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: 1 day learn more
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
(297 Ratings)
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Emily_d
Jul 20, 2024
Yummy with a side of history! - Our guide MariAnne was lovely and knowledgable. We loved trying all the different food. Great value for your money, there was so much food, we could barely eat it all. Historical information provided helped us to better understand Cape Town.
Review provided by Viator
Suzanne_h
Jul 14, 2024
Delicious and interesting tour. - The tour was great. Each of the places we visited was very interesting and different, with excellent local food matched to drinks. Justin was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable giving us lots of interesting information about the food, the places and the history of South Africa. Highly recommended, a real highlight of my time in Cape Town.
Review provided by Viator
Faisal_a
Jul 13, 2024
Hidden gems - The toure guide is excellent!! I truly enjoyed the food and the talk as well !! He gave a whole new insight about South African culture and new perspectives. Marco and Zannes fare are hidden gems !
Review provided by Viator
Staceyblack83
Jul 9, 2024
Wonderful day - The tour was well run and our guide Justin was very knowledgeable. The restaurants/locations visited were great and the food was amazing. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Norman_n
Jul 7, 2024
A Taste of Cape Town - Our Cape Town culinary tour was very good. We were introduced to traditional culinary influences, their tastey outcomes and the architecture history housing them. The guides were both enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We would definitely book with them again.
Review provided by Viator
307sahara
Jul 6, 2024
Interesting area - I visited Utopia restaurant and surrounds. Was great. I advise tourist to visit the area and enjoy the colourful surroundings, pay a visit to the Cape Quarter mall, the have an early dinner at Utopia.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gerrick_h
Jul 5, 2024
Great Experience - Absolutely worth it! Our guide was great and very knowledgable. We were running a bit ahead of schedule, so the guide even added an additional stop. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Jhollyday
Jun 29, 2024
Wonderful overview of Cape Town cuisine! - Great tour of various Cape Town restaurants and sights. Justin was an entertaining and informative guide. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leaffans67
Jun 22, 2024
Awesome - What a great tour…Marianne was great and the 4 stops were amazing!! Every stop was unique and gave us a great sample of local food plus our guide gave us local history on the way!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diane_l
Jun 22, 2024
Food tour Bo kapp CapeTown - Marianne was a wonderful tour guide that explained each food stop and neighborhood We had four food and beverage stops.
Review provided by Viator
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