Bob’s Bagel Café in Kalk Bay
Just off Kalk Bay’s main road in a quiet street lies Bob’s Bagel Café [+2783 280 0012
+2783 280 0012]. If you are able to imagine an intimate and retro interior with great coffee, original bagels and a park where kids can play- you can basically sum up this Kalk Bay treat.
I discovered this neighbourhood café with my wife and loved it so much that I took my brother and his family the following weekend to experience these chilled Cape Town vibes.
Where is Bob’s Bagel Café?
Just off Kalk Bay Main Road.
Physical Address | 6 Rouxville Road, Kalk Bay.
When is it open?
Monday- Friday [closed on Thursdays] 08:00-13:00 | Saturday-Sunday 08:00-14:00
Who’s Bob?
Robin Pollard, the founder of Bob’s Bagel Café. British-born architect wanted to bring proper bagels in a unique setting to the visitors of Kalk Bay and Cape Town.
What’s so special about the bagels?
The bagels are made from scratch and have that delicious homemade flavour to it. You can choose between a 100% wholewheat New York style bagel or a sweeter Montreal-inspired bagel.
What comes with the bagels?
There are some great fillings to choose from; bacon and egg, smoked trout and cream cheese, mature cheddar and homemade strawberry jam.
[Don’t forget the special and picante Mauritian chilli paste Mazavaroo as an ingredient to another creation with cream cheese- this was my favourite.]
Tell us about the coffee.
Bob’s Bagel Café offers one of Cape Town’s premium coffee brands;
Deluxe Coffeeworks.
Is there something for the sweet tooth?
Yes, chocolate brownies, fudge, ginger cake, shortbread and crunchies just to name a few.
And there’s a park?
Yes, right opposite the café. Bob’s Bagel Café even has two tables and chairs set out on the grass. Perfect for grabbing a bite while the kids play on the seesaws and swings. Bob’s Bagel Café also conveniently caters for kiddies’ parties!
Anything else I need to know?
- Bob’s Bagel Café only accepts cash.
- They’re next door to Charley’s Ceramics Shop [Robin’s wife], that hold a selection of art from ceramic artists such as Tessa Gawith, Chris Silverstone, John Newdigate and Shirley Fintz.
- There are only 3 tables inside [yet every time we went, we were able to be seated immediately].
Interesting Facts about Bagels
- According to popular belief, Bagel history dates back to 1783 and created to honor King John III Sobieski of Poland, after he protected Austria’s people from an attack by Turkish invaders.
- Bagels are the only bread that are boiled before they are baked.
- When European Jews went to America, they took the first bagel bakers with them. New York, with the largest number of Jewish people, became the home to Bagel bakers.
- Bagels are formed from an eggless dough using flour, yeast, water and oil.
Content and Images | Ed Beukes