Executive chef Marcus Gericke is serving more than just a winter menu - he is plating memories, culture, and community onto every dish with the Hyatt Regency Cape Town's new seasonal menu.
The hotel’s newly launched seasonal menu draws heavily on the flavours and traditions of Cape Town and the province at large, while also paying tribute to the vibrant Bo-Kaap community surrounding the hotel.
Gericke explained that the new menu builds on the success of the restaurant’s original nine-course experience introduced last year, but now places a stronger focus on storytelling and the people behind the food.
“Now it was about introducing more of the team and the journey behind the menu,” he said.
The dining experience begins with cocktails, mocktails, and snacks in a relaxed lounge setting, allowing guests time to connect before moving through the rest of the culinary journey.
Gericke said the concept was inspired by how people gather in Cape Town communities around conversation, hospitality, and shared meals.
The menu also reflects the multicultural influences of Bo-Kaap, particularly its Cape Malay heritage and Muslim community. Mocktail pairings were intentionally included to accommodate Muslim guests staying at the hotel and visiting the restaurant.
“We wanted to combine as many cultures in every dish as we can,” Gericke said.
He shared that traditional South African favourites have been reimagined with a contemporary touch. Diners can expect dishes such as refined pickled fish, elevated oxtail with samp prepared risotto-style, and a savoury butternut cheesecake inspired by pumpkin fritters often found in Afrikaans households.
Gericke said many of the dishes were designed to spark conversation and challenge childhood perceptions of local food.
“Food memories don’t always have to be good memories. Sometimes it’s about taking something people didn’t enjoy growing up and turning it into something exciting,” he said.
Desserts continue the nostalgic journey, with the restaurant’s signature milk tart returning alongside a peppermint crisp tart-inspired millionaire shortbread.
For Gericke, the menu is about more than fine dining; it is also about honouring South African identity and the surrounding community.
Situated on the edge of Bo-Kaap, the hotel has embraced the area’s rich cultural diversity and culinary traditions as inspiration for the new offering.
“South African food is delicious by nature. We just want to tell its story differently,” he said.
Find CapeTowner on TikTok @thecapetowner and Instagram @ccmonlineza