If you’ve ever visited Japan, you will know the cultural significance of Japanese convenience stores, known as konbini.
Unlike a quick dash to the nearest Engen to satisfy your late-night hunger pangs, visiting a konbini – which you’ll find literally on every Japanese street corner – is an experience. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious snacks, authentic traditional meals, and both hot and cold beverages, available 24/7 for your convenience.
Now, Cape Town is about to get a taste of Japan in the form of a pop-up konbini.
KLOOF KONBINI: COMING SOON TO CAPE TOWN
According to Time Out, the Mother City will soon be home to Kloof Konbini. As its name suggests, the pop-up will be situated at 121 Kloof Street in the heart of the City Bowl.
This konbini is the brainchild of Rebecca Aziz and MinChan Kim, the founders of How’s Your Oni, a popular Japanese restaurant in Green Point.
Partnering with Duncan Geldenhuys, the duo’s goal is to introduce Capetonians to the konbini experience and let them sample the best of what Japanese food culture has to offer.
“We decided to open a konbini in Cape Town because we just thought it was something Cape Town was missing!” said Aziz. “Many of our customers from How’s Your Oni would say their favourite part of their trip to Japan was the convenience stores.”
FEAST ON FOODS MADE FAMOUS IN JAPAN
At Kloof Kombini, you can expect authentic Japanese takeaway fare, including:
- Bento boxes: Pre-packaged meal boxes that typically contain rice, noodles, a protein such as chicken or eggs, and vegetables.
- Matcha: A type of green tea chock-full of earthly flavours and antioxidants.
- Onigiri: Triangular rice parcels that contain fillings like tuna mayo, pork or pickled plums, all wrapped up in seaweed.
- Sandos: A sandwich consisting of milk bread and a filling such as eggs, meat or even fruit.
Every meal on the menu will cost under R200, so you’ll certainly be getting your money’s worth on these tummy-filling foods and beverages!
EAT LIKE YOU’RE IN JAPAN WHILE YOU STILL CAN
The official opening date of Kloof Konbini has yet to be determined. Luckily, you won’t have to wait long, as Aziz, Kim and Geldenhuys have earmarked October 2025 as the grand opening.
Alas, there’s no plan in the pipeline to create a permanent store. As such, the konbini will operate as a pop-up until its lease on Kloof Street expires.
Nevertheless, culture enthusiasts and foodies alike will undoubtedly be excited to experience the wonders of Japan and its iconic convenience stores all on South African soil.
