Cape Town Essentials Food Tour: Explore Traditions, History, and Food Cultures

Embark on a captivating food tour in Cape Town, exploring the rich traditions, history, and diverse food cultures. Discover the influence of the Indian Ocean Slave Trade and Apartheid on local cuisine and South African culture. Indulge in delicious food and drink pairings at Bo Kaap Deli, Marcos African Cafe, Cafe Charles, and Fireman’s Arms.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Bo-Kaap - 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.
  • Cape Town - 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.
  • De Waterkant - 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.

  • Foreshore - 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.

What's Included
  • Professional local guide expertise.
  • Non-alcoholic options available.
  • Assorted snacks included.
  • Food and drink tastings.
  • Tea and coffee served.
  • Educational history tour.
  • Alcoholic beverages provided.
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Transportation to/from tour.
Additional Information

Embark on a culinary adventure at Bo Kaap Deli, where you’ll start with a refreshing local beverage and meet your knowledgeable guide and fellow food lovers. Stroll through Bo Kaap’s vibrant, colorful houses, soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Next, step back in time to Heritage Square, established in 1771. Here, prepare your taste buds for a delightful experience at the charming Zannes Fare, famous for serving the best Bobotie and Bubbles in town.

Our journey continues to Marcos African Cafe, where you’ll savor an African platter featuring traditional meats and vegetables, paired with a ceremonial African drink.

We’ll then head to Fireman’s Arms, one of South Africa’s oldest bars. Here, you’ll sample a tasting-size Bunny Chow and Malva pudding, perfectly complemented by your choice of a local craft gin or beer, rounding off your flavourful journey.

Note that while we endeavour to keep our tasting details up to date, they are subject to change anytime due to operational changes.

  • 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.
Location
Bokaap Deli
Church Street
Our tour meets at Bo Kaap Deli. It is situated in an old blue building on the corner of Rose and Church Street. Our group will be ready to go promptly at 12:00pm, so please do let us know if you happen to be running a couple of minutes late.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(310 Ratings)
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Peach1974
Oct 1, 2024
Justin has excellent knowledge of Cape Town history and food. - This was an excellent tour with great company. Justin certainly had great knowledge about the local history of the area and took us to some wonderful food places, making this an enjoyable afternoon. I would definitely recommend this tour, we did it the day after we landed, so we got a feel for the local cusine early on.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daytrip402147
Sep 27, 2024
Great food, unique places, lots of fun - Elsje brought us to so many unique places with great food and shared her wealth of knowledge about the food and history. A truly memorable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_d
Sep 27, 2024
Fantastic experience! - What a fantastic few hours spent with Elsje! The tour was so relaxed, great vibes. We took in 4 fantastic local spots, off the beaten track, and 1 extra unplanned coffee stop in one of Cape Town's best coffee shops. Start to finish, Elsje was amazing - so knowledgable, good fun and overall made the experience great for everyone. We're not overly picky eaters, but we're definitely not adventurous, but this tour was very doable for us and a great way to try foods we might never think of ordering in a restaurant. Go and do this, it's absolutely worth it!
Review provided by Viator
Lawtarheel
Sep 19, 2024
Excellent food tour with Marianne - Marianne was an amazing guide - personable and very knowledgeable about the food and history of the area.
Review provided by Viator
Fiona
Sep 15, 2024
Thoroughly recommended - We have just finished an excellent food tour with Justin, who I cannot praise highly enough as a guide. He was both knowledgeable and passionate about the food and wine of the Cape and grounded every dish in its historical and political context. And he was funny. Altogether a great afternoon spent with a lovely group of people and the bonus of a richer understanding of the area, the food and its people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisa_m
Sep 13, 2024
Good food and interesting tour - Marianne our guide was a fount of knowledge with a great sense of humour and a clear love of the country and the food we enjoyed. Each of the four places we visited was great in its own way. Would recommend if you want to experience a bit of history and some dishes you might not try otherwise.
Review provided by Viator
Peter_d
Sep 11, 2024
Excellent tour, food and stories! - Had a wonderful day exploring the local area in Cape Town with Mariana. Starting at the Bo Kaap Deli we enjoyed some lovely Roobois Tea and Cape Malay Koesisters. We wandered the streets, hearing stories of the history of the people of Cape Town and South Africa. Next we visited a local hotel and had a typical Indian influenced Curry with Yellow Rice , Sambal, Chutney and Pickled Mango. Then onto a full African Restaurant having Ostrich, Springbok, Polenta, Sweet Potato and Red Beans. Also had some authentic Sorghum and Polenta fermented beer. Lastly, we enjoyed stewed Lamb stuffed bread with Sambal and pappadum. Everything was wonderful!
Review provided by Viator
Anniefi3739qd
Sep 10, 2024
Yum yum yum - Yum yum yum! Loved our food tour with Marianne - very personable and knowledgeable. She made us feel very welcome and the food was great! 10/10 recommend!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C8566qephils
Aug 29, 2024
Highly recommended food tour with excellent guide. - As veterans of many a food tour this rated really highly. Justin was an excellent guide and the venues were also very good in terms of the food itself and the history associated with them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracie_b
Sep 15, 2024
Good - The tour guide was very personable and passionate. She did an excellent job explaining Afrikan culture. The food was good and the variety was great.
Review provided by Viator
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