TAPI TAPI

TAPI TAPI Tapi Tapi is a unique ice cream shop and restaurant that celebrates African food and culture in the heart of Observatory, Cape Town. As an educational initiative, Tapi Tapi shares familiar and exotic flavours from across the continent, enticing visitors to discover and enjoy new cultural experiences through approachable han scoops. Don't miss out on trying one of the handcrafted Tapi Tapi ice cream flavourites at this extraordinary ice cream parlor on Lower Main Road.

Recent social media posts

23/10/2026

Boiled peanut shell ice cream | BUT AFRIKAN

08/10/2026

Magwinya / mandazi / mahamri
ice cream | BUT AFRIKAN

01/10/2026

Imphepho and bitterleaf smoke
ice cream | BUT AFRIKAN

The ultimate seasoning in all our ice cream, a reflection of our collective human experience of fire cooked food.

24/09/2026

Mbwire mbwire / tom brown / lipabi / roasted millet sugar cone ice cream | BUT AFRIKAN

One of my favourite ways to prepare flour is to toast the grain before milling. Even with cassava tubers or rice. You always end up with a more complex and interesting flavour experience whether you decide to make sadza, bread or pastries with it.

Mbwire mbwire is so underrated and it's time you tried it out.

22/09/2026

Open mouths get fed!
Limited ice cream run for folks in Cape Town
100 tubs, 6 flavours (4 dairy, 2 dairy-free), pre-order only.

Must be collected in Observatory, Cape Town on 31 October.

Read fine print before purchasing.

17/09/2026

Rondo / nzu / odowa / ibomvu / ala
ice cream | BUT AFRIKAN

Eating clay is a risky process and both excessive and moderate consumption can lead to health complications.

Unrefined and untested soil can be contaminated with microorganisms, parasites, toxins, industrial waste. Additionally, it can physically lead to intestinal blockages and interfere with how your body absorbs essential micronutrients.

It is not an appropriate way to supplement mineral deficiencies in your diet as the minerals are not successfully absorbed into your bloodstream.

I highly recommend you do not consume clays in general and especially if you cannot vouch for the source and its safety.

Pamusoroi

10/09/2026

Maputi / majakathata / skopas
ice cream | BUT AFRIKAN

A glorious combination of nostalgic evocations. Maputo and breakfast cereal flavoured milk.


Pamusoroi

27/08/2026

ice cream | BUT AFRIKAN
Goko / iskhokho / ichikwangwa / kanzo ice cream.

A crunchy, toasty and caramely medley of cassava, maize and malted millet crisps, folded into mildly sweet ice cream base.

Goko, especially the kind from sweet porridge has always reminded me of sugar cones and so naturally we've ended up using the concept in so many ice cream variations over the years. Utilising all sorts of flours popular across the continent and the diaspora.

If people make sadza/ugali/nshima/eba from it, we've probably made goko or actual sugar cones from it. Much like wheat flour, maize flour is probably the most neutral and mild tasting of them all, while the rest offer great diversity of flavour, built into the flour by default

Pamusoroi

25/08/2026

Prints! Prints! And Calendars!
It's time for a new cycle of the pan Afrikan, Ancestors in Progress calendar series for 2027 by kasvikiro.

Gonna be selling these goodies together with poster prints at Open Book Festival from 4 - 6 September. There are limited copies available so grab yours quick quick and of course book your slots for the many awesome events of the festival as well!

See you there!

20/08/2026

ice cream | BUT AFRIKAN

Masonja/madora/macimbi brownie ice cream
A complex and decadent scoop.

Pamusoroi

13/08/2026

ice cream | BUT AFRIKAN

Sour fig and fermented sour milk ice cream
Tangy and fresh and perfect for a warm day.

Pamusoroi

Address

Closed Until September 2026
Cape Town
7695

To get to the location on Lower Main Road in Observatory, you can either take public transport or drive.

If you are taking public transport, you can take the train to Observatory Station and then walk for approximately 10 minutes along Lower Main Road until you see the destination.

Alternatively, you can take a bus that runs along Lower Main Road and get off at Observatory Police Station, which is just a short walk away from the location.

For those who prefer to drive, there is on-street parking available along Lower Main Road. However, it can get quite busy during peak times so it may be worthwhile considering other transport options if possible.

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 12:00 - 18:00
Thursday 12:00 - 18:00
Friday 12:00 - 18:00
Saturday 12:00 - 18:00
Sunday 12:00 - 18:00

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when TAPI TAPI posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to TAPI TAPI:

Share

Category

What people say

TAPI TAPI is a unique and exciting ice cream shop and restaurant located on Lower Main Road in Observatory, Cape Town. This establishment is not just your average ice cream parlor, but rather an educational initiative that celebrates African food and culture through their approachable scoops of han. TAPI TAPI offers visitors the opportunity to discover and enjoy both familiar and new flavors from the African continent. The handcrafted Tapi Tapi ice cream flavors are a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and authentic taste of Africa. Whether you're an African or a visitor, TAPI TAPI welcomes everyone to come and experience the rich food culture of the continent. So why not stop by today and indulge in some truly unique and delicious treats?