea is a coastal celebration of sustainable seafood and ocean-foraged ingredients. It includes Saldanha oysters with a bokkom mayo and garlic buchu, and fish caught through Abalobi’s traceable systems. Sea lettuce, kelp, and samphire act as seasoning and sustenance, not garnish.
- Field and Forest is a bold, plant-based homage to indigenous herbs, roots, and wild fruit. Yuzi buchu pearls, abalone mushroom, Cape sour fig, and coal baked celeriac are just some of the highlights of this journey of forgotten abundance.
Salt and Sea
Executive Chef Gregory Henderson has curated an experience which leans heavily into his passion for indigenous and ancient ingredients embracing his foraging and sustainable dining practices, and which continues de Tafel’s tradition of seasonal menus featuring indigenous flora and flavours of Cape Town redefining the true flavours of South Africa.
“At de Tafel we celebrate the Cape, its biomes and the singular ingredients they provide all year round. For winter we have layered that approach with luxury inspired by the elements, both in term of ingredients and preparation,” Henderson says.
At R645 per person, the Elemental Series honours the Cape’s natural rhythms and culinary heritage with dishes that are immersive, ethical, and deeply local.
Bookings essential. Limited seating available.
- de Tafel is open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner from 18h00 to 21h30 (last orders).
- 10 Oxford Street, Wynberg, Cape Town
- +27 745 5008
- www.palmhouse.co.za/considered-cuisine
Categories: De Tafel at Palm House
