My friend Sigi and I have embarked on a Very Important Quest. Mission: find the best chilli popper in Cape Town. We’ve been at it for about six months now. You could even call it an art. Or an extreme sport. Extreme dining. It started after I bravely overcame my addiction with OPT (Other People’s Toast. Recovery is thanks to a nasty run-in with a hungover madman. You know who you are.)

At least once a week we investigate a new spot and try out their poppers coupled with a cocktail or two. So I guess you could say the quest includes the best happy hour too. We’ve narrowed it down to four restaurants so far:

One. Neighbourhood. So awesome. They give you a selection of four different types of chilli poppers. I can’t remember off-hand exactly what they are but one is covered with nachos, and another is in this tempura-type batter and it’s filled with cream cheese. Mmm. AND they have a 2-for-1 happy hour between 5 and 7pm. I can say this with absolute confidence: you need to get a Spicy Mojito inside your belly as soon as you can.

Two. Fat Cactus. On Saturdays you can smash 6 chilli poppers and a 2-litre jug of frozen margaritas for 99 Ront. Inkresting…. PLUS they bring you lollipops that have stick on tattoos inside. I’ve come home with those babies stuck to me on more than one occasion.

Three. Beuna Vista Social Club. However they aren’t chilli poppers per se… I’m talking DIABLOS. They have BACON inside them. Sensory overload. In the best possible way.

And four.  Panchos. In winter they have (had… I hope they have it again this year) a two-for-one special. Instead of deep fried in batter these puppies are wrapped in a sort of philo pastry. And they stack them on a plate like a pyramid.

(And sneaky number five: Cape to Cuba. The barmen are really hot. Extreme perving.)
So there you have it. Listen to those who wear tiaras. We know best.  And until next time munchkins, live the dream. Live the lifestyle & Zestify your life!