The Flavours to Freedom Tour
A Culinary Journey through the dark history of Cape Town!
Taste the untold stories of Cape Town’s past on a culinary journey through its dark legacy of slavery, colonization, apartheid, and racial oppression. Explore how food became both a tool of oppression and an act of resistance, with flavours shaped by forced migration and survival. Walk the streets where history unfolded, savour dishes with deep-rooted significance, and engage in conversations that challenge, inform, and inspire. This is more than a food tour—it’s a reckoning with history, one bite at a time!
Quick Facts
- Deliciousness Guaranteed. 4 tastings locations included in tour price.
- Tours begin at 14:00 and are 4hrs in duration.
- Photography Highly Encouraged.
- Max 12 guests per tour. Min 2 guests to operate.
- The tour concludes a 15-minute walk from the V&A Waterfront, though we recommend using local transport options such as Uber for added convenience.
- Experiences run Monday to Saturday, rain, shine. Please dress accordingly.
- Gluten free, vegetarian and alcohol free options available. Please specify when booking.
- Family friendly however all guests 3 and older will require their own ticket.
- Restaurant gratuities and taxes included. Guide gratuities graciously accepted.
- Price includes all taxes and fees.
What Our Customers Say About Us
261 reviews on tripadvisor
- Matthew G
A great taste of Cape Town - First off Elsje was amazing since we had to rebook this tour 3 times due to the pandemic. Very flexible and accommodating, which was really appreciated. The tour was great. Not just the food and drink but an overall informative experience learning about Cape Town. Our guide Justin was on point with everything. I am not even a coffee drinker but enjoyed the coffee at Origins. My wife and I learned so much about coffee including how it is made decaffeinated. The food at Cafe Charles was very good, especially the Bobotie, which we look forward to making ourselves with the spice kit we were given when we get home. The pairing with the sparkling Sauvignon Blanc was perfect. The next stop was fun, casual, sports bar vibe - The Fireman's Arms. Here we enjoyed 3 different types of beer and the food of choice for us was the Cornish inspired puff pie. Good sports talk with Justin here. The last stop was at the Misfits the by Ideas Cartel for a gin tasting. My wife isn't a gin drinker but did like the varieties that didn't have the "piney" taste. The most unique part of this was that each gin was paired with a homemade ice cream. All the ice creams were good, but the basil ice cream is a must. Justin then took us to a Biltong shop where sampled and purchased some Biltong before ending our day. Excellent way to learn some about Cape Town and experience a variety of their food culture. 
August 3, 2022
What to Expect
Taste the untold stories of Cape Town’s past on a culinary journey through its dark legacy of slavery, colonization, apartheid, and racial oppression. Explore how food became both a tool of oppression and an act of resistance, with flavours shaped by forced migration and survival. Walk the streets where history unfolded, savour dishes with deep-rooted significance, and engage in conversations that challenge, inform, and inspire. This is more than a food tour—it’s a reckoning with history, one bite at a time.
The experience begins in the Company’s Garden, where guests enjoy two indigenous teas paired with a traditional Hertzoggie and a savoury bite made from locally sourced ingredients. Against the backdrop of Cape Town’s oldest cultivated land, the story unfolds from the indigenous Khoisan people to the impact of the Spice Route, European colonization, and the beginning of the slave trade. Stops at St. George’s Cathedral, the Slave Lodge, and Groot Kerk offer deeper insight into the city’s foundations.
Next we pass through historic city streets, where our story shifts to colonial history and the lives of the enslaved people who shaped the city’s culture. A stoop for a carefully curated platter showcases flavours from South Africa and neighbouring African nations, illustrating the continent’s culinary connections. Here we will sample a local beer or soft drink while discussing the influence of African cultures, the legacy of slavery, and the path toward apartheid.
Later, a South African favourite, the boerie roll with chakalaka, is served alongside wine or beer, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. The conversation turns to the city’s transformation during and after apartheid, highlighting the significance of Heritage Day and Cape Town’s resilience.
We end our journey with a tasting of locally distilled gin, a handcrafted chocolate bonbon, and a savoury bite of biltong or olives. The final discussion reflects on the repurposing of historic buildings, the empowerment of local communities, and the role of Fynbos in modern Cape cuisine. This journey through Cape Town’s history, told through its food, offers a thought-provoking and immersive experience for those interested in the dark and troubling history that makes modern South Africa what it is today.
The experience begins in the Company’s Garden, where guests enjoy two indigenous teas paired with a traditional Hertzoggie and a savoury bite made from locally sourced ingredients. Against the backdrop of Cape Town’s oldest cultivated land, the story unfolds from the indigenous Khoisan people to the impact of the Spice Route, European colonization, and the beginning of the slave trade. Stops at St. George’s Cathedral, the Slave Lodge, and Groot Kerk offer deeper insight into the city’s foundations.
Next we pass through historic city streets, where our story shifts to colonial history and the lives of the enslaved people who shaped the city’s culture. A stoop for a carefully curated platter showcases flavours from South Africa and neighbouring African nations, illustrating the continent’s culinary connections. Here we will sample a local beer or soft drink while discussing the influence of African cultures, the legacy of slavery, and the path toward apartheid.
Later, a South African favourite, the boerie roll with chakalaka, is served alongside wine or beer, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. The conversation turns to the city’s transformation during and after apartheid, highlighting the significance of Heritage Day and Cape Town’s resilience.
We end our journey with a tasting of locally distilled gin, a handcrafted chocolate bonbon, and a savoury bite of biltong or olives. The final discussion reflects on the repurposing of historic buildings, the empowerment of local communities, and the role of Fynbos in modern Cape cuisine. This journey through Cape Town’s history, told through its food, offers a thought-provoking and immersive experience for those interested in the dark and troubling history that makes modern South Africa what it is today.
FAQ
Our experiences are held rain or shine. In the event of inclement 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.
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 with a Visa, AMEX, or MasterCard from our website or by calling our team directly. Cash and/or walk-up traffic the day of the tours are not accepted.
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!
Yes! While our tours are offered daily in English, we also offer tours in Afrikaans by request. Please contact our team for more details.
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. At this time, we are unable to accommodate vegan 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.
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