Explore African cuisine with a food safari in the Mother City!
Whether you are a local or a traveller in Cape Town, the Africa Food Safari by Cape Town Culinary Tours will definitely be an amazing experience of discovery with many of the city’s hidden foodie gems included in an informative city walk & tour.
The African Food Safari embarks on a three and a half hour long journey with six delicious stops along the way. The incredibly knowledgeable guide, Elsje, made the walk between the stops interesting and entertaining, making the tour not only about exploring African food but also getting to know the rich history and heritage of Cape Town.
If you’d like to book your spots on an African Food Safari with Cape Town Culinary Tours, make sure to include the code FBCT2019 during check-out to receive a 20% discount.
Stop 1. MEETING POINT – AUTHENTIC TANZANIAN CUISINE
What better place to meet than the perfectly named Meeting Point. A charming and welcoming Tanzanian restaurant on Strand street. The restaurant had a delightful coconut fragrance which makes you hungry as soon as you step in. We were welcomed with a Tanzanian feast prepared with love and care by Rose, the chef, who came to the table to introduce us to the mouth-watering dishes she prepared. Coconut rice, pap, chappati, beef stews and vegetable dishes all flavour packed and deliciously filling…no better way to start a culinary an African food journey.
Stop 2. MADAM TAITOU – ETHIOPIAN CUISINE
Next stop, ETHIOPIA!
Madam Taitou is a piece of Addis in the middle of Cape Town. The space is an art gallery full of rare African artefacts and vintage items. If you seek a relaxed and intimate atmosphere on the buzzing Long Street, Madam Taitou is the place.
We were served an intensely aromatic traditional Injera plate. The injera is made fresh everyday and is arguably the best you can have in Cape Town as their ingredients are sourced directly from Ethiopia. Every single item on the plate was a flavour bomb on its own and they combined amazingly to bring out the best notes of each other.
Words cannot describe how unique and interesting Madam Taitou is. It’s the only place on Long Street where you can dine in a Tree house and an absolute must see when visiting Cape Town.
Stop 3. KHADIM’S COFFEE SHOP – SENEGALESE CUISINE
Only a stone’s throw away, we walk from the east coast of Africa to the west coast. Hopping from country to country in only a few steps. We go up a narrow set of stairs well hidden on the corner of the busy Long Street and the artsy Church Street.
Little did we know we were about to be part of the most unique coffee experience at Khadim’s Coffee Shop, where we found Senegal’s best kept secret. It consists of a mixture of ground dark roast coffee and Touba, also known as guinea pepper. Khadim gave us an insightful explanation on the coffee and its preparation. We were also lucky to witness his skillful coffee pouring techniques that made this experience even more fun.
If you like coffee with a kick, it’s a must try!
Stop 4. EASTERN FOOD BAZAAR – INDIAN AND ASIAN FOOD
Eastern Food Bazaar is a culinary institution in Cape Town, serving a wide variety of food at an affordable price.
We went there for a 100% South African dish that originates from Durban, the famous Bunny chow. A hollowed loaf of bread filled to the rim with any curry of your choice. Elsje narrated one of the many local myths about the creation of the bunny chow, dating back to first Indian workers who came to Kwazulu-Natal.
Come hungry as we were full up halfway through a single bunny chow.
Stop 5. CITY WALK
Between the stops, we were expertly guided through the rich cultural heritage and history of Cape Town by Elsje. As we strolled through each street, the architecture and the landmarks, Elsje explained everything with her passion and made us appreciate the Mother City even more. From the busy Green Market Square to the famous Wale street, while zigzagging in the labyrinth that is the city centre, we saw it all and became much more knowledgeable in the process.
Stop 6. HONEST CHOCOLATE
Do you have a sweet tooth?
Even if you don’t, Honest Chocolate will amaze and tempt you to give in to your deepest chocolate cravings. Everything is crafted in store, from the rich truffles to the decadent brownies and tarts. They even have chocolate figurines of local politicians!
Besides being a chocoholic’s paradise, Honest Chocolate has a secret spot loved by locals hidden at the back. The Secret Gin Bar which serves premium gins and beautiful cocktails which you need to try.
Stop 7. OPEN WINE
A trip to Cape Town isn’t really a trip to Cape Town without wine tasting.
After selecting some gourmet chocolate truffles, we headed to Open Wine. An oenophile’s haven on the bustling Wale Street, Open Wine showcases proudly South African wines with an Italian flair. We made ourselves comfortable in the lounge, a cosy and warm little room with a large open street-facing window. Marta, one of the owners offered us two divine wines and expertly introduced us to their characteristics and profiles.
A perfect end to a perfect tour which I can only highly recommend. You’ll get to explore a wide variety of different African cuisines while getting to know our beautiful Mother City and its rich heritage in a 3.5 hour walking tour that is extremely fun and interactive.
You can book your spots on the next tour right here.
P.S.: Restaurants are subject to change due to the season, public holidays and weekends.
