Cool Spaces: Bao Down

WORDS Lindi Brownell Meiring IMAGES Shavan Rahim

A new hot spot, tucked away on Vredehoek Avenue in Oranjezicht, Cape Town, has recently opened its doors – and you’ll find it packed with diners every night of the week.

Run by former Chef’s Warehouse Head Chef Graham Oldfield and his wife Philippa, Bao Down serves up delicious dishes inspired by Asian cuisine.

“We put together a space where we would want to eat,” says Philippa, who co-designed the interiors with Graham. While many aspects of the design changed along the way, the colour palette was clear from the start. “The mosaic green tiles on the front of the building inspired us to choose the rest of the colour palette.” The space makes use of calming, subtle hues, mixing blush pink walls with mint green crockery and highlights of yellow, gold and red.

The tableware forms an integral part of the experience. A combination of bowls and dishes from Chinese supermarkets across the Mother City blends with pretty mint teapots and cups and contemporary transparent green glassware designed by Paola Navone for Serax. The collection was in fact gifted to the couple. “We felt it fitted in perfectly with the space,” says Philippa. Terrazzo tables made by L. Cannata & Sons blend perfectly with the mint leather chairs by Milano, both Cape Town-based manufacturers.

The restaurant is currently open for dinner (two seatings) Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm until 10pm and on Sundays for a set menu lunch from 12pm until 3pm.

Follow Bao Down on Instagram to keep up to date with the latest menus and news.