The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour

4.9

505

Reviews

Recommended by 99% travellers

99% of guests rated this experience 4 stars or higher

4.9 (505)

Recommended by 99% travellers

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4.9

505

Reviews

Recommended by 99% travellers

99% of guests rated this experience 4 stars or higher

4.9 (505)

Recommended by 99% travellers

Available TomorrowSpots available tomorrow. Book now to secure your place.

Free CancellationCancel for free up to 1 day before your experience

Food for HappinessFor every guest in your booking, we donate 10 meals to children around the world

Why book with byFood?

Japan's #1 food travel platform

Trusted by 50,000+ travelers worldwideCurated by food lovers, for food loversFeatured in CNN, Forbes & NYT

Location

Cape Town

Duration

4 hours

Group size

Max 12 guests

Language

English

Location

Cape Town

Duration

4 hours

Group size

Max 12 guests

Language

English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

•505 reviews

US$140.39 per guest

Instant Confirmation

Guest

Adult x1

Date

Add dates

Select Options

Available TomorrowSpots available tomorrow. Book now to secure your place.

Free CancellationCancel for free up to 1 day before your experience

Food for HappinessFor every guest in your booking, we donate 10 meals to children around the world

Why book with byFood?

Japan's #1 food travel platform

Trusted by 50,000+ travelers worldwideCurated by food lovers, for food loversFeatured in CNN, Forbes & NYT

Description

Good to Know

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.

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
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.
A moderate amount of walking is involved, approximately 1.7 Km.
Unfortunately the tour route includes stairs, and is therefore not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
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.
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.
Guests under 18 years old will be served alternate drinks where alcohol would have otherwise been offered.
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.

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.

1 hour · Admission Ticket Free

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.

Our tour begins in the Bo Kappa where Cape Malay culture is in full display. We will taste and explo…

1 hour · Admission Ticket Free

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.

Next we wander towards Bree street in the city centre, where Cape Town's most concentrated restauran…

1 hour · Admission Ticket Free

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.

Next up, De Waterkant (the waterfront in Afrikaans). A chic enclave centered around the Cape Quarter…

1 hour · Admission Ticket Free

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.

Our tour ends at one of Cape Town's oldest sports bars where true South African patriotism is on ful…

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

Open in Google Maps

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.

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 1 day before for a full refund.

No refund within 1 day of the experience or no-shows.

4.9

505 reviews

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505 reviews

Janelle_WOctober 2026 • Viator

Excellent way to explore Cape Town, fantastic food and drinks!

This was an excellent way to explore Cape Town through food, history, and culture. The food and drinks were amazing, the guide was knowledgeable, friendly and fun.

Dream43470482052October 2026 • TripAdvisor

A Must to start Cape Town.

Olivia was beyond exceptional, personal, polished, informative. The groups that joined with us on the tour blended so well together, just a fun time. A must do!!!!!

richardtI5460UKOctober 2026 • TripAdvisor

A must for foodies

Excellent experience. Justin and Ezra were very professional and informative. Choice of visited venues very good. Highly recommended.

Vanessa_AOctober 2026 • Viator

Amazing Food Tour!!

We had such a wonderful food tour today! Olivia was an amazing host — friendly, knowledgeable and made the whole experience so much fun. We stopped at four different places and got to try a great variety of food. Everything was absolutely delicious! It was such a lovely way to experience the local food and culture. Highly recommend this tour, and a big thank you to Olivia for making it so enjoyable!

emilylN2150BNSeptember 2026 • TripAdvisor

Excellent tour and good food

We had a great tour with Olivia. She was very knowledgeable about the food and the local history. They accommodated my food allergy (red meat) easily. We really enjoyed the afternoon and would definitely do it again if we are ever in Cape Town again.