Cape Town Food Tour: Bo-Kaap to Bree Street with 10+ Tastings

Four centuries of trade and resilience show up in what you eat.

The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour is a 4-hour walking tour through Bo-Kaap, Bree Street and De Waterkant led by a local foodie expert, with 10+ South African food and drink tastings included. The route covers approximately 1.7 km and involves stairs, so it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Dietary restrictions and allergies can be accommodated when noted at booking. Tours run rain or shine, though extreme weather may prompt cancellation by the guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Cape Town's food and culture

• Begin tour in Bo-Kaap neighborhood
• Taste Cape Malay dishes and learn history
• Walk to Bree Street restaurant scene
• Enjoy South African classics at Heritage Square
• Stroll De Waterkant and Cape Quarter Village
• Discover boutiques, galleries, and eateries
• End at historic sports bar with local food

The experience

Bo-Kaap is where the tour opens: the colourful neighbourhood where Cape Malay culture dominates the streets and the food tells the story of the 17th-century spice routes. You'll taste golden koeksisters and the rich spices of bobotie while your guide unpacks how centuries of cultural exchange, global trade, and the lasting impact of slavery and apartheid shaped what's on the plate. Every stop has a story behind it, and the guide connects the dish to the history.

From there the route moves toward Bree Street in the city centre, where Cape Town's restaurant scene concentrates around Heritage Square. You'll sit under the vines in one of the city's most beautiful courtyards and eat South African classics like bunny chow, pap and chakalaka. Then comes De Waterkant (the waterfront enclave of brightly coloured cottages, craft coffee bars and global eateries), where the guide explains why this neighbourhood became one of the most sought-after and cosmopolitan corners of Cape Town. The tour ends at one of the city's oldest sports bars, a true local watering hole where you'll eat and soak in the atmosphere.

The guide is a local professional with deep knowledge of the area's history and culture. All 10+ tastings are covered: every beverage, wine and alcohol included, with alternative coffee and tea for those who don't drink. If you have dietary restrictions, note them at booking and the guide arranges the food in advance so you don't miss out. The walk is moderate, about 1.7 km across uneven streets with stairs, and you'll need comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing since Cape Town's weather changes fast and the tour runs outside rain or shine.

What’s included

• Local professional guide with history insights.
• 10+ South African food and drink tastings including koeksisters, bobotie, bunny chow, pap, chakalaka and rooibos tea.
• all beverages, wine and alcohol covered.
• alternative coffee and tea for non-drinkers.
• accommodation of vegetarian, gluten-free and common allergen restrictions when noted at booking.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDepartures at 12:00 and 13:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (5 to 90 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cape Town Culinary Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're comfortable with a moderate 1.7 km walk over uneven streets and stairs, and want a guide who knows exactly which vendors to stop at rather than choosing spots yourself.

Traveler reviews

4.94★★★★★★★★★★

505 verified traveler reviews

5 ★485

4 ★14

3 ★3

2 ★2

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of food will I taste on the Cape Town Essentials Food Tour?

The tour includes 10+ South African tastings: golden koeksisters, Cape Malay bobotie, bunny chow, pap, chakalaka, and rooibos tea, plus a selection of locally crafted beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. All tastings and drinks are included in the price.

How long does the Bo-Kaap food tour take and how much walking is involved?

The tour runs 4 hours and covers approximately 1.7 km of walking through Bo-Kaap, Bree Street, and De Waterkant. The route includes stairs and is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Can the guide accommodate my dietary restrictions or allergies?

Yes. When you book, note any dietary restrictions or allergies: vegetarian, gluten-free, seafood, shellfish and pork restrictions can be arranged. The guide organises the food in advance so you don't miss out on dishes. However, the tour cannot guarantee that any tasting will be 100% free of allergens.

What will I learn about Cape Town's history on this food tour?

The guide traces Cape Town's food culture from the 1600s to today, explaining how the spice routes of the 17th century, global trade, and the lasting impact of slavery and apartheid shaped the city's distinctive flavours and traditions. Each stop connects a dish to the history and culture behind it.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the tour, and where does it end?

The tour does not finish where it starts. Public transportation options are available nearby, and you can arrange your own transport or use Uber or hotel services. On Mondays, the tour ends in the city centre a few hundred metres from the usual location.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

Tours run rain or shine, so bring weather-appropriate clothing. In cases of extreme weather, your guide will reach out to inform you of any changes or cancellations before the tour begins.