Culinary Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
C$161
per adult
Cape Town Culinary Tours
Cape Town Culinary Tours
Cape Town Culinary Tours
5
Cultural ToursHistorical & Heritage ToursWalking ToursFood Tours
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
Full view
About
Some call it tradition, an addiction, a way of their culture but all considered for our team at Cape Town Culinary Tours, coming together for breakfast, lunch, dinner at home, at a pub or fancy restaurant is a way of life. Cape Town Culinary Tours offers an immersive journey through South Africa’s culinary landscape. Combining cultural history, traditional South African flavours and 21st-century culinary experimentation, Cape Town offers a vibrant foodie scene unlike any other. There is no better way to explore the Mother City than with your tastebuds and our team is proudly dedicated to showing you this incredible city’s foodie gems. We look forward to creating memories for you to cherish on this delicious journey called life.
Tours and Tickets by Cape Town Culinary Tours
Pastry Tours
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
C$128
per adult
Wine Tastings
4 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
C$176
per adult
Travellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
373 reviews
Excellent
371
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Riki C
Surrey, UK44 contributions
Mar 2020
Our group consisted of home grown South Africans who thought we knew about Cape Town's history, but what a surprise we were in for, as Justin shared his wealth of local knowledge with us. The food tour was brilliant - very well selected dishes from various countries, carefully explained which gave us a better understanding of the many nationalities who share this amazing city. Thank you Justin for looking after us so well - we hope to see you on another tour next year !
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good afternoon, Goeie dag, Riki
We trust this message is finding you well under the current circumstances.
Justin had such a lovely tour with you all, thank you so much for making us part of your time in Cape Town. It is always such a pleasure to have locals join us on the tours with the same level of love for our city.
Thank you so much for your kind words and review, this means the world to me and Justin as we continue to grow with the industry.
We look forward to hosting you again in 2021, feel free to look us up if you have any travel questions or booking inquiries.
Stay health.
Best regards,
Elsje & Justin
Written March 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
angiebeardsley
Doncaster, UK22 contributions
Jan 2020
The time flew by on this highly enjoyable tour. We sampled delicious food supplemented by culinary and historical information about the city and region. Justin was the perfect guide and host for this fabulous city.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings Angela & Karen
Thank you so much for for joining on a tour with Justin and a big thank you for your kind words and review, it means so much to each one of us. Justin is a great guide and without you, as the guests, our tours would not be possible.
We are so glad that you enjoyed your time with us! We hope to host you again in the near future.
Please keep in touch, keep eating good food.
Kind regards,
Written January 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Apple66
Boston, Massachusetts90 contributions
Dec 2019
I've done a fair number of food tours in other cities, and this was one of the very best. The guide, Justin, was charming, knowledgable and well-organized. We visited a really interesting variety of places, and the quality was top-notch everywhere. We started with a coffee brewing demonstration, had a variety of South African specialties in other places, and ended up at a hip, wonderful place for delightful botanical cocktails and a little dessert with brandy. There was a fair amount of walking involved, but it gave a chance for the guide to provide some history and local color, and for us to work up an appetite between stops. Highly recommended!
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey hey,
thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review, I'm so flattered!
I hope to see you again sometime soon to have more fun chats and yummy food and drink.
Thanks again,
Justin
Written January 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JPHIGH
london23 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Justin,our guide, was excellent.
If there was an app that covered everything in CT (geographical,political,edible,educational,drinkable,geopolitical,ecological,environmental sports,cultural) it should be called “Just Ask Justin” as he knows just about everything.
We had a great tour of parts of CT that we had not seen previously despite many visits. Excellent F&B and things that we had not tried before.
Thoroughly recommend.
If there was an app that covered everything in CT (geographical,political,edible,educational,drinkable,geopolitical,ecological,environmental sports,cultural) it should be called “Just Ask Justin” as he knows just about everything.
We had a great tour of parts of CT that we had not seen previously despite many visits. Excellent F&B and things that we had not tried before.
Thoroughly recommend.
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for making me laugh with your kind review.
While the app is in development you'll just have to settle for me! It was a delight showing you around and answering your questions and being able to expand on your knowledge and love of Cape Town.
Until next time!
Written March 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ben J
Hurden, Switzerland15 contributions
Jan 2022
Incredible tour across ape Town with Eljse, we saw and tried so much, it was made all the better by our guide Elsje who was just incredible fun, passionate and soooo knowledgable.
We tried great coffee and saw how it went from bean to cup! Ate local beautiful cuisine like Bunny Chow and Bobootie. We also tried some local drinks inc some really great wine at a very cool wine store, that we would never of found on our own.
Absolute highlight of our trip! Thanks a million!
We tried great coffee and saw how it went from bean to cup! Ate local beautiful cuisine like Bunny Chow and Bobootie. We also tried some local drinks inc some really great wine at a very cool wine store, that we would never of found on our own.
Absolute highlight of our trip! Thanks a million!
Written February 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ben,
So good to hear from you, apologies for my late reply!!
Thank you so much for the amazing review, it means so much to me and my team!!
It was awesome to host you both and get to spend the day with you
Hope to see you again in Cape Town soon. Keep well and hungry for more.
Kind regards
Elsje
Written March 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian S
Manchester, UK7 contributions
Jan 2020
My wife and I were given this as a Christmas gift prior to leaving the UK so knew nothing about the tour. From the start we were impressed with the guide (justin) and all location and food. Cannot reccomend this highly enough.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Hello Ian
I trust that you are both well?
Thank you so much for your kind words and review, and now knowing that you had no idea what you were getting yourselves into, it makes me even more happy that you have enjoyed your time with us!!
I hope the UK is not too cold and that you will be back in sunny Cape Town soon.
Until we meet again, keep well and eat well.
Best regards to you and your wife.
Kind regards,
Justin
Written January 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian
Cape Town Central, South Africa19 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
Went on the coifee experience tour on Sat 20 March. Had the best time and greatest experience. Learned so much about coffee and how to nake it. Elsje is symply the most dynamic and knowledgeable and warm and friendly person ever. Had the best Sat morning ever
Written March 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Ian
What a pleasure to meet you! I can not thank you, Esti and Liesl enough for joining me on our Cape Town Coffee experience. It is always a pleasure to have locals walk their home town with me and enjoy what Cape Town has to offer.
Thank you for your kind words and appreciation. I am looking forward to hosting you again soon.
Best regards and keep healthy.
Elsje
Written March 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
andrewrice
bluffton, SC163 contributions
Jan 2023
Wow! This operation rocks. They have something for everybody. From coffee, to bobotie, to koesisters, to wine. Oh, and there's a good dose of culture and history thrown in too. Justin has been our guide twice and he is a wealth of great information. Do yourself a favor and take this amazing tour.
Written January 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Andrew,
It was so great taking your group around town (twice!).
Thanks for a lovely review. I'm sure we will see you back in the Cape again soon for more tasty treats!
Until then, happy travels!
Written January 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Philip M
Lindell Beach, Canada105 contributions
Nov 2019
My wife and I were recently in Cape Town. We had booked the Essentials Tour ahead of time. We always like to take a food tour in a new destination shortly on arrival. It gives you a great overview of where you are and always points out additional things that you want to see and do. If you find these things on your last days there, you're likely to miss out on some great adventures. Back to Cape Town Culinary Tours...
we think likely the best food tour we have ever been on! Firstly, Elsje is absolutely vibrant with enthusiasm for food and this city! I understand that she curated this tour and there were many highlights for us. We started off with a lesson on coffee at Origin Coffee. We understand Africa to be the birthplace of coffee, actually Ethiopa. We were treated to a fascinating talk about brewing, roasting and growing coffee. A fabulous shop with an incredible bakery. I bought a loaf of dark sourdough bread made with spent coffee grounds. What a cool flavour! We went on to Cafe Charles and had a wonderful traditional dish there called bobotie. Kind of like Shephard's Pie but with a custard topping and unique Malay spices. Absolutely delicious! We bought the spices to bring home and Elsje shared her grandmother's recipe. Throughout the walking tour, there were many stops to explain the history and culture of the districts we went through. This city has a fascinating story! I'm not going to spoil your tour by telling you all about the food and the different stops but I can't stress enough, go on this tour! We've done many food tours in different countries. This one is not to be missed. It left us with a list of other things to do in our time in Cape Town. Some would have been a pity to miss. Cape Town is a long ways away for us, living in Western Canada. But we will return and take another tour from these wonderful people.
we think likely the best food tour we have ever been on! Firstly, Elsje is absolutely vibrant with enthusiasm for food and this city! I understand that she curated this tour and there were many highlights for us. We started off with a lesson on coffee at Origin Coffee. We understand Africa to be the birthplace of coffee, actually Ethiopa. We were treated to a fascinating talk about brewing, roasting and growing coffee. A fabulous shop with an incredible bakery. I bought a loaf of dark sourdough bread made with spent coffee grounds. What a cool flavour! We went on to Cafe Charles and had a wonderful traditional dish there called bobotie. Kind of like Shephard's Pie but with a custard topping and unique Malay spices. Absolutely delicious! We bought the spices to bring home and Elsje shared her grandmother's recipe. Throughout the walking tour, there were many stops to explain the history and culture of the districts we went through. This city has a fascinating story! I'm not going to spoil your tour by telling you all about the food and the different stops but I can't stress enough, go on this tour! We've done many food tours in different countries. This one is not to be missed. It left us with a list of other things to do in our time in Cape Town. Some would have been a pity to miss. Cape Town is a long ways away for us, living in Western Canada. But we will return and take another tour from these wonderful people.
Written December 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Festive greetings from Cape Town,
Thank you so much, Philip & Cindy, for joining me on the Essentials Food & Drink tour.
It was an absolute pleasure to meet you both and to be able to show you the city which we are so passionate about.
We thank you for your wonderful review, kind words and support, it means the world too us.
I am so very happy that you enjoyed the different locations along with our local food and drink. The city has so much to offer, with the most vibrant people and history to go with it.
We will be sharing your review with the vendors as they would be glad to hear it, so thank you so much.
Looking forward to hosting you again soon in the near future.
Until we meet again, keep well and stay hungry for good food and company.
Kind regards,
Elsje
Written December 13, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MrsAOM
Doncaster, Australia73 contributions
What an amazing day out! Elsje was so informative & knowledgeable about Cape Town food, wine & history and we loved our tour. The cafes, restaurants & the butchers store visited were all top quality, with friendly staff & delicious freshly prepared food.
The walking was easy & a comfortable pace, although there were a number of steep stairs to a rooftop area at one place, and a steep cobblestone street to another so keep that in mind.
The servings of everything were SO GENEROUS! No tiny tastings on this tour, make sure you have a small breakfast as you will be totally full up very quickly.
Excellent value for money and a wonderful way to try food & restaurants you would most likely not find on your own. We can’t stop raving about our day out, thank you Ellie xx
The walking was easy & a comfortable pace, although there were a number of steep stairs to a rooftop area at one place, and a steep cobblestone street to another so keep that in mind.
The servings of everything were SO GENEROUS! No tiny tastings on this tour, make sure you have a small breakfast as you will be totally full up very quickly.
Excellent value for money and a wonderful way to try food & restaurants you would most likely not find on your own. We can’t stop raving about our day out, thank you Ellie xx
Written August 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello hello once again (I have a pretty good idea from who this review is from but won't name any name's)
THANK YOU so so much for this incredible review!!! This is so inspiring for me and my team, your kind words go a long way and grow us as a company, so a BIG thank you.
I will be keeping a lookout for your next visit, or I will pop in to say hi in Australia ;)
Until we meet again, I send my best regards.
Keep well, keep hungry.
Best regards,
Elsje
Written August 20, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
are any of your tours a fit for vegetarians?
Written February 6, 2020
Good day Linda, I trust that you are well.
Both our tours can accommodate Vegetarians, there is only one spot on the Essentials tour that only serves meat as it a Butchery so there you will miss out but all the other spots and tours can accommodate vegetarians.
Please just make a not on the booking as the restaurants need to prepare for the day.
We are looking forward to hosting you.
Kind regards,n
Written February 10, 2020
What are the main differences between the culinary tours you offer? Is one better for the first time visitor to CT? Is one better for a wine lover? Trying to decide! I'll be traveling solo.
Written January 29, 2020
Hi there Shelly
I trust that you are well and thank you for inquiring about our walking food tours.
Please see below a brief break down of the two tours. Both are relevant to visiting cape Town, we just couldn't put them both on one tour as guests would be very tired of all the walking, very full and drunk. :)
I am crazy about both so I do hope this helps otherwise feel free to visit our website's compare page for more details.
1) Cape Town Essentials Tour:
Starts at 10h45 ends at 15h15
Walking distance: 3.5km between 6 restaurants.
All portions are tasting size but guests will be comfortably full after the tour.
Includes coffee tasting, bobotie, African fusion-cuisine paired with champagne, craft beer pairing, biltong and boerewors, and a cheese and wine tasting.
This tour focuses on a variety of different traditions and food cultures in Cape Town around the Bo-Kaap, De Waterkant, Greenpoint, and the V&A Waterfront. Each stop is also an opportunity to learn about the history of the cultures involved; the food and locations always relate back to important aspects of Capetonian heritage, especially about how the different communities developed together. We touch base on the Indian Ocean Slave Trade and Apartheid and how they both played a vital part in local cuisine as well as in the national consciousness of South African culture.
2) Cape Town Food Safari:
Starts at 14h15 ends at 18h15
Walking distance: 3km between 5 restaurants.
All portions involve traditional communal eating but guests will be comfortably full after the tour.
Includes Tanzanian traditional lunch, Senegalese coffee presentation, Ethiopian cuisine, Bunny Chow (Durban curry)/or Gatsby sandwich, and ends with a wine or gin tasting (depending on the day of the week).
This tour focuses on the contributions of different African communities to Cape Town’s culture and cuisine. By engaging with the food and people we will learn about their heritage and the circumstances that brought them to South Africa. We touch base on the City Center's history regarding slavery and apartheid as we make our way through the CBD and end off in Wale street close to the Bo-Kaap.
Feel free to let me know if you have any additional questions or need more information I would be happy to help. Feel free to drop me an email.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind regards,
Elsje
Written January 30, 2020
I'm planning a trip in May 2020. I like the reviews on the culinary tours. Where do you recommend staying in Cape Town?
Written October 8, 2019
Hi there,
Thank you so much for dropping us a question.
Village and Life are creat self-catering units situated in the De Waterkant, Waterfront and Camps Bay.
Lots of my friends stay there when they visit.
Airbnb is great in Cape Town.
Are you looking to stay in a hotel?
Looking forward to hosting you in 2020.
Kind regards,
Written October 8, 2019
Showing results 1-3 of 3
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.