Cheeky Tiger has become a beloved name in Johannesburg’s vibrant food scene. Known for its Asian-inspired street food, bold flavours, and trendy, relaxed atmosphere, it has attracted a loyal following of foodies, families, and anyone looking for a delicious and affordable meal. With multiple locations across the city, it has made its mark as a go-to spot for everything from quick lunches to leisurely dinners.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Cheeky Tiger in Johannesburg, including a detailed menu price table, reviews from customers, and what to expect when you visit.
Cheeky Tiger Johannesburg Menu Prices And Reviews: Complete Guide With Menu Price Table
What Is Cheeky Tiger?
Cheeky Tiger is a South African restaurant chain that specializes in Asian-inspired street food. The menu draws inspiration from the hawker stalls of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian countries, but with a local twist. Think bao buns, dumplings, noodle bowls, and bao burgers, all packed with flavour and made with fresh ingredients.
The vibe is casual, fun, and energetic, with colourful decor, communal tables, and a lively atmosphere. It is a place where you can share small plates with friends, enjoy a solo bowl of noodles, or grab a quick bite before a movie.
Cheeky Tiger Locations In Johannesburg
Cheeky Tiger has several popular locations across Johannesburg, making it easily accessible no matter where you are.
Key Locations:
Fourways: Shop 53, Fourways Crossing Shopping Centre, Cnr William Nicol and Roos Streets.
Rosebank: Shop 155B, The Zone @ Rosebank, 177 Oxford Road.
Sandton: Shop 42, Sandton City Shopping Centre, 83 Rivonia Road.
Melrose Arch: Shop 2, Melrose Arch, 1 Melrose Square.
Each location maintains the same core menu and vibrant atmosphere, though there may be location-specific specials or events.
Cheeky Tiger Menu Overview
The menu is designed for sharing and grazing. It is divided into several sections:
Bao Buns: Soft, steamed buns filled with a variety of delicious ingredients. This is a signature item.
Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried, filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables.
Baos (Bao Burgers): A larger, burger-style version of the bao bun, with fillings like crispy chicken or beef.
Bowls: Hearty noodle or rice bowls, perfect for a filling meal.
Sides: Includes edamame, fries, slaw, and other shareable items.
Sauces: A selection of house-made dipping sauces.
Drinks: A range of soft drinks, beers, and cocktails.
Cheeky Tiger Menu Price Table 2026
Please note that prices are estimates and may vary slightly by location and over time. Always check the in-store menu or website for the most current prices.
🥢 Bao Buns – Quick Reference
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Pork Belly Bao | Slow‑braised pork belly, pickled cucumber, hoisin, spring onion | R55 – R65 |
| Crispy Chicken Bao | Crispy fried chicken, slaw, sriracha mayo | R50 – R60 |
| Sticky Soy Tofu Bao (V) | Crispy tofu, pickled carrot and daikon, hoisin | R45 – R55 |
| Prawn Tempura Bao | Crispy prawn tempura, avocado, wasabi mayo | R65 – R75 |
| Duck Bao | Shredded roasted duck, cucumber, spring onion, hoisin | R70 – R80 |
Notes:
- Classic Pork Belly Bao is the signature, rich and savory option.
- Crispy Chicken Bao delivers crunch with a spicy kick from sriracha mayo.
- Sticky Soy Tofu Bao is the vegetarian choice, light yet flavorful.
- Prawn Tempura Bao adds a fusion touch with avocado and wasabi mayo.
- Duck Bao is the premium pick, offering bold, traditional flavors.
🥟 Dumplings – Quick Reference
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pork & Chive Dumplings (6) | Steamed or pan‑fried, with soy dipping sauce | R55 – R65 |
| Chicken & Mushroom Dumplings (6) | Steamed or pan‑fried, with ginger soy | R55 – R65 |
| Vegetable Gyoza (6) (V) | Cabbage, carrot, onion, garlic, pan‑fried | R50 – R60 |
| Prawn Shumai (4) | Open‑topped steamed dumplings with prawn | R60 – R70 |
Notes:
- Pork & Chive and Chicken & Mushroom are versatile, available steamed or pan‑fried.
- Vegetable Gyoza is the vegetarian option, light yet flavorful.
- Prawn Shumai offers a premium seafood bite, distinct with its open‑topped style.
🍔 Bao Burgers – Quick Reference
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Chicken Bao Burger | Crispy chicken, slaw, sriracha mayo, in a large bao bun | R75 – R85 |
| Beef Bulgogi Bao Burger | Marinated beef, kimchi slaw, sesame mayo | R85 – R95 |
| Tofu Bao Burger (V) | Crispy tofu, pickled veg, hoisin | R70 – R80 |
Notes:
- Crispy Chicken Bao Burger is the crowd‑pleaser, with crunchy chicken and spicy mayo.
- Beef Bulgogi Bao Burger brings bold Korean flavors with kimchi slaw and sesame mayo.
- Tofu Bao Burger is the vegetarian option, offering a lighter but flavorful bite.
Bowls Menu – Quick Reference
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Teriyaki Bowl | Grilled chicken, teriyaki sauce, rice, pickled veg | R95 – R110 |
| Pork Belly Bowl | Braised pork belly, rice, pickled cucumber, hoisin | R105 – R120 |
| Tofu & Vegetable Rice Bowl (V) | Crispy tofu, stir‑fried veg, rice, soy ginger sauce | R85 – R95 |
| Ramen Noodle Bowl | Pork or chicken broth, noodles, egg, veg, choice of protein | R95 – R120 |
Notes:
- The Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is a balanced option with sweet‑savory flavors.
- Pork Belly Bowl is the richer, indulgent choice with braised meat and hoisin.
- Tofu & Vegetable Rice Bowl caters to vegetarians, offering a lighter but flavorful option.
- Ramen Noodle Bowl is versatile, with customizable protein and hearty broth.
Sides Menu – Quick Reference
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Edamame | Steamed soybeans with sea salt (V) | R30 – R40 |
| Sesame Fries | French fries with sesame salt and spicy mayo | R40 – R50 |
| Asian Slaw | Crunchy cabbage slaw with ginger dressing (V) | R35 – R45 |
| Salt & Pepper Squid | Crispy calamari with chilli salt and lime | R65 – R75 |
| Bao Sliders (2) | Mini versions of classic bao buns | R60 – R70 |
Notes:
- Edamame and Asian Slaw are vegetarian‑friendly options.
- Sesame Fries add a twist to a classic side with sesame salt and spicy mayo.
- Salt & Pepper Squid is the premium seafood option, perfect for sharing.
- Bao Sliders bring a fun, bite‑sized version of the signature bao buns.
Sauces Menu – Quick Reference
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hoisin Sauce | R10 – R15 |
| Sriracha Mayo | R10 – R15 |
| Sweet Chilli Sauce | R10 – R15 |
| Soy & Ginger | R10 – R15 |
Notes:
- All sauces are affordable add‑ons, perfect for enhancing flavor.
- Hoisin brings a sweet‑savory depth, while Sriracha Mayo adds a creamy heat.
- Sweet Chilli is a crowd‑pleaser with mild spice and sweetness.
- Soy & Ginger offers a sharp, aromatic kick, ideal for lighter dishes.
Drinks Menu – Quick Reference
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Soft Drinks (Coke, Sprite, etc.) | R20 – R30 |
| Craft Beers (local) | R40 – R60 |
| House Cocktails (Tiger Spritz, Asian Mule, etc.) | R65 – R85 |
| Wine (glass) | R40 – R60 |
Notes:
- The soft drinks are the most budget‑friendly option.
- Craft beers highlight local brewing, offering variety for casual drinkers.
- House cocktails like the Tiger Spritz and Asian Mule add a signature flair to the menu.
- Wine by the glass provides a mid‑range choice for those wanting something classic.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviews
Cheeky Tiger has garnered a strong following and generally positive reviews across platforms.
Positive Reviews Often Mention:
Delicious and flavourful food: The bao buns, especially the pork belly and crispy chicken, are frequently highlighted as standouts.
Good value for money: Given the quality and portion sizes, many reviewers feel the prices are reasonable.
Fun and trendy atmosphere: The decor, music, and overall vibe are praised as energetic and inviting.
Great for sharing: The small-plate concept makes it perfect for groups to try a variety of dishes.
Friendly service: Staff are generally described as attentive and helpful.
Location convenience: The restaurants are in popular, easy-to-access shopping centres.
Constructive Criticism Sometimes Includes:
Can get very busy: Especially during peak times, there can be queues and a wait for tables.
Noise levels: The lively atmosphere can sometimes mean it is quite noisy, which may not suit everyone.
Inconsistent portion sizes: A few reviewers have noted that portion sizes can vary.
Parking: In busy centres like Sandton City and Fourways Crossing, parking can be a challenge.
Overall, Cheeky Tiger enjoys a strong reputation and is consistently recommended as a top spot for Asian-inspired street food in Johannesburg.
What To Expect When Visiting Cheeky Tiger
Vibe: Casual, trendy, and energetic. It is a popular spot for a fun meal with friends or family.
Service: Generally friendly and efficient. Staff are usually happy to make recommendations.
Wait Times: Can be busy, especially on weekends and during dinner. Be prepared for a possible wait.
Ordering: You typically order at the counter and then find a seat. Your food is brought to your table.
Sharing: The menu is designed for sharing. Order a variety of dishes and pass them around.
Dietary Options: There are vegetarian and vegan options clearly marked on the menu.
Tips For Visiting Cheeky Tiger
Go During Off-Peak Hours: To avoid queues, try visiting for an early lunch (11:30 am) or a later dinner (after 7:30 pm).
Come Hungry: The food is delicious, and you will want to try a variety of dishes.
Share With Friends: The best way to experience Cheeky Tiger is to order several dishes and share.
Try The Bao Buns: They are the signature item for a reason. The pork belly and crispy chicken are excellent.
Don’t Skip The Sauces: The house-made sauces are a perfect complement to the dumplings and fries.
Check For Specials: Follow them on social media for any daily specials or promotions.
Make A Reservation For Large Groups: For groups of 6 or more, it is a good idea to call ahead.
Common Questions, FAQ Section
Where is Cheeky Tiger located in Johannesburg?
Cheeky Tiger has locations in Fourways (Fourways Crossing), Rosebank (The Zone), Sandton (Sandton City), and Melrose Arch.
What is on the Cheeky Tiger menu?
The menu features Asian-inspired street food, including bao buns, dumplings, bao burgers, noodle bowls, and sides.
How much does a meal at Cheeky Tiger cost?
Prices range from around R30 for sides to R120 for larger bowls. A filling meal for one with a drink can cost between R120 and R200.
Is Cheeky Tiger suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, there are several vegetarian options, including tofu bao buns, vegetable dumplings, and vegetable bowls. Vegan options may also be available.
Does Cheeky Tiger take reservations?
For large groups, it is best to call ahead. For smaller groups, it is generally walk-in only.
Is Cheeky Tiger child-friendly?
Yes, the casual atmosphere and sharing-style menu make it a fun option for families.
What are the most popular dishes?
The pork belly bao, crispy chicken bao, and dumplings are consistently rated as favourites.
Does Cheeky Tiger offer takeaway?
Yes, takeaway is available at all locations.
What are the operating hours?
Hours vary by location and are generally aligned with shopping centre hours. Check the specific location’s listing online.
Is there parking at Cheeky Tiger?
Parking is available at the shopping centres where Cheeky Tiger is located, though it can be busy during peak times.
Asian‑Inspired Street Food – Key Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Asian‑inspired street food |
| Locations | Fourways, Rosebank, Sandton, Melrose Arch |
| Price Range | R30 – R120 per dish |
| Best For | Casual dining, sharing with friends, flavourful food |
| Vibe | Trendy, energetic, fun |
| Vegetarian Options | Yes |
| Takeaway | Yes |
Notes:
- The price range makes it accessible for both quick bites and group dining.
- The vibe is lively and social, perfect for friends or casual meet‑ups.
- With vegetarian options and takeaway, it caters to diverse preferences and convenience.
Final Warning: Check For Updates
Menus, prices, and operating hours can change. It is always a good idea to check the official Cheeky Tiger website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Official Cheeky Tiger Website: www.cheekytiger.co.za
—
This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Information is subject to change without notice. Always verify current details before visiting.