South Africa is a large country with a plethora of experiences for foodie travellers.
So, if your trip is based on what you’ll eat next, look no further than our list of local places perfect for food lovers.
1. The Spice Route in Paarl
The Spice Route in Paarl is a collection of artisanal venues all situated on one, beautiful property. There’s a village feel to the estate and visitors spend full days soaking it all in, quite literally. From breweries, distilleries, wineries, top restaurants, chocolatiers, deli’s, you name it, you’ll find it at the popular Spice Route!
2. Food and wine pairing in the Cape Winelands
The Western Cape and wine have become somewhat synonymous and no trip is complete without a few visits to the wine farms. Head out for lunch and sip on amazing wine that has been perfectly paired to the dish in front of you. For an unforgettable experience visit the Franschhoek Wine Valley which boasts more than 40 wine cellars. There’s even a hop-on-hop-off wine tram that stops at different wine estates and is guaranteed to be the most fun you’ll have while on a tour.
3. All you can eat seafood in the West Coast
The West Coast is known for its icy waters and all you can eat seafood. How does chowing down on freshly prepared fish, crayfish, mussels and more while sitting on the beach sound? Well, you can do exactly that at the Muisbosskerm Restaurant in Lambert’s Bay. A large selection of seafood is prepared on open fires while guests kick off their shoes and dig their toes into the sand. When the food’s cooked, everyone helps themselves and dig in.
4. The tastiest lamb in the Karoo
The vast Karoo in the heart of South Africa seems like a barren land to those who simply drive through it. Its farmers are, however, some of the best producers of lamb meat in the world. Few things beat a Karoo lamb chop braaied to perfection and even better if you can enjoy it in the comfort of a local’s home.
5. Durban for Indian Cuisine
Durban has a large Indian community and with it comes a smorgasbord of authentic Indian cuisines. Visit one of the many markets and street stalls, or dine out at a restaurant, whatever you decide to eat, don’t forget to have a bunny chow.
6. Ostrich meat in Oudtshoorn
Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world, and, if anything, visiting a farm is an experience in itself. The town is where you’ll eat the finest lean, red meat available, ostrich of course. The Cango Caves Restaurant has a large selection of meals including ostrich meat, from burgers to succulent steaks and, as a visit to the caves is inevitable when in the area, this is the perfect place to try the meat.
7. Traditional Cape Malay meals in the Bo Kaap
Whether you’re after a hearty meal or a complete experience where you’re taken on a cooking tour, the Bo Kaap is all about Cape Malay cuisine. The flavourful and spicy, yet mild, cuisine, has since being brought here from the Dutch East Indies in the 17th and 18th centuries, established itself in South Africa and has become a part of its overall culture and cuisine.
8. Knysna for oysters
When visiting the beautiful Garden Route town of Knysna oysters are on the menu. Have them as is or covered in hot sauce and lemon juice, Knysna has long been renowned for serving up platters filled with these tasty molluscs.
9. Kalk Bay for the best fish and chips
For massive servings of the best fish and chips to grace your taste buds head to Kalk Bay, more specifically, Kalky’s. Take a walk through the quaint town towards the harbour, where you’ll find this unassuming fishery. The fish is as fresh as it gets and the chips are expertly made, soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.
10. Fine dining in Johannesburg
One of the most difficult things to do in the City of Gold is choosing a place to eat, which is simply because there are so many fine eateries to choose from. Check out Marble for meat and flame grilled dishes, DW 11-13 for experimental cuisine and traditional dishes with a twist, and Level Four for classical dining with contemporary influences. There are many more to choose from, so get ready to treat yourself to a night filled with gourmet cuisine, fine service and beautiful decor.
Bonus: Stock up on cheese in Stanford
Standford, a small riverside town in the Overberg near Hermanus has been injected with life in the last few years. The charming town is well-worth a visit and when venturing just outside of it you’ll find Klein River Cheese Farmstead. Here you can take your pick of tasty cheeses, grab a bottle of wine and a picnic basket and settle down in the shade of the willow trees.
