Cape to Cairo opened in Woodvale in 2014. Its sister shops are located in Osborne Park and Bunbury. The Cape to Cairo chain is a leading importer and retailer of all things South African, in Perth.
I’m South African born and have lived here in Perth for five years but there are some things from the country of my birth that I still crave. Be it biltong, drywors, boerewors, chutney, iced zoo biscuits, jellytots or flings, this fabulous shop has it all.
The Woodvale branch of Cape to Cairo has cleverly included a small but stylish coffee shop with funky decor.
A simple kids corner offers colouring-in books and pencil crayons at a small table with a few chairs for the kids to potter around.
Milk Tart served with coffee is top of my list for boosting my mood, so this has become my favourite local spot to treat myself. My little girl was given an iced zoo biscuit – a thoughtful touch!
The coffees are really good and served with warm and friendly South African hospitality. Beverages available include a range of coffees and teas such as Rooibos (caffeine free SA tea that has all sorts of health benefits), hot chocolate, baby chinos, chai lattes and a divine Rooibos Espresso.
Other eats include savoury muffins, toasties, quiche, a small cake selection, and peppermint crisp tart (another SA favourite). SA Ceres Fruit Juices are available in delectable flavour combos such as cranberry & kiwi and mango & pear.
The menu is not extensive but there is a focus on South African favourites with changing daily specials, such as Durban Curry, Bobotie, Curry Toasties or Boerewors rolls (South African sausage in a bun). Yum is all I can say.
They have captured the essence of South Africa with a wide range of imported craft and other nostalgic products that scream South Africa. Beaded baskets and animals, protea-decorated homeware, SA magazines and music DVDs and the obligatory Springbok rugby paraphernalia all put in an appearance.
There are Braai implements (for the SA bbq) and cast iron Potjies (cooking pots). Even the push-along “BP Bikes” that I grew up with are for sale. Traditional Zulu dolls in their beaded glory, and wire pull-along toys also capture the nostalgia of an African childhood. There are plenty of great gift ideas for any occasion.
Cape to Cairo stocks a wide range of foods to meet most expat cravings. The shelves heave with tempting confectionery, canned products, chips and more. In the fridges and freezers you will find more food such as samoosas, hake, boerewors and steaks, as well as fresh whole milk tarts and batches of koeksisters. A special section honours the Biltong tradition with several delicious flavours and cuts on display for self-service selection (don’t mess with a fussy biltong eater).
A visit to Cape to Cairo is the perfect way to satisfy any South African homesickness you may be feeling and with the friendly service you will feel very welcomed whatever your nationality. Be warned, it can get busy at certain times especially on Saturdays over rugby season!
Ask for the loyalty card to get a discount after several purchases.
Join the Cape to Cairo facebook page for updates on specials and events.
TIP: You may struggle to find the shop the first time you look for it, going by the address. It’s located near the Bike Shop and Domino’s Pizza, away from the main Woodvale Boulevard Shopping Centre. Believe me, it’s worth finding!
Street Address: 923 Whitfords Avenue, Woodvale
Opening times:
Mon – Wed: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thu: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
CLOSED SUNDAYS
- Denmark Thrills Adventure Park - May 1, 2019
- Poynter Market Duncraig - May 13, 2017
- Feral Brewing Company, Swan Valley - March 9, 2017
- Scarlet Woods Chalets, Pemberton - March 9, 2017
- Lavender and Berry Farm, Pemberton - March 9, 2017
- The Bush Shack Brewery, Yallingup - February 10, 2017
- Mack Daddys Pizza, Mount Lawley - January 27, 2017
- Bayswater Waves - November 16, 2016
- Scooter Tricks and Skills, Esplanade Youth Plaza, Fremantle - July 8, 2016
- Lego Club at Woodvale Library - May 17, 2016
