History

The History of Paarl

Paarl is one of the oldest towns in South Africa, founded by the Dutch in 1690. This historic town is the heart and soul of our pop-up restaurant. The town's name comes from the distinctive mountain on which the town is located. The round top of the mountain glistened like a pearl in the sun after a rainstorm, according to the trekkers.

The landscape surrounding Paarl is not only beautiful, but also fertile. This makes the town a culinary paradise, from freshly harvested produce to world-famous wines.

In addition, Paarl has an important place in the history of the African language. It is home to the language museum Die Afrikaanse Taalmuseum, which lists the longest African word: "Tweejakkalsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein" . This word is also found in our interior.

Boerekos: the soul of South African cuisine

Boerekos is more than food; it is the soul of South African cuisine and the farm-based cooking style that originated in the Netherlands. The dishes are simple, hearty and above all meant to be shared together. Think bobotie, braai meat, milk tart and other dishes rich in flavor and history.

At restaurant PAARL, we serve dishes inspired by boerekos, with a modern twist, while staying true to original South African hospitality.

Wine region of Paarl: flavorful traditions

The wine region around Paarl is famous worldwide for its full-bodied reds and crisp whites. The French brought their winemaking traditions to the Cape in the 17th century, and Paarl has since gained a prominent place in the South African wine industry. At PAARL, we honor this tradition by pairing our dishes with carefully selected South African wines.