A Calm Escape Inside Cape Quarter

During the festive season, I generally steer clear of anything outside the Deep South territory. Nothing against the city’s hustle and bustle, but it can be a little overwhelming, especially if you don’t know how to parallel park. That said, I found myself at the Cape Quarter last week, and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.

Yes, location, location - it’s busy, but somehow the vibe inside is calm and collected, which is the perfect contrast to everything outside. Personally, I love this spot, and as the Google description says, it’s a “sophisticated retail centre”. I concur, it’s definitely classy. Once I found relatively easy parking, I made my way to the piazza. It is probably my favourite feature of this centre. It is the perfect place to get some fresh air, maybe a little sun, and most importantly, eat well.

“Making my way to the counter was a complete sensory overload in the best way.”

Nostalgia, Renovation & A Harvest Table Revisited

I had a little look around and then spotted something that felt familiar, but a little different. I give you Yumcious. Same name, same vibe, but a newly renovated space, making it look more beautiful than ever. When I used to live in town, I frequented Yumcious for their delicious Harvest Table.

I remembered it as always being comforting, generous, and deeply nourishing. Kind of like a delicious and warming home-cooked meal. Unfortunately, back then, neither my boyfriend at the time, nor I, could cook. But fortunately for us, and Yumcious, we had this restaurant right on our doorstep.

A lot of time has passed since then, and walking in felt quite nostalgic, but new at the same time. It felt like a genuinely reflective moment, seeing the growth it had made since I was there last, as well as my own. A beautiful reminder that change doesn’t have to be a bad thing, and can be something even better than before, and honestly, this summed up my most recent visit. 

Sitting Outside, Watching, Choosing

Since it was a beautiful day, I chose to sit outside in the piazza. I was a little early for the Harvest Table so I settled into my seat, ready to people-watch, and craft the perfect plate. There is an art to choosing the right combo. No, I have not mastered it, but I will continue to try again and again. Hard work, I know. While waiting, I was greeted by a lovely waitress who had the most vibrant smile. I really like that she was present, but not pushy. That might sound odd, but sometimes I feel, when you’re choosing something like a self-serve option, you’re a bit forgotten about. But this was not the case. She was attentive but relaxed. It really added to the full atmosphere of the space.

Crafting the Perfect Harvest Plate

12 o’clock hit and all the dishes were ready! Best believe I jumped out of my seat and hurried to the food with big eyes and an empty stomach. Making my way to the counter was a complete sensory overload in the best way. There were colours everywhere, from glossy beetroot and vibrant greens to golden pastry and rich earth-toned sauces. I found myself in that moment of, “Okay wow… how do I choose without regretting anything?”. But, to be fair, there was no wrong decision here.

The Art of Choosing Well

I tried to be intentional, some warm, some fresh, some comforting, and some a little unexpected. And of course, choosing a mix that hopefully wouldn’t clash, but that skill takes practice, which I’m happy to continue doing.

What Was On My Plate

Once I built my own plate, and locked it in my decision by weighing it, it was time to feast. I decided to approach this plate logically, and for me, that meant trying everything in a clockwise order.

The Chicken Pie – Proper Comfort Food

I started with the most inviting dish, the large slice of generously filled chicken pie. This was absolutely packed with flavourful chicken, and when I say packed, I mean this portion alone could hit your protein needs for the day. The filling was savoury, comforting, and deeply satisfying. It was encased in a crisp, golden, and light pastry that didn’t overpower the filling but supported it. It added some texture and a buttery flavour. This was comfort food done properly. 

A Vegetarian Option Done Right

Next on the roster was the vegetarian frittata which was soft, fluffy, and surprisingly light. It was far from being dry and overcooked. It was definitely freshly made, and prepared with care. The chunks of creamy feta added a saltiness that lifted everything and enhanced the other ingredients. This was a really solid vegetarian option that didn’t feel like an afterthought. It was inclusive without being boring. 

Wasabi Coleslaw – A Creamy Surprise

Now we move on to the salads, more importantly, my favourite cold dish. The wasabi coleslaw was crunchy, creamy, and nostalgic. Just as I thought it was a simple classic, the wasabi cut through the richness of the mayo and added a little heat and liveliness to an all time favourite. It’s one of those sides you don’t expect to love as much as you do. 

Glossy Beetroot & Balanced Acidity

My next dish was the visually striking, glossy beetroot salad. It tasted as good as it looked. Lightly glazed, not overly sweet, and a nicely balanced level of acidity creating a fresh, clean, and grounding flavour journey. This was a perfect contrast to the richer elements on the plate.

The Seaweed Salad That Sets Yumcious Apart

Last, but not least, the famous seaweed salad. This dish is why Yumcious stands out for me. I’ve genuinely never had anything like it elsewhere. It almost mimics a cold noodle dish that is swimming in a salty, umami-rich broth. It’s savoury, slightly briny, refreshing, and deeply flavourful. It sounds strange on paper but makes complete sense once you taste it. Just a warning though, it’s utterly addictive. Long story short, I did well, or rather, Yumcious did. 

Why Yumcious Works

What really stands out for me is the consistency of the food itself. Every element on the Harvest Table feels considered, well executed, and genuinely delicious. It’s the kind of place where you know you’re in safe hands, so much so that it’s going to be very difficult for me not to pick the same favourites again.

That being said, there’s something exciting about knowing I can come back, try new dishes, mix things up, and trust that whatever ends up on my plate will be a good choice. With the menu constantly evolving, there’s always something new to discover, and that’s what keeps it fun, fresh, and worth returning for.

Thank you, Yumcious, till next time!