Cape Town Essentials Tour

Come experience some of Cape Town's most delicious quarters, from Bo-kaap to De Waterkant.

Embark on a mesmerizing gourmet adventure through two of Cape Town’s distinct and culturally significant areas, each with its own rich history and impact on our daily lives, spanning from the 1760s until the present day. Don’t miss the chance to tap into our local guides’ extensive knowledge and let us introduce you to the most mouthwatering parts of Cape Town.

Quick Facts

Includes 4 food tastings plus 3 local alcoholic drinks. Come hungry.
Tours begins at 12:00pm, is 4hrs in duration, and runs rain or shine.
Photography Highly Encouraged.
Family friendly however all guests over 3 years of age require their own ticket.

What Our Customers Say About Us

261 reviews on tripadvisor

Must do! - Our guide Justin was excellent- he had an amazing knowledge of Cape Town history and culture. Each stop in the food tour was integrated into the history of this amazing city, and the food and drinks- from cape Malay dishes to gourmet coffees and guns were all both delicious and a great way to get to know the mother city that bit better.

Steveco9
August 7, 2022
This was our first time doing a food tour and I must say we loved every minute. The tour started at at Origins coffee roasting shop, I learned so much about coffee and got to taste fresh coffee beans and had a delicious Pasteis de Nata.
Our second stop was at the cutest African restaurant called Cafe Charles where we had bobotie with rice and some tasty bubbly, it was so delicious. Our tour guide Justin gave us an amazing download on the history of Capetown. Our third stop was at an Irish pub called The Fireman’s Arms we had a flight of beer and a nice meal there. Again everything was delicious and Justin provided more history on the Cape. Our last stop was at this place called Misfits By The Ideas where we tasted a flight of Inverroche gin and had a delicious variety of ice creams to top off the day. Before we parted ways Justin gave everyone a seasoning pack and recipe for bobotie. Not sure when I’ll be brave enough to try cooking it, but it was definitely a nice and thoughtful add to the trip.
If you are debating about booking, don’t hesitate, just book it, you won’t be disappointed. Justin and his team will make your day!

kreneebw
February 4, 2023
Phenomenal tour - One of our favorite parts of our 3 week trip to Cape Town. Highly recommend this tour early in your trip to acquaint yourself with local history and culture. Ask for Justin, who was a fount of knowledge and an in incredible guide. He caters to your personal preferences and his love of SA shows in his attention to detail.

cbaumgart34
April 21, 2022
This is more than a food tour, but, trust me, the food is highly varied and outstanding. This tour truly finds the heart of Cape Town cuisine and give you an introduction. It was all great, and to me, the highlight was the food at the Vasco de Gama taverna. The wings, the beef, and the chorizo were so flavorful. I have a friend coming in from the States, and that’s where I’m going to bring him for real Capetonian “pub” fare.

But more than the food, you’ll be immersed in Cape Town and South African history, culture, Justin is a font of knowledge in these areas. Coming from the US, it’s a great introduction to the incredible complex country that is SA today.

This is a valuable and enriching CPT experience on all levels.

Neil P
November 9, 2022
Tasty Foodie Experience - This was an AMAZING experience ... one that I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Not only was the food delicious, but the experience was also great. Well done to Elsje and her team!

KajD
April 13, 2022
We had a fantastic experience with our tour guide, Justin. He was super amazing. His knowledge about the cuisine, culture, architecture and infrastructure was amazing.
It was so much fun, way more than we had anticipated.
We also enjoyed the fact that they made sure we had a customized experience, and they were so sweet to make it a special couple experience.
It was also lovely how we walked through to all the spots, something we would not ordinarily have done without Justin’s guidance in a new place.
They went over and beyond our expectations! Keep up the great work!

Stephrui
January 19, 2023
Great Experience - Awesome morning out doing a coffee tour, highly recommend any of the tours for some great knowledge and history of all things Cape Town and African. thanks Justin

T3115EUsteveh
July 25, 2022
So much fun! - We are in agreement with all the other reviews .Justin is AWESOME!!! It was just us with him and he made us feel like I stand friends! We had so much fun and had an awesome afternoon learning some Capetown and SA history while learning about the food and wine of this amazing country. Take the half day to spend with Justin.you won’t regret it!

Also the communication with Elsje was very friendly and welcoming.

sunnyarbormom
December 18, 2022
We loved it! I went with my husband and we really enjoyed it, everything was delicious and we learned a lot of history and interesting facts of Cape Town. Justin our guide was so kind and fun, and we thank him for sharing the love he has for his city and its food.

pattgu008
January 29, 2023
Perhaps the best way to get to know Cape Town! - 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.

andrewrice
January 29, 2023

What to Expect

Your culinary journey begins at Bo Kaap Deli, where a local refreshment awaits and your experienced guide introduces you to an intimate circle of fellow culinary enthusiasts. Wander amidst Bo Kaap’s vibrant, colourful houses, immersing yourself in the charm of the area.

Continuing on, to the Heritage Square dating back to 1771. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful experience at the charming Zannes Fare, renowned for serving the best Bobotie in town. Pair this delectable dish with local bubbles as you savour the stories and ambiance of the area.

Our next stop is Marcos African Cafe, where you’ll indulge in an African platter featuring traditional meats and vegetables, accompanied by a tasting of a ceremonial African drink.

Our journey takes us further to Fireman’s Arms, one of South Africa’s oldest bars, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a tasting-size Bunny Chow and Malva pudding. Complementing these flavoursome treats, you can choose a local craft gin or beer to complete your tasting experience.

This tour is family-friendly and offers accommodations for vegetarians and those preferring non-alcoholic alternatives. Don’t miss the chance to tap into our local guides’ extensive knowledge and let us introduce you to the most mouthwatering parts of Cape Town.

We look forward to welcoming you to an unforgettable culinary adventure in Cape Town!

FAQ

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, all tickets must be purchased in advance. To maximize your chances of getting the day, time, and number of tickets you prefer, please book well in advance as spots fill up quickly. Tickets can be purchased using any major credit card and you will receive instant confirmation upon booking. Cash and/or walk-up traffic the day of the tours are not accepted.

Does the tour operate in in climate weather?

Our experiences are held rain or shine. In the event of blustery weather, we will be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. However, we advise to check the weather conditions for your days event and dress appropriately. If we believe the weather will significantly jeopardize the quality of your experience, we will offer you plenty of notice in the event of a cancellation.

Do we only walk around and sample food?

Absolutely not! Our tours combine architectural commentary, historical facts, local culture and culinary insight into a unique experience. Imagine walking through Cape Town eating our local artisans most delicious foods while learning the neighborhoods from real locals. Let us show you how easy it is to fall in love with Cape Town!

Does the tour come in other languages?

Yes! While our tours are offered daily in English, we also offer tours in Afrikaans by request. Please contact our team for more details.

What if I have dietary restrictions and allergies?

We do our best to accommodate your dietary and allergy needs. As long as we are given advance notice at the time you book your experience, we can arrange for alternative tastings as best we can. At this time, we are unable to accommodate vegetarian and gluten-free diets. You are absolutely more than welcome to join us on the tour, just keep in mind that there may be some tastings that you may have to avoid. Should you have any questions, please reach out to our operations team directly.

What happens if I need to cancel?

We understand that plans can change and therefor, we offer a 100% refund up to 14 days prior to your tour date, minus any credit card processing fees already paid. Should you need to cancel within 14 days, but at least 48 hours from your tour, we can offer a date exchange to any date int he future. Cancellations within 48 hours are subject to a 100% cancellation fee as our our vendor partners have already begun preparing your experience.