The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour
Description
Our signature experience takes you on a captivating journey through time—from the 1600s to today—revealing how centuries of cultural exchange, global trade, and resilience have shaped Cape Town’s distinctive flavours and traditions. Stroll through the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, where every building tells a story. Indulge in local favourites like golden koeksisters, savour the rich spices of Cape Malay bobotie, and explore hearty classics such as bunny chow, pap, and chakalaka. Sip on rooibos tea and enjoy a selection of locally crafted beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Led by a passionate local foodie expert, you’ll uncover hidden gems, meet local vendors, and hear the stories behind each dish. From the spice routes of the 17th century to the lasting impact of slavery and apartheid, every stop offers a deeper connection to the city—its people, its past, and its vibrant food culture.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our tour begins in the Bo Kappa where Cape Malay culture is in full display. We will taste and explore this fascinating neighbourhood as we learn about it's culture and history.
Next we wander towards Bree street in the city centre, where Cape Town's most concentrated restaurant scene can be found, including the beautiful Heritage Square where we will indulge in some delicious South African classics under the vines in one of Cape Town's most beautiful courtyards.
Next up, De Waterkant (the waterfront in Afrikaans). A chic enclave centered around the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village packed with fashion boutiques, commercial art galleries and global eateries. Leafy streets nearby are lined with brightly coloured cottages housing craft coffee bars, stylish gift shops and guesthouses. We will wander the beautiful streets and learn about why this area of one of the most sought after in Cape Town, but also one with the highest concentrations of global restaurants to savour.
Our tour ends at one of Cape Town's oldest sports bars where true South African patriotism is on full display. Here we will eat like a local while soaking in the atmosphere of one of Cape Town's busiest watering holes. Please note that on Mondays, our tours end in the city centre, a few hundred meters from our usual location.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- When booking, please note any dietary restrictions or allergies, as our guides arrange the food in advance to ensure you don't miss out on any dishes. We can accommodate vegetarian and gluten friendly diets, as well as restrictions for seafood, shellfish, and pork. However, please be aware that we cannot guarantee that any tasting will be 100% free of allergens.
- Dress code is comfortable, including comfortable walking shoes. Weather changes fast in Cape Town so please come prepared as we will be outside.
- Tours run rain or shine; however, in cases of extreme weather, your guide will reach out to inform you of any changes or cancellations.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, approximately 1.7 Km.
- Unfortunately the tour route includes stairs, and is therefore not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
- Cape Town has paid street parking available. We do recommend making use of Uber or Hotel provided services. We do not finish the tour where we start from.
- Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult and any kids over the age of 2 require a regular ticket to attend.
- Guests under 18 years old will be served alternate drinks where alcohol would have otherwise been offered.
- Tickets are non-refundable, they are however exchangeable/transferable with a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to tour commencing. Within 24 hours, tickets are 100% non refundable and non-exchangeable for any reason.
Reviews(494)
Excellent food tasting tour. Great variety, our guide Justin was very knowledgeable, able to give information on food, local culture, history, sports…
Olivia was an excellent guide and we learned a lot about Cape Town and its history, both old and new. The food was a big part of the history—each of the 4 stops/tastes had a critical story to tell about Cape Town and its inhabitants. The price was a little steep, but probably worth it for the insight gained.
Excellent food tour, even included a wine shop stop where I was introduced to a Chardonnay that I liked (I’m not a white wine drinker) Justin did a great job with history of South Africa and the neighborhoods we were in. He is knowledgeable, relatable, professional but fun. Hood passion about the food culture in Cape Town shows Walking is easy and minimal. The variety was great. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Got to try some new to me game meat (both very good) and some dishes with spices ( not hot) Do it for a fun afternoon
Enjoyed this tour as a way to see Cape Town and taste local cuisine. Olivia was fantastic! Also appreciated the variety of places we stopped
Justin was a great guy with great knowledge. Booked one of the stops for dinner as the taster was good. Shared lovely tastes and history with us and drawing with him at the wine naming game.ps I’m taking that as a victory by the way.
This tour was SO FUN! Justin was incredibly knowledgeable and really gave you a sense of the heart of capetown and deep history. We signed up for another tour the following day with him because his story telling about the history of capetown was very captivating. The places we went to had delicious and culturally significant food as well. We would totally recommend this trip to everyone!
Over the moon experience with Olivia. She is just lovely and I’m greatful for all the knowledge she shared at each place.
Excellent walking tour of downtown Capetown stopping at 4 places to eat local cuisine. Some were old historic places while others were newer but each had authentic local dishes.
Great day out!!! It was a wonderful way to experience Cape Town
Justin was very knowledgeable and fun! The food was great and I enjoyed hearing about the history and cultures of this beautiful place! A must do!
