Top Gourmet Experiences In Cape Town

Top Gourmet Experiences In Cape Town

Foodies flock from around the world to visit South Africa, where the cuisine and wine are considered among some of the best in the world, but what exactly is it that makes this destination just so special? While yes it is certainly true that many of the restaurants here offer some of the finest food around, there is also a multitude of other gourmet experiences to be enjoyed that make a visit to South Africa such an interesting and varied trip. So what are the culinary experiences you ought to enjoy on a trip to South Africa?


Visit the Local Markets
One of the best ways to familiarise yourself with the local way of cooking is to visit one of the food markets where you can sample freshly prepared food and purchase ingredients to try your hand at some of the recipes for yourself. There are plenty of great markets to visit in South Africa, with one of our favourites being the V&A Waterfront Food Market, here you can try all manner of foods with there being a wide range of vendors selling everything from cheese and chocolate to street food classics. Another popular option is the award-winning Neighbourgoods Market, also found in Cape Town, at this market over 100 vendors including local farmers, butchers, artisan producers, bakers and many more sell a wide range of delicious goods for your enjoyment.



Try the Local Food
An important part of visiting any destination is trying the local food, and on a trip to South Africa, you simply must make a point of sampling traditional Cape Malay cuisine. Known for its intricate blend of spices, of which turmeric features heavily, this unique style of cooking has its roots in both African and Malaysian cuisine due to the Malaysians brought here from the Dutch East Indies in the 17th and 18th Century. One of the best places to try Cape Malay cuisine is Bo-Kaap, and if the opportunity arises you should certainly take the time to have a cooking lesson so you learn how to recreate the intense flavours back home too.


Go for Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson Hotel
For a sophisticated yet fun experience take some time to enjoy an afternoon tea experience during your stay, and there is arguably no better place to do it than at the famed Mount Nelson Hotel. Nibble on sweet and savoury treats paired with an extensive range of teas and coffee, or even a glass of something more sparkly if the mood strikes; this is a classy affair that will make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. With a stunning location at the foot of Table Mountain, great service and much more to make you feel very looked after, this is sure to be a treasured experience for any foodie visiting South Africa.



Dine at Some of the Top Restaurants
There are plenty of restaurants to satisfy all tastes in South Africa, and a trip to the nation wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the best ones it has to offer. From fine dining at top hotels to laid back lunches out in the wine lands, there are plenty of excellent options that promise you some of the most delicious dishes you will have ever tasted. High on your list to visit should be Catharina’s, an award-winning fine-dining restaurant serving up comfort food with a contemporary twist. Other incredible offerings include Overture located in stunning Stellenbosch where the menu features both refined dishes and traditional meals, and Harbour House where you can dine on seafood dishes as you look out over the beautiful harbour.


Take a Trip to the Wine Regions
South Africa’s wine regions are vast and known for producing some truly great wine as well as being places of immense beauty, so a trip to some of these areas is a must on any visit to the country. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking which regions and estates to visit (check out this short guide if you are feeling slightly overwhelmed) with each having its own appeal. Whether you opt to visit Franschhoek. Stellenbosch, Constantia, or any of the other regions, be sure you enjoy a tour and wine tasting session to truly get the most out of your experience.  



There are so many unique and wonderful gourmet experiences that can be enjoyed in South Africa, for more information on how you can enjoy them for yourself, get in contact with one of our specialists by calling 020 7843 3500 or by emailing info@africatravel.co.uk