We’re back for another check-in on our South African pitstops feature – this time we’re visiting the city most famous for its mountain – Cape Town. But the mother city has much more to offer travellers than mere scenic beauty – it’s also a world-renowned gourmet destination.
Cape Town – the no.1 foodie destination
Cape Town was recently named number one in the “Top Cities in Africa and the Middle East” category in the Travel and Leisure 2016 World’s Best Awards. It was also rated number 1 in Condé Nast’s “The Best Food Cities in the World”, followed by Dubai in number 2 position and Hong Kong in number 3. Cape Town was also voted the “best city in the world” by the UK Telegraph readers who names South Africa amongst their three favourite countries alongside New Zealand and the Maldives.
Why is Cape Town such a popular culinary hub?
The general consensus of all the top travel and gourmet magazines is that Cape Town dining is a world-class and truly memorable experience combining the freshest ingredients, breath-taking views, beautiful décor and world-class wines.
Cape Town also features The Test Kitchen which was recently placed in the top 50 best restaurants in a list created from the votes of The Diners Club World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy which consists of almost 1 000 international leaders in the restaurant community. Last year La Colombe in Constantia rose into the 76th position of the top 100 restaurants in the world.
The exquisiteness Cape Town food is one needn’t have a huge entertainment budget to enjoy it, it’s accessible to everyone – visitors and locals alike. South Africa’s weak rand and the fact that Cape Town currently has the 21st biggest Airbnb market in the world, makes it a popular destination for travellers who wish to enjoy the best food the world has to offer at a fraction of the price they would pay at home.
So where do people who want to delight their taste buds go in Cape Town and surrounds?
Top foodie hangouts in Cape Town and surrounds
Bree Street in the CBD
Bree Street has become a favourite for people looking to enjoy the local buzz and beautiful food. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants catering for all tastes from gourmet cheese to burgers with food from all nationalities represented including Peruvian, Italian and Spanish. Mixed amongst this you’ll find great smoothies, fantastic coffee and hearty pub grub.
Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay has an atmosphere and pace all of its own and offers food lovers a range of eating experiences, including some closely guarded secrets. Fast becoming one of Cape Town’s trendiest seaside villages, Kalk Bay serves up a wide range of delectable seafood, with the most popular spot being Kalkies, named as a “quintessential” Cape Town attraction by Condé Nast when they named their award of Cape Town as the Number 1 food destination in the world.
The Bo-Kaap
The Bo-Kaap is an area of Cape Town previously known as the Malay Quarter, which features a wide range of restaurants offering mouth-watering food to fit any budget or taste. Visit it to sample traditional Malay Cuisine as well as African and Xhosa cuisine like Ulwimi (steamed ox tongue in a mustard sauce).
Woodstock
Woodstock is home to the Old Biscuit Mill where talented people come together to taste, sample and share some of the finest food in the world. The Neighbourgoods Market on Saturday was started by Justin Rhodes and Cameron Munro in 2006 and has become a weekly extravaganza of local foods, handcrafted cheese, sausage, wine, beer and more. The Old Biscuit Mill is also home to the world-famous Test Kitchen started by chef Luke Dale-Roberts in 2010.
Franschhoek
The Franschhoek valley, situated around 40 minutes outside Cape Town’s CBD is famous for its food and wine festival and for featuring some of South Africa’s top restaurants. Showcasing many of the world’s most acclaimed wine estates, it is a paradise for travellers wishing to pair their food with the finest wines. The area is also famous for producing hand-turned sparkling wines in the French style called Cap Classique. The town’s main road is lined with restaurants and there are many tasty handcrafted delights to be sampled including chocolate, cheese and salmon trout.
The brief overview of Cape Town’s culinary enchantment just scratches the surface of all this amazing city has to offer the discerning and whole-hearted food lover. Next time you’re visiting, take your time to explore and enjoy the world-class local flavours.