Sticky, sweet, fall-off-the-bone short-rib is a guaranteed way to a carnivore’s heart. Whether straight from a slow-cooked pot roast or served Asian-style with a sticky, dark basting, this tender meat dish is anything but short in flavour. Here are five great places serving short-rib in Cape Town.

Cheyne’s (Hout Bay)

This Hout Bay hotspot serves fusion tapas, combining Pan-Asian tapas to bring you innovative flavours that pack a punch. For something meaty, order the 48-hour braised beef short-rib served with three-cup sauce (made with soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil), a soft and satisfying potato dumpling and a crunch of salty, crispy bacon (R80).

A photo posted by Samantha Barwise (@sambarwise) on Mar 31, 2016 at 2:35pm PDT

Downtown Ramen (City Bowl)

At this hole-in-the-wall ramen and bao spot, you’ll want to start off with the short-rib bao buns. Sink your teeth into the super tender beer-braised beef tucked into a pillowy-soft bao. Garnished with spicy pickles for extra zing, it costs R35 a pop.

A photo posted by Brandon Davidson (@brandon_davidson1) on Sep 7, 2016 at 12:41pm PDT

Inside & You’re Out (City Bowl)

While the team at IYO is know for its cheese-stuffed burgers, the appetisers also offer some seriously delicious bites. Try the pickled ‘shroom’ ribs off the small bites menu. These beauties are braised for eight hours before being topped off with pickled wild mushrooms (when in season) and fresh thyme. (R79)

A photo posted by IYO Burgers (@iyoburgers) on May 27, 2016 at 4:04am PDT

Mondiall (V&A Waterfront)

This Waterfront favourite serves contemporary bistro fare with great local and international flavours. Its take on beef short-rib is slowly braised and served with pickled beetroot, cucumber salad and a tangy garlic butter milk (R170). Order yours with a side of truffle fries, wilted spinach, parsley new potatoes or milho fritos.

A photo posted by Natalie (@_natalie_engelbrecht_) on Sep 3, 2016 at 11:37pm PDT

South China Dim Sum Bar (City Bowl)

This hidden dim-sum gem also does a version of this meaty favourite. Here the braised beef short-rib is served with a dark and sticky sauce of hoisin, chilli and star anise. Utterly tender, it is simply served with fragrant steamed jasmine rice to mop up all the juices.

A photo posted by Kristine Quitasol Kruger (@ami.pole_junkie) on Mar 2, 2016 at 12:09pm PST