The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour

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The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour

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(494)
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 US$145.58  per guest
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Adult x1
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Select a Date
Check Availability
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Instant Confirmation
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Available Tomorrow
Free cancellation (24 hours notice)
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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
Summary
Experience Details
What You’ll Experience
Where to Meet
Reviews
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Duration
4 hours
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Number of Guests
1 - 12 guests
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Language
English
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Other
Gluten-free, Vegetarian, Family-friendly
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Digital Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
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For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

Experience Details

Our signature experience takes you on a captivating journey through time—from the 1600s to today—revealing how centuries of cultural exchange, global trade, and resilience have shaped Cape Town’s distinctive flavours and traditions.


Stroll through the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, where every building tells a story. Indulge in local favourites like golden koeksisters, savour the rich spices of Cape Malay bobotie, and explore hearty classics such as bunny chow, pap, and chakalaka. Sip on rooibos tea and enjoy a selection of locally crafted beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.


Led by a passionate local foodie expert, you’ll uncover hidden gems, meet local vendors, and hear the stories behind each dish. From the spice routes of the 17th century to the lasting impact of slavery and apartheid, every stop offers a deeper connection to the city—its people, its past, and its vibrant food culture.

What You Get

Local professional guide with history insights of the area
Alternative beverages provided for those who do not consume alcohol including coffee and tea
Meals
10+ South African food and drink tastings included — all beverages, wine and alcohol covered
Gratuities
Transportation to/from tour.

Good To Know

  • When booking, please note any dietary restrictions or allergies, as our guides arrange the food in advance to ensure you don't miss out on any dishes. We can accommodate vegetarian and gluten friendly diets, as well as restrictions for seafood, shellfish, and pork. However, please be aware that we cannot guarantee that any tasting will be 100% free of allergens.
  • Tickets are non-refundable, they are however exchangeable/transferable with a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to tour commencing. Within 24 hours, tickets are 100% non refundable and non-exchangeable for any reason.
  • Cape Town has paid street parking available. We do recommend making use of Uber or Hotel provided services. We do not finish the tour where we start from.
  • Dress code is comfortable, including comfortable walking shoes. Weather changes fast in Cape Town so please come prepared as we will be outside.
  • Tours run rain or shine; however, in cases of extreme weather, your guide will reach out to inform you of any changes or cancellations.
  • Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult and any kids over the age of 2 require a regular ticket to attend.

What You’ll Experience

1

Bo-Kaap

Our tour begins in the Bo Kappa where Cape Malay culture is in full display. We will taste and explore this fascinating neighbourhood as we learn about it's culture and history.
1 hourAdmission Ticket Free
2

Cape Town

Next we wander towards Bree street in the city centre, where Cape Town's most concentrated restaurant scene can be found, including the beautiful Heritage Square where we will indulge in some delicious South African classics under the vines in one of Cape Town's most beautiful courtyards.
1 hourAdmission Ticket Free
3

De Waterkant

Next up, De Waterkant (the waterfront in Afrikaans). A chic enclave centered around the Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village packed with fashion boutiques, commercial art galleries and global eateries. Leafy streets nearby are lined with brightly coloured cottages housing craft coffee bars, stylish gift shops and guesthouses. We will wander the beautiful streets and learn about why this area of one of the most sought after in Cape Town, but also one with the highest concentrations of global restaurants to savour.
1 hourAdmission Ticket Free
4

Foreshore

Our tour ends at one of Cape Town's oldest sports bars where true South African patriotism is on full display. Here we will eat like a local while soaking in the atmosphere of one of Cape Town's busiest watering holes. Please note that on Mondays, our tours end in the city centre, a few hundred meters from our usual location.
1 hourAdmission Ticket Free

Meeting & Pickup

Meeting Point
Search a point
The Gin Bar
The Gin Bar, Wale Street, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality Western Cape, South Africa, ZA, 8000
The Fireman's Arms
The Fireman's Arms, Mechau Street, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality Western Cape, South Africa, ZA, 8001
End Point

The Gin Bar, Wale Street, City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality Western Cape, South Africa, ZA, 8000

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Please note that 2pm MONDAY tours will end at the hidden Gin Bar at 6pm. We do recommend making use of Uber or Hotel provided services. We do not finish the tour were we start from. 

Cancellation Policy

Cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund.

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Reviews
4.9
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based on 494 reviews
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(Viator)
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Excellent food tasting...
September 04, 2026

Excellent food tasting tour. Great variety, our guide Justin was very knowledgeable, able to give information on food, local culture, history, sports…

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(TripAdvisor)
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Great and tasty history of Cape Town
August 27, 2026

Olivia was an excellent guide and we learned a lot about Cape Town and its history, both old and new. The food was a big part of the history—each of the 4 stops/tastes had a critical story to tell ...read more

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(Viator)
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Great Experience learning about Cape Town food
August 20, 2026

Excellent food tour, even included a wine shop stop where I was introduced to a Chardonnay that I liked (I’m not a white wine drinker) Justin did a great job with history of South Africa and the ne...read more

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(Viator)
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Enjoyed this tour as a...
August 14, 2026

Enjoyed this tour as a way to see Cape Town and taste local cuisine. Olivia was fantastic! Also appreciated the variety of places we stopped

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(TripAdvisor)
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Local community cape essentials tour
August 14, 2026

Justin was a great guy with great knowledge. Booked one of the stops for dinner as the taster was good. Shared lovely tastes and history with us and drawing with him at the wine naming game.ps I’m ...read more

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