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The Flavours to Freedom Tour

A Culinary Journey Through Cape Town’s Dark History

5-Star Tour
5-Star Tour

Discover Cape Town’s Historic Heart Through Its Resilient Flavors

Highlights

Walk the historic streets of Cape Town, from the Company’s Garden to St. George’s Cathedral, uncovering stories of slavery, colonization, and apartheid.

Savour indigenous teas and traditional Hertzoggies, paired with savoury bites made from locally sourced ingredients.

Enjoy a curated African platter with local beer or soft drinks, exploring the continent’s culinary connections.

Taste a classic boerie roll with chakalaka, paired with wine or beer, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

End with locally distilled gin, handcrafted chocolate bonbons, and biltong or olives, reflecting on Cape Town’s modern resilience.

Tour Description

Embark on a thought-provoking 4-hour journey through Cape Town’s complex history, where food tells the story of slavery, colonization, apartheid, and resilience. This immersive experience begins in the Company’s Garden, where you’ll enjoy two indigenous teas paired with a traditional Hertzoggie and a savoury bite crafted from local ingredients. As you stand on Cape Town’s oldest cultivated land, your guide will unravel the impact of the Spice Route, European colonization, and the slave trade.

Continue through historic streets, visiting St. George’s Cathedral, the Slave Lodge, and Groot Kerk, where the narrative shifts to the lives of enslaved people who shaped the city’s culture. A curated platter showcases flavors from South Africa and neighboring African nations, paired with a local beer or soft drink, highlighting the continent’s culinary connections and the legacy of slavery.

Savour a South African favourite, the boerie roll with chakalaka, alongside wine or beer (vegetarian and gluten-free options available), as the conversation turns to apartheid and Cape Town’s transformation. The tour concludes with a tasting of locally distilled gin, handcrafted chocolate bonbons, and biltong or olives, reflecting on the repurposing of historic buildings and the role of Fynbos in modern Cape cuisine.

This is more than a food tour—it’s a reckoning with history, one bite at a time. Book now to taste the untold stories of Cape Town.

Dietary Information

We strive to accommodate various dietary needs with advance notice at booking:

  • Vegetarian Options: Available for dishes like the boerie roll, substituting meat with plant-based alternatives while preserving authentic flavors.
  • Non-Alcoholic Choices: Enjoy house-made soft drinks or traditional beverages at every stop.
  • Allergies & Preferences: We accommodate most allergies with advance notice, including gluten-free options for select dishes. Note that we are currently unable to accommodate vegan or fully gluten-free diets, but you are welcome to join and skip incompatible tastings.
  • Halal-Friendly: All stops adhere to halal standards where applicable, with no pork served.

Please inform us of your dietary needs when booking to ensure a tailored experience.

Why Eat with Us?

Cape Town Culinary Tours offers more than a meal—it’s a deep dive into the city’s soul. Led by passionate local guides like Justin, who bring history to life, our tours blend culinary excellence with cultural storytelling. With 261 glowing TripAdvisor reviews, we partner with local artisans to serve authentic dishes rooted in centuries of tradition.

Our small groups (max 12) ensure an intimate experience, rain or shine, with no rushed bites. From the Company’s Garden to hidden gems, we connect you with the heart of Cape Town through its food, history, and resilient spirit. Join us for an unforgettable journey that lingers long after the last taste.

Meeting Location

Tours generally start at Coffee At The Vine, located at 17 Queen Victoria St, Company’s Garden, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town.

Please note that the starting point may differ on some days, and we will inform you of any changes in advance.

Ages
4
+
Duration
4
hours
Departs
Tues-Sat

What To Expect

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What Our Guests Say

5-Star Tour
5-Star Tour

Frequently asked questions

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Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

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Do we only walk around and sample food?

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