The Ultimate Guide to Nish Nush: Bree Street’s Middle Eastern Gem in Cape Town
If you’re looking for hearty, flavorful Middle Eastern street food in Cape Town’s city center, Nish Nush on Bree Street delivers. Think house-made pita, sizzling lamb shwarma, crispy falafel, rich tahini, and zesty homemade lemonade. It’s casual, quick, authentic—and yes, still affordable in 2025. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. Pro tip: you can get the full menu to-go and even buy frozen falafels. BYOB while they wait for a liquor license!
Discovering Nish Nush: A Humble Hatch Turned Cult Favorite
When Nish Nush first opened in 2021 as a tiny hummus hatch on Bree Street, it was easy to miss—but once you tasted the shwarma, you didn’t forget it. I remember walking past it three times before realizing that the warm, herby scent floating onto the pavement was coming from that small nook beneath St Stephen’s NG Kerk.
Back then, it was all about falafel, hummus, and shwarma wrapped in the softest pita I’d ever tried—baked to hold generous fillings without falling apart. Fast forward to 2025, and Nish Nush has grown into a full-blown Middle Eastern eatery, now operating from a converted motorbike shop just two doors down from the original hatch.
Inside the New Nish Nush on Bree
The Vibe:
The new location maintains that same laid-back, street-food energy but with more space and comfort. The interiors boast stone walls, café stools at a sunshine-yellow tiled counter, low wooden beams, and a cozy back courtyard perfect for lingering over lunch. Whether you grab a quick bite or settle in for a slow meal, you feel part of something local and real.
Tip: It’s a popular lunch spot, so arrive early or order ahead if you’re in a hurry.
Middle Eastern Magic: The Menu Breakdown
Signature Shwarmas: No Drama, Just Layers of Flavor
Every bite of shwarma here feels like a symphony of textures—crispy edges of lamb or chicken from the spit, tucked into warm pita with zhoug (a coriander-spiced chili sauce), amba (a pickled mango relish), and a drizzle of homemade tahini.
Current Pricing:
| Shwarma Type | Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Lamb Rump | R110 |
| Chicken | R95 |
| Mixed (Lamb + Chicken) | R105 |
Falafel, Hummus & Beyond: Plant-Based Heaven
The falafels are made fresh daily—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, perfectly seasoned. You can have them in a pita or a bowl with extras like fried mushrooms, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Hummus Bowl Add-ons:
- Spicy fried mushrooms
- Lamb shwarma
- Crispy chickpeas
Prices:
| Dish | Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Hummus + Falafel Bowl | R85 |
| Hummus + Lamb | R110 |
| Falafel Pita | R75 |
The Arayes: A Crispy, Meaty Revelation
This lesser-known gem is a Lebanese-inspired pita pocket stuffed with lamb and beef mince, then grilled until the outside is crisp. Topped with tahini and amba, it’s an umami bomb of textures and flavors.
Price: R105 for a portion (four crispy quarters)
Sabich & Sides: Vegetarian Innovation
Originally an Iraqi street food, Sabich is a vegetarian pita packed with fried eggplant, boiled egg, salad, and a generous drizzle of tahini and amba. It’s earthy, rich, and satisfying.
Popular Sides:
- Potato Disks with Spicy Mayo – R45
- Mixed Middle Eastern Salad – R40
- Pickles & Zhoug – Free with meals
Sweet Endings: Malabi, Tahini Fudge & More
Dessert at Nish Nush is minimalist but unforgettable. I can’t recommend the malabi enough—it’s rose-scented, made with coconut milk, and topped with raspberry syrup. If you’re more of a chocolate person, the tahini fudge slice is smooth, nutty, and just sweet enough.
Dessert Prices:
| Dessert | Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Malabi | R45 |
| Chocolate Tahini Fudge | R50 |
Practical Info & Good-to-Know Tips
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Bree Street, Cape Town |
| Opening Times | Mon–Thurs: 10:30am–8:30pmFri: 10:30am–9pmSat: 12pm–9pm |
| Contact | 063 483 4284 [email protected] |
| Takeaway Available? | Yes, full menu + frozen falafels |
| Alcohol | BYOB (Liquor license pending) |
| Payment | Cash, Card, SnapScan |
What to Expect: Real People, Real Reviews
“I came here for a quick lunch and ended up staying an hour chatting with the staff. The food is soul-warming.” — Lebo M., Google Review
“The lamb shwarma is hands-down the best I’ve had outside of Tel Aviv. And the pickles? Don’t skip them!” — Chris V., TripAdvisor
“The malabi is reason alone to come back. Silky, aromatic, just sweet enough.” — Fatima R., Instagram DM
Ratings & Value Breakdown
| Category | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Food Quality | 4.8 |
| Ambiance | 4.5 |
| Service | 4.7 |
| Price-to-Value | 4.9 |
| Overall Experience | 4.8 |
Average Meal Price (per person): R120–R150
Why It’s Worth a Visit: My Personal Take
There’s something magical about discovering a place that feels like a secret even when everyone knows about it. Nish Nush has that rare blend of honest food, friendly vibes, and cultural authenticity that’s hard to fake. Whether you’re a Cape Town local or just visiting, put this on your food map.
Contact, Location, & Hours (2025 Edition)
- Phone: 063 483 4284
- Email: [email protected]
- Google Maps: Click to navigate
- Address: 100 Bree Street, CBD, Cape Town
- Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:30am – 8:30pm
- Friday: 10:30am – 9pm
- Saturday: 12pm – 9pm
- Closed Sunday
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Where is Nish Nush located in Cape Town?
Nish Nush is located at 100 Bree Street, Cape Town CBD, just beneath the old St Stephen’s NG Kerk. It’s easily accessible by foot or car and close to other popular eateries and shops in the city.
What are the opening hours for Nish Nush?
Here are the current operating hours for 2025:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Can I order food to go at Nish Nush?
Absolutely. Everything on the menu is available for takeaway, and you can even purchase frozen falafels to cook at home.
Does Nish Nush serve alcohol?
Not yet. They’re still waiting for their liquor license. However, it’s a BYOB-friendly venue, and you can also enjoy their delicious homemade zesty lemonade.
What are the most popular dishes at Nish Nush?
Customer favorites include: – Lamb-rump shwarma – Lebanese arayes (crispy pita with beef and lamb mince) – Falafel with tahini and zhoug – Hummus bowls with toppings like chickpeas or mushrooms – Sabich (fried aubergine with boiled egg and salad) – Malabi dessert with rosewater and raspberry syrup
Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, Nish Nush offers a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes such as falafel, hummus bowls, sabich, salads, and the creamy malabi (made with coconut milk).
Is there outdoor seating at Nish Nush?
Yes. The restaurant has both indoor seating and a charming courtyard with outdoor tables, offering a relaxed and sunny atmosphere.
Can I make a reservation?
Nish Nush operates mostly on a walk-in basis, but it’s a good idea to call ahead for larger groups. You can reach them at 063 483 4284 or via email at [email protected].
How much does a meal at Nish Nush cost?
Most dishes range between R70 and R140, offering good value for authentic, fresh Middle Eastern flavors. Hummus bowls are around R85–R110, while desserts are about R50–R60.
Is parking available nearby?
Street parking is available on Bree Street, though it may be limited during peak hours. Paid parking lots are also nearby in the CBD.
Final Thoughts
Nish Nush isn’t just another food spot—it’s a Cape Town culinary landmark in the making. Whether you’re after the perfect pita, a saucy shwarma, or just a comfy place to sit with a lemonade and snack, it ticks every box. Authentic, flavorful, and bursting with heart—this is the kind of place you want to return to again and again.
Disclaimer
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors such as pricing, hours, or location details. Please consult official websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
