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Food and drink Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town Historic Centre Food Tour with 15 Local Dishes and Wine

5.0 (11 reviews) 3 h 30 min Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Cape Town Historic Centre Food Tour with 15 Local Dishes and Wine

About this activity

Forget the tourist traps, let’s eat like locals! On this immersive Cape Town food tour, we dive into the colorful soul of the Bo-Kaap, where the aromatic spices of the Cape Malay community meet the sizzle of a traditional South African braai.

Led by a passionate local guide, you’ll navigate cobblestone streets and hidden back alleys that guidebooks miss. We’ve curated 6 unique stops that tell the story of the Rainbow Nation. You’ll learn the authentic art of eating pap with your hands, savor comforting street food favorites, and discover how Dutch, British, and indigenous African flavors fused into one of the world’s most exciting food scenes.

From vibrant markets to tucked-away gems, you’ll meet the artisans keeping these traditions alive. We’ll even share our legendary Secret Dish, a surprise kept strictly off-menu that captures the essence of the Mother City. Come hungry; you’ll leave with a full stomach and the inside track on the city’s best eats.

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Walking Tours Culinary Tours Street Food Tours Small Group Likely To Sell Out Spring Break

At a glance

Duration
3 h 30 min
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 14 people
People per booking
1–14
Guide
English
Operated by
Secret Food Tours

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–100 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Boerewors roll an Afrikaans Braai classic
  • Included: Maheu - A creamy maize drink
  • Included: Pap, Chakalaka, and assorted African vegetable and meat stews
  • Included: Water and soft drinks available
  • Included: 3 local Cape wines paired with cheese and meats
  • Included: Banana bread & Bunny Chow
  • Included: Fried Samosas and Daltjie with spicy dipping sauce
  • Included: Koeksister - Local doughnut with coconut icing
  • Included: Rooibos Tea
  • Included: Nqomboti - A homemade maize beer from SA and Zimbabwe
  • Included: A local IPA beer
  • Included: Local cheese, charcturerie homeade bread and oil

Not included

  • Not included: Gratuity for your guide
  • Not included: Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Itinerary

  1. Bo-kaap

    45 min

    Walk through the iconic, brightly colored houses of the Bo-Kaap (formerly the Malay Quarter). Your guide will share the history of the Cape Malay community while you stop to taste traditional snacks like spicy samosas or sweet koesisters, offering a true immersion into this vibrant heritage.

  2. Company's Gardens

    35 min

    Wander through this lush botanical oasis, originally established in the 1650s to provide fresh produce for passing ships. Explore the park's natural beauty and European architectural influences, stopping to feed the local squirrels and discover the oldest cultivated pear tree in South Africa.

  3. Greenmarket Square

    30 min

    Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of one of Cape Town's oldest public squares. Beyond the vibrant African art, hand-painted textiles, and unique souvenirs, we will hunt for hidden culinary gems where you can sample authentic flavors from across the continent in the heart of the city.

  4. Stop 4

    40 min

    Step inside the quiet, elegant courtyard of one of the city's most prestigious historic buildings. Here, we reveal a "hidden secret" of Cape Town's past before settling in for a curated, unhurried tasting of premium South African wines, expertly paired with local cheeses and artisanal charcuterie.

  5. Stop 5

    30 min

    Conclude your journey on the city’s premier foodie strip. While it's known for its trendy nightlife, we head to a tranquil, artisanal shop to witness the craft of chocolate-making. Indulge in a decadent, handcrafted treat that serves as the perfect sweet ending to your urban exploration.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • We start in front of the Ziko Bo-Kaap Museum

End point

  • Cape Town Heritage Hotel & Spa

    Your guide will leave you safely at a location you can continue exploring, call a taxi or take any needed transport.

Using your ticket

  • We kindly ask our guests to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure time to check-in with their guide.
  • Our Secret Food Tours Guide will have an orange umbrella at the meeting point for easy recognition.
  • Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.
  • This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
  • We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance.
  • Gratuities to guides providing excellent service are appreciated.
  • The Legal minimum age for drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
  • Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can

  • This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.

  • We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance.

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 11 reviews
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Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Cape Town Historic Centre Food Tour with 15 Local Dishes and Wine

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