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Philadelphia is one of those small Western Cape villages, where, if you blink while driving past, you entirely miss it. While this tiny village is diminutive in size – with the opening of Droom @ Die Meul in March 2023, it has one of the best country culinary offerings around. You see, Droom @ Die Meul is bringing culinary dreams to life in the humble Western Cape village of Philadelphia.
Celebrating Dreams and Culinary Gems at Droom
For a special anniversary, we decided to hunt around for a stunning, country-style eatery in the Western Cape. I had seen Droom praised on Instagram and after perusing a few other options online, we decided that Droom had everything we wanted for our special Sunday lunch.
It looked atmospheric (not many restaurants can boast being located within a historic former wagon-making-facility-turned-flour-mill), offers a wonderful set menu and above all, has all the makings of a charming, yet romantic date in the countryside.
Winter is one of my favourite times to explore the Western Cape, especially when canola season starts, so we had plenty to look forward to. A Dineplan booking was promptly made and our date was set.
Adventuring to Philadelphia on A Moody Sunday Morning
On a moody Sunday morning, we set off from Durbanville, enjoying a scenic, slow drive along the backroads and through farmlands, filled with mud-flecked Merino sheep and bright yellow canola, both of which seemed entirely unbothered by the foreboding black clouds above.
After a short drive (Philadelphia is +/- 40 km from Cape Town and about +/-25 km from Durbanville), we arrived in the humble, yet buzzing village of Philadelphia. Before setting off, I had jokingly described Philadelphia as, “A small village with one main street, an NG kerk and a few houses” – and my summary was pretty spot-on.
Philadelphia is tiny, yes – but it’s an interesting town to explore over a weekend. Unsurprisingly, as with most Western Cape towns and villages, it comes to life on weekends as city slickers, bikers and travellers descend.
Like the others, we parked near the majestic NG Kerk and spent some time exploring the town’s offerings.
Walking down quiet country streets, we passed a pink pop of colour in Die Blikhuisie, before stumbling upon De Dapper Dak. Like most things on a Sunday, this was closed but provided a fun photo op nonetheless.
We then ventured into some local shops, including quirky Karma Chameleon (situated within the town’s old post office building, which dates back to 1914) and mystical Magic Minerals.
After that, eager to escape the cold and ready for our Sunday feast, we beelined for Droom.
Droom @ Die Meul: Where Culinary Dreams Come to Life in a Sleepy Village
Upon entering Droom’s property in Main Road, Philadelphia, you discover a beautiful garden, the restaurant itself and a studio building.
Droom @ Die Meul is a weekend restaurant. It has been carefully designed around Ouma se boerekos and other hearty, yet tasty dishes. With capable Chef Anna Stofberg at the helm, Droom brings together old-world charm with modern, comforting takes on traditional cuisine.
On Saturdays, the restaurant currently offers a lunch experience: Italian Feast for Your Table. This is followed by Stoute Tee/Droom High Tea. Their afternoon tea is excitingly served in the old rooftop chapel, where sweet dreams and cocktails are enjoyed. (Note: You need to book separately for these Saturday experiences.)
On Sundays, Droom serves up cosy, homely Sunday lunches. Their set menu offers an excellent three-course menu (starter, mains and dessert), complemented by a lovely wine- and drinks-list.
Dining at Dreamy Droom @ Die Meul, Philadelphia
Once seated at our beautiful table, within the cosy confines of Droom, our Sunday lunch started off with a Milkshake of Dreams (aptly named). This was more of a fun experience than a milkshake. It is sure to inspire childhood nostalgia and playfulness!
With bubble gum pink candyfloss, Liquorice allsorts, a cherry Fizzpop lollipop and a decadent doughnut topping, it was quite a chocolate milkshake. (You can choose between chocolate or strawberry.) One I easily rate as 8/10.
Duo of Dreams
After that, we were ready to dive into our three-course set menu for our Sunday table feast. Starting off with our Duo of Dreams: Ciabatta and Mosbolletjies.
These tasty bread delicacies came with salted ‘plaasbotter’ with biltong dust, garden pesto and parmesan cream.
For me, the garden pesto was sublime, while my partner couldn’t get enough of the cheesy parmesan cream sauce.
Also, I am not usually a fan of Mosbolletjies (traditional Afrikaans sweet bun) but these were excellent. Our bread starter and dipping sauces were an easy 8/10.
Marvellous Mains to Share With Loved Ones
Next, we ordered our mains.
The mains are served as a set menu but in a sharing style manner. This is great for sharing with loved ones and friends, just as you would if you were dining around your own Sunday lunch table.
The mains are excellent value for money because, even with two people sharing, we couldn’t finish everything.
Our mains included:
- Slow-cooked leg of lamb with gravy
- Thyme roasted potatoes
- oven-baked chicken (I’m not sure what the sauce was)
- ‘Pampoenkoekies’ drizzled with caramel sauce
- Buttered organic green beans
- Locally sourced seasonal salad with herb vinaigrette
My Thoughts on our Mains
I usually refuse to eat lamb but even I was sorely tempted by the slow-cooked lamb. I ate a sizeable portion and actually thoroughly enjoyed every mouthful. It was cooked to perfection (8.5/10 from a non-lamb lover).
The pampoenkoekies (essentially, pumpkin fritters) were divine – I could eat that caramel sauce and these pumpkin treats daily; it was insanely good (10/10 for me).
The chicken dish was nice but one of my least favourite options (7/10). I was disappointed that the farm-style chicken pie had been switched out for this.
Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed the green beans and fresh salad (9/10 for both respectively).
My partner raved about the roast potatoes – definitely a 9/10 for him, if I have to gauge his reaction to them.
Overall, the meal was filling and homely. It was very much a no-fuss roast but honestly, one of the most memorable meals I have had.
There is something heart-warming about seeing friends and family gathered, sharing food together in a beautifully decorated, welcoming space.
It really felt like “Sondag middagete” in a way that only Ouma can make. I think that, if anything, is what makes Chef Stofberg and her team’s food so impressive – it has all the culinary prowess but keeps things simple: just pure hearty, wholesome goodness.
Droom’s Delicious Dessert
After our main feast, we had enough space for dessert – our third and final course.
For dessert, we enjoyed a selection of sweet treats, including what tasted like malva pudding doughnuts. Suffice to say, our dessert – which was playfully presented – was divine and a definite 10/10.
More importantly, it was the perfect easy-eating, light dessert to enjoy after a truly satisfying Sunday lunch.
How Droom @ Die Meul Rated
I visited Droom as a fully paying customer (we were in no way hosted or expected) and I rate it an easy 9/10 overall.
Everything from the fascinating building and decor (which includes everything from an old gun-metal Ferguson tractor that greets you at the front door to the beautiful upstairs chapel, delicate old-fashioned glasses and crockery, old paintings and maps and of course, the uniquely restored mill-setting) to the friendly, efficient service and incredible, wholesome food and drinks ensure a wonderful, pleasant experience.
I would easily return to Droom for another relaxing weekend meal or culinary experience. I hope, in time, you get to savour Chef Stofberg’s traditional fare too. 🙂
Contact Information
- Droom @ Die Meul is strictly open on weekends only. Bookings are essential.
- Saturdays: 11:30 am – 15:00 pm (lunch) | High tea/stoute tee: 14: 00 pm – 17:00 pm.
- Sundays: 11:30 am – 15:00 pm (lunch).
For more information on Droom @ Die Meul, please contact: +27 (079) 306 7315 or email them at: droom@diemeul.co.za (or via their website).
You can also visit their website, book directly on Dineplan or find them for yourself at Droom @ Die Meul, 1 Main Street, Philadelphia Western Cape, South Africa.
Droom @ Die Meul is also on all leading social media platforms, so be sure to connect with and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
About the Author
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