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
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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.
- If you are requesting modifications due to allergies or dietary requirements please note: This tour showcases the local cuisine and dishes of Cape Town. We will do our best to accomodate your preferences but removing meat, carbs, or alcohol will alter the experience.
- 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 2 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(483)
Justin was amazing. He lives in the area, is very personable, and has deep knowledge of the history and food of the area. We appreciated the diversity of the places that we visited and the food was really delicious. Justin was also very aware and accommodating of the several food allergies in our group. Highly recommended.
We had Olivia as our guide and I think this tour may have ruined me for all other tours. We started at BoKaap deli with some amazing Cape Malay food (which we’ll be attempting to recreate at home it was so tasty! Then onto a Blind wine tasting at Open Wine which opened my eyes to the sheer variety and quality of South African wine. Then Marcos African Restaurant where we tried game meat (Ostrich and Springbock) which were delicious. And finally the Fireman’s Arms where there was yet more amazing food accompanied by a local delicious gin. You will not regret doing this tour. You may regret having Breakfast beforehand.
Olivia was a great host. Learnt so much about the history behind the cuisine. Learning of the different cultures and flavours.
Literally above the clouds when we went. Still amazing. Appreciate our host Naba and driver. Loved all the stops with plenty of time for photos. The day went by fast
Justin our tour guide was absolutely great. Great history lesson, great food and wine, an excellent tour
Very informative and interesting. Our guide was very friendly and attentive. The four venues we visited were all excellent and the food very interesting. Particularly enjoyed the wine tasting.
We booked this tour direct with the company some time ago from Australia. From our initial enquiry , through to final confirmations , Annette has been so helpful and understanding in answering all our questions. As a group of 6, we were fortunate enough to be hosted today by Olivia on our Food tour Essentials in Cape Town. I do not want to spoil the anticipation for other Trip Advisor readers so I won’t go into where we went or what we had over the 4 + hours we enjoyed with Olivia. Other than to say the whole tour was an experience, the local foods and wines were so different and enjoyable, the pace was easy and Olivia was awesome. Don’t book with a third party… find them online and book direct. Customer service and tour were first class
Olivia was an excellent guide and the food was great!!!
Hi there Dianel, Thank you so much, Jenn, for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you loved your day with Olivia. We truly appreciate your revew!
What a great way to spend 4hrs. Walking the vibrant streets of Cape Town and trying and drinking local foods and wines. Olivia our guide was absolutely lovely, we ended up being her only guests and we had a great time talking local cuisine, local history and anything else that popped up. The 4 locations we visited each offered something different and unique to the area. Home made dessert eaten for breakfast or anytime, cheese and local wine, African game dishes with delicious sides and a great sports bar helping local firefighters. Visiting the vibrant Ba Kaap with it's colourful homes and local artists, just an all round great day. Thank you Olivia for your friendly company and knowledge.
Dear Michelle, we're absolutely thrilled you enjoyed your Cape Town Culinary Tour! It's wonderful to hear even locals find new value and enjoy exploring our city with us. Olivia will be delighted by your kind words. Thank you for choosing us for your wonderful experience!
Amazing tour to sample the great cuisine of Cape Town and also to learn about its history. Justin is a friendly and knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend!
Good day Deanna, Thank you so much for your kind review! So glad you had a tasty time on tour with our guide Justin your feedback means the world to us. We hope to host you again soon! Have a great day Foodie regards, Elsje
