Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
1. Bobotie
A flavorful spiced meat pie made with minced meat, fruit, and almonds. Experience this traditional dish at the Old Biscuit Mill Market in Woodstock.
- Authentic Flavor: Bobotie is a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.
- Historical Significance: Bobotie has roots dating back to the Malay slaves brought to South Africa in the 17th century.
- Community Atmosphere: The Old Biscuit Mill Market offers a vibrant, social setting to enjoy this dish.
2. Boerewors Roll
A tasty roll filled with spicy boerewors sausage, onions, and sauce. Grab one at the V&A Waterfront's Seafood Bar & Grill.
- Spicy Delight: Boerewors roll offers a spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Convenient Location: The V&A Waterfront is a popular tourist destination with easy access to other attractions.
- Variety of Choices: Seafood Bar & Grill offers multiple options for boerewors rolls, including vegetarian choices.
3. Malva Pudding
A sweet dessert made from a sponge pudding with apricot jam and a creamy caramel sauce. Try it at The Foodbarn.
- Sweet Indulgence: Malva Pudding is a delightful dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth.
- Culinary Excellence: The Foodbarn is renowned for its exceptional quality and innovative dishes.
- Relaxed Environment: The Foodbarn offers a tranquil setting perfect for savoring this delicious dessert.
4. Kaap Agter-Paarl Boerewors
Authentic boerewors sausage made with farm-raised beef and traditional spices. Visit the Kaap Agter-Paarl Farm Stall in Paarl for a true South African experience.
- Quality Meat: Kaap Agter-Paarl uses farm-raised beef for its fresh and flavorful boerewors.
- Rural Atmosphere: The farm stall is located in the heart of a beautiful wine valley, providing a serene setting.
- Hands-on Experience: Visitors can watch as the boerewors is made fresh daily.
5. Gatsby
A long, filled roll stuffed with chips, polony, and a variety of other ingredients. Savor this Cape Town classic at the Gatsby Corner in Mitchells Plain.
- Unique Fusion: Gatsby offers a unique blend of flavors and textures in one filling roll.
- Street Food Vibe: The Gatsby Corner has a vibrant, lively atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Cape Town street food.
- Affordable Price: Gatsby offers a large and filling meal at an affordable price.
6. Crayfish
Delicious crayfish is best enjoyed at Kalk Bay's Harbour House. This seafood delicacy is a must-try for seafood lovers.
- Fresh Seafood: Harbour House uses only the freshest crayfish, caught locally.
- Stunning Views: The restaurant offers breathtaking views of Kalk Bay harbor and the ocean.
- Seasonal Availability: Crayfish season runs from November to April, so plan your visit accordingly.
7. Rooibos Tea Ice Cream
Savor the earthy flavor of Rooibos tea transformed into a cool, creamy ice cream. Try it at The Milkbar in Sea Point.
- Local Ingredient: Rooibos tea is native to South Africa and gives this ice cream a unique flavor.
- Creative Flavors: The Milkbar offers a variety of creative ice cream flavors, including Rooibos Tea.
- Artisanal Quality: The Milkbar uses traditional methods to create high-quality ice cream.
8. Bunny Chow
A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry. Taste this iconic dish at the legendary Newscafe in Durbanville.
- Spicy Curry: Bunny Chow is a flavorful, filling meal that will satisfy your curry cravings.
- Rich History: Newscafe has been serving Bunny Chows since the 1970s and is a beloved institution in Durbanville.
- Variety of Curries: Newscafe offers multiple curry options to suit your taste preferences.
9. Peri-peri Chicken
Spicy and flavorful peri-peri chicken is best enjoyed at Nando's in the V&A Waterfront. This popular dish can be found worldwide, but Cape Town is its home.
- Flavorful Marinade: Nando's peri-peri marinade gives the chicken a unique, mouthwatering flavor.
- Convenient Location: The V&A Waterfront is easily accessible and offers numerous other attractions.
- Multiple Spice Levels: Nando's offers a range of spice levels to cater to all taste preferences.
10. Cape Malay Curry
A fragrant and flavorful curry made with a blend of spices, vegetables, and meat. Enjoy this culinary treasure at The Bo Kaap Kombuis in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood.
- Taste of Culture: Cape Malay Curry showcases the rich cultural history of Cape Town.
- Authentic Setting: The Bo Kaap Kombuis is located in the heart of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, where the dish originated.
- Wide Variety: The restaurant offers multiple curry dishes to explore.
11. Koeksisters
Crispy, syrupy pastry sticks that are a sweet treat you won't want to miss. Try them at the Bo-Kaap's Cape Malay Deli.
- Traditional Treat: Koeksisters have been enjoyed in Cape Town for centuries.
- Authentic Flavor: The Bo-Kaap's Cape Malay Deli uses traditional recipes to create these tasty treats.
- Colorful Atmosphere: The vibrant colors and lively setting of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood make for a memorable experience.
12. Gatsby Burger
A hearty burger stacked with a variety of toppings, including chips. Try it at the legendary Gatsby Corner in Mitchells Plain.
- Unique Combination: The Gatsby Burger offers a unique twist on the classic burger.
- Street Food Vibe: The Gatsby Corner has a vibrant, lively atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Cape Town street food.
- Affordable Price: The Gatsby Burger offers a large and filling meal at an affordable price.
13. Greek-style Calamari
Crispy, tender calamari served with tzatziki sauce. Savor this dish at Kalk Bay's Harbour House.
- Fresh Seafood: Harbour House uses only the freshest calamari, caught locally.
- Stunning Views: The restaurant offers breathtaking views of Kalk Bay harbor and the ocean.
- Greek Influence: The Greek-style preparation adds a unique twist to this popular dish.
14. Breidie & Koeksisters
A traditional Cape Malay breakfast featuring bread and koeksisters. Experience this meal at the Bo-Kaap's Cape Malay Deli.
- Cultural Taste: Breidie & Koeksisters provide a taste of the rich cultural history of Cape Town.
- Authentic Setting: The Bo-Kaap's Cape Malay Deli is located in the heart of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, where the dish originated.
- Warm Hospitality: The Cape Malay Deli offers warm hospitality and friendly service.
15. Bunny Chow Burger
A unique twist on a classic burger, with the bun replaced by a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy curry. Try it at the legendary Newscafe in Durbanville.
- Spicy Curry: The Bunny Chow Burger offers a flavorful, filling meal that will satisfy your curry cravings.
- Rich History: Newscafe has been serving Bunny Chows since the 1970s and is a beloved institution in Durbanville.
- Creative Take: The Bunny Chow Burger offers a creative twist on the traditional Bunny Chow dish.