Everyone driving along the N2 to the Cape South coast, has stopped for a pie at the legendary Ou Meul Bakkery in Riviersonderend. The beloved bakery has been using the pie recipe of the dorpie’s home economics teacher, Tannie Rina, for 25 years now, and finally, after much of begging by city slickers, brought the famous pies to the Cape Town CBD.
 
Food
The pie-gods have descended upon Cape Town. The all-time-favourite bakery in Riviersonderend has a new branch in Long Street, a blessing for the working masses in the CBD. The breakfast menu offers scrambled eggs on freshly baked sourdough, whole wheat or ciabatta bread; muesli, yoghurt and fruit salad; and perfectly flaky croissants. For lunch, be prepared to queue for the heavenly pies – pastry from paradise filled to the brim. Chicken, steak, ham and cheese and even bobotie pies are available. There is also a selection of sandwiches and salads. Don’t leave without peeking into the glass counter displaying beautiful sweets like apple crumble, pecan and chocolate tart, cup cakes and lamingtons.?

Wine
There’s no wine menu, but there is great Union and Roasters coffee on offer, as well as juice and soft drinks.

Service
There are a few teething issues regarding orders during the lunch rush-hour, but the staff is friendly and the service is usually swift.

Ambience
The tiny lunch eatery is airy and light with big glass windows and wooden tables. There is a long counter facing the street and round two-seater tables outside if you are popping in for a quick bite. A large glass panel on the wall behind the counter displays the hand-written menu.

And
No time to cook dinner? Just pick up one of the bigger pies (it serves eight) and throw together a salad.

By Kelly Pluke
Photographs: Katharine Jacobs

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