Cape Town for Foodies: Traditional Dishes, Hidden Gems & Culinary Hotspots
Cape Town isn’t just a feast for the eyes — it’s a full-on flavour explosion for your taste buds too. This South African gem, perched between mountains and ocean, has a culinary scene as diverse and vibrant as its people. From centuries-old Cape Malay recipes simmering with spice to freshly grilled snoek straight off a fishing boat, eating your way through the city is the best kind of adventure.
Cape Town, South Africa.
What makes Cape Town truly special is how its food tells a story — a delicious narrative woven from African, Dutch, Malaysian, Indian, and even French influences. Every bite comes with a bit of history, a hit of culture, and a whole lot of heart.
Whether you're into street food markets bustling with locals, refined wine-and-dine vineyard escapes, or just want to know what the heck a "Gatsby" is and why it comes with fries inside the sandwich — you’re in the right place.
This guide is your go-to for discovering Cape Town’s must-try traditional dishes, foodie hotspots, and insider tips to help you eat like a true #WorldLocal.
Traditional South African Foods You Must Try
Cape Town is the kind of place where food isn’t just eaten — it’s celebrated. The city’s traditional dishes are comforting, bold, and often come with a backstory that adds a little extra spice. Here’s a taste of the must-try classics:
Bobotie
South Africa’s national dish and a Cape Malay treasure. Imagine spiced minced beef or lamb, baked with a golden egg-based topping and served with yellow rice, chutney, and sometimes banana slices. Sweet, savoury, and oh-so-satisfying.
🗺️ Where to try it: Bo-Kaap Kombuis or Gold Restaurant, both serving heritage flavours with a view (and sometimes live music!).
Bunny Chow
Despite being born in Durban, bunny chow has hopped onto Cape Town’s foodie scene too. It’s essentially a hollowed-out loaf of bread stuffed with spicy curry. No cutlery. No regrets.
🗺️ Where to try it: Eastern Food Bazaar in the city centre is a go-to for affordable, flavour-packed curry combos.
Boerewors & Pap
Boerewors (literally "farmer’s sausage") is a spiral of beef sausage seasoned with coriander, nutmeg and cloves, best enjoyed fresh off the braai (barbecue). It’s often served with pap, a thick maize porridge that’s basically the South African answer to polenta.
🗺️ Where to try it: Local weekend braais (ask your host!), or head to Mzoli’s Place in Gugulethu for the ultimate township-style meat feast.
Sosaties
Think South Africa’s version of a kebab — chunks of marinated meat (often lamb or chicken), skewered and grilled to juicy perfection. Traditionally Cape Malay in origin, they’re sweet, spicy, and smoky all at once.
🗺️ Where to try it: Many local markets or South African chain Nando’s has a cheeky take on them too.
Vetkoek
Fried dough heaven. These golden pillows are crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and can be stuffed with anything from curried mince to cheese and jam. Street food comfort at its best.
🗺️ Where to try it: Try a local stall at Greenmarket Square or keep your eyes peeled for roadside vendors.
Boerewors.
Must-Try Cape Town Seafood Dishes
Cape Town sits right on the edge of the Atlantic, so it's no surprise that the seafood here is next-level fresh. Whether it’s line-caught snoek straight from a fishing boat or calamari sizzling on the braai, you’ll find ocean flavours in every corner of the city — often with a local twist.
Snoek
A true Cape classic. Snoek is a strong-flavoured, oily fish that locals love smoked or grilled over an open flame, usually basted in apricot jam or chutney for that signature sweet-meets-savoury kick.
🗺️ Where to try it: Head to Mariner’s Wharf in Hout Bay or grab a takeaway version from roadside fishmongers en route to Cape Point.
Hake and Chips
Simple, but seriously satisfying. Deep-fried hake with a crispy golden batter, served with chunky chips and a splash of vinegar — it’s the South African answer to the British chippy, and just as addictive.
🗺️ Where to try it: Kalky’s in Kalk Bay is a local legend — no-frills, harbour views, and queues that say it all.
Grilled Calamari
Fresh, tender, and flash-grilled — this is a must for seafood lovers. Often served with lemon butter, peri-peri sauce, or garlic aioli. Bonus points if it’s enjoyed with your toes in the sand and a glass of crisp local white.
🗺️ Where to try it: Ocean Basket does it well, but for something more local, try Live Bait or The Lookout Deck.
Pickled Fish
An Easter tradition turned year-round delicacy. Fish (usually snoek or yellowtail) is pickled in a sweet, tangy curry sauce and served cold — sounds odd, but tastes like a flavour party.
🗺️ Where to try it: Bo-Kaap Kombuis or local delis in the city, especially around the Easter season.
Snoek.
Sweet Treats and South African Desserts
Cape Town knows how to do dessert — and if you’ve got even a hint of a sweet tooth, you’re in for a proper treat. These classic South African desserts are rich, nostalgic, and often come with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a soak of syrup (sometimes both).
Malva Pudding
The queen of South African desserts. This warm, sticky sponge is made with apricot jam and drenched in a buttery cream sauce just after baking. It’s rich, soft, and absolutely divine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard.
🗺️ Where to try it: Mama Africa and Karibu are known for their traditional takes, but you’ll also find malva on the menu at many homely bistros and guesthouses.
Milk Tart (Melktert)
A national favourite. Picture a delicate pastry shell filled with a creamy, custard-like milk filling and dusted with cinnamon. It’s light, comforting, and perfect with a cup of rooibos tea.
🗺️ Where to try it: Check out local bakeries like Charly’s Bakery, or grab a slice from a corner café or supermarket bakery for a casual treat.
Koeksisters
A fried, braided doughnut soaked in sticky-sweet syrup until it’s glossy and golden. They’re crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and unapologetically sugary — in the best possible way.
🗺️ Where to try it: Try the version at Biesmiellah Restaurant in Bo-Kaap, or pick some up from roadside vendors or food stalls at weekend markets.
Peppermint Crisp Tart
This fridge favourite is made with layers of whipped cream, caramel, Tennis biscuits, and shards of Peppermint Crisp chocolate. It’s cold, creamy, crunchy and absurdly moreish.
🗺️ Where to try it: Often homemade, but some local cafés or delis serve it by the slice — or try making one in your Airbnb if you’re feeling adventurous!
Hertzoggie
A bite-sized pastry filled with apricot jam and topped with coconut meringue — old-school and charming, these are often found at bake sales or traditional cafés.
🗺️ Where to try it: Local bakeries or community markets like Oranjezicht often have them on display.
Melktert.
Best Food Markets in Cape Town
Whether you’re after organic produce, spicy street food, gourmet burgers, or just a strong flat white and a pastry, Cape Town’s markets deliver in style. Expect live music, sea views, and plenty of reasons to come hungry.
Neighbourgoods Market – The Old Biscuit Mill
The OG of Cape Town’s market scene. This Saturday-only market is buzzing with locals and tourists alike, packed with food stalls offering everything from artisanal cheeses and vegan treats to ostrich burgers and Korean bao buns.
📍 Where: Woodstock
🕒 When: Saturdays, 9am–3pm
💡 Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and snag a spot in the courtyard with a mimosa in hand.
Oranjezicht City Farm Market
An open-air, community-powered market with a serious focus on sustainability and local produce. Expect organic veggies, fresh bread, craft kombucha, breakfast favourites, and jaw-dropping sea views across Granger Bay.
📍 Where: Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront
🕒 When: Saturdays & Sundays, 8.15am–2pm
💡 Tip: Bring your reusable bags — and try the wild mushroom risotto or the homemade quiches.
Mojo Market
A 7-days-a-week indoor market that mixes global street food with cocktails and live music. It’s casual, fun, and ideal for groups (especially when everyone’s craving something different).
📍 Where: Sea Point
🕒 When: Daily, 8am–10pm
💡 Tip: Grab sushi from Manga, then hit the gin bar. Repeat as necessary.
Bay Harbour Market
Located in a repurposed fish factory in Hout Bay, this weekend market is packed with energy. You’ll find live bands, spicy samoosas, biltong by the bag, wood-fired pizzas, and plenty of local crafts and fashion too.
📍 Where: Hout Bay
🕒 When: Fri 5–9pm, Sat & Sun 9.30am–4pm
💡 Tip: Stick around for the live music and sundowners on Fridays — it’s a whole vibe.
V&A Food Market
Smaller and more polished than the others, this one’s inside a historic power station at the V&A Waterfront. Perfect for a quick foodie fix while exploring the harbour.
📍 Where: V&A Waterfront
🕒 When: Daily, 10am–6pm
💡 Tip: Try the biltong and local craft beer for a snacky taste of SA.
V&A Waterfront.
Top Restaurants in Cape Town for Local Cuisine
Cape Town’s restaurant scene is buzzing — from family-run gems tucked into colourful corners to world-class fine dining that makes global headlines. Whether you're after home-style stews or bold reimaginings of traditional flavours, these local favourites serve up a taste of South Africa on every plate.
Gold Restaurant
This place is an experience more than just a meal. It offers a pan-African tasting menu (think 14 courses!) with dishes from all over the continent — but with a strong focus on Cape Malay and South African cuisine. Throw in traditional drumming, face painting, and live music and you’ve got dinner with a cultural twist.
📍 Green Point
💡 Try: The springbok samoosas and Cape Malay chicken curry. Also, yes — join the drumming circle.
Mzansi Restaurant
A true #WorldLocal experience. Mzansi is a community-run restaurant in Langa township where you’ll be welcomed like family. The buffet-style spread includes classic South African favourites, served alongside storytelling and live music that gives real depth to the dishes.
📍 Langa
💡 Try: Everything — it’s a buffet! Come hungry and open-hearted.
Bo-Kaap Kombuis
With panoramic views of Table Mountain and the colourful Bo-Kaap houses just outside, this warm, family-owned restaurant is a fantastic spot to explore Cape Malay cuisine. Rich spices, family recipes, and seriously comforting flavours.
📍 Bo-Kaap
💡 Try: Bobotie and denningvleis (a tangy, slow-cooked lamb stew).
Mama Africa
A buzzing Long Street staple for decades, Mama Africa brings big energy and bold flavours. Live marimba bands, local meats (including crocodile and ostrich), and a mix of African dishes make this one a memorable night out.
📍 Long Street, City Centre
💡 Try: The game meat platter and their house chakalaka.
Fyn Restaurant
For the foodies seeking something more refined, Fyn is currently one of Africa’s top-rated restaurants — blending Japanese techniques with African ingredients. It’s high-end and seriously creative, perfect for a splurge night.
📍 City Centre
💡 Try: Their seasonal tasting menu — you won’t regret it.
Kloof Street House
Not strictly traditional, but it makes the list for its colonial-era decor, leafy courtyard, and eclectic menu that often riffs on South African flavours. It’s romantic, vibey, and a local date-night favourite.
📍 Gardens
💡 Try: Their take on lamb shank or the Karoo cheese board.
Gold Restaurant.
Conclusion: Why Cape Town Is a Foodie’s Paradise
Cape Town doesn’t just feed you — it welcomes you, plate by plate. Every dish tells a story of migration, resilience, creativity, and culture. From smoky street-side snoek to richly spiced bobotie, syrup-drenched koeksisters to vibrant food markets buzzing with locals — this city’s cuisine is layered, like a perfectly built meal, with history, heart and a whole lot of flavour.
Whether you're tucking into Cape Malay curry in Bo-Kaap, drumming between courses at Gold Restaurant, or chatting with a fishmonger over hake and chips in Kalk Bay, the food scene here invites you to go deeper — to connect, to explore, to taste something new.
So go on — follow the scent of spices through side streets, eat dessert first (because why not?), and experience Cape Town like a true #WorldLocal. Trust us — it’s not just the views that’ll leave a lasting impression.
