A Culinary Journey Through Cape Town’s Dark History
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.
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.
We strive to accommodate various dietary needs with advance notice at booking:
Please inform us of your dietary needs when booking to ensure a tailored experience.
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.
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.
For any unanswered questions, reach out to us. We'll respond as soon as possible to assist you.
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.