Cape Town: Food Tour Bo-Kaap, Bree Street & De Waterkant

Summary

Walk Cape Town’s flavors from Bo-Kaap to Bree Street with stories in every bite

You’ll taste Cape Town through koeksisters in Bo-Kaap, bobotie beneath grapevines on Bree Street, spicy chakalaka in De Waterkant, and bunny chow at a lively sports bar. Expect laughter with locals and stories behind every dish as you walk about 2 km with your guide — it’s more than just eating; you’ll feel woven into Cape Town’s rhythm for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

Colors everywhere — that’s the first thing I remember about Bo-Kaap. We’d barely started the Cape Town food tour when the smell of cardamom and frying dough drifted out from a doorway. Our guide, Ziyaad, waved us in for koeksisters (sticky-sweet, braided pastries). He told us his aunt makes them “the old way,” and honestly, I still think about that first bite — syrupy but not too much, warm even though it was windy outside. There was laughter from a group of kids chasing each other around the corner. It felt like someone’s neighborhood, not just a photo stop.

Walking got easier after that sugar rush. We wandered through side streets where every wall seemed painted brighter than the last — pinks and greens and yellows that looked almost fake in the midday light. Ziyaad pointed out a mosque built in the 1800s; he said his grandfather used to pray there. Then we headed toward Bree Street, which is packed with restaurants and people who somehow all seem to know each other. At Heritage Square we sat under vines (actual grapes overhead) and tried bobotie — kind of like spiced meat pie with custard on top? I had no idea what half the spices were but it was comforting in a way I didn’t expect.

De Waterkant came next — fancier shops, rainbow-painted cottages, coffee bars where everyone looks like they’re writing a screenplay or something. The air smelled like espresso and something floral I couldn’t place. We stopped at two places for little bites (I can’t remember all their names), but one had this chakalaka that left my lips tingling for ages. Ziyaad joked about how every family has their own “secret” recipe but nobody really keeps secrets here — “we just pretend.”

The last stop was an old sports bar near the city center — noisy, TV screens everywhere, people yelling at rugby matches even though it wasn’t live. We ate bunny chow (yes, bread stuffed with curry) and pap with spicy sauce while locals argued over who made it best. On Mondays they end somewhere else because this bar closes early; we got lucky. It wasn’t fancy but it felt real — elbows on sticky tables, everyone talking at once. Walking back into the evening light I realized how much food is just an excuse to listen to people’s stories here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cape Town's cultural food spots

• 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 for local food

Top questions

How long is the Cape Town essentials food tour?

The walking route covers approximately 2 km and lasts several hours depending on group pace.

Is pickup included for this Cape Town food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at the starting point in Bo-Kaap.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes, vegetarian and gluten-friendly diets can be accommodated if noted when booking.

Does the tour include alcoholic drinks?

Some tastings include alcohol; non-alcoholic alternatives like rooibos tea or coffee are provided for those who prefer them or are under 18.

Is this Cape Town food tour suitable for children?

Children over age 2 require a ticket and must be accompanied by an adult; alternate drinks are served to those under 18.

Where does the tour end?

The usual endpoint is one of Cape Town's oldest sports bars near the city center; on Mondays it ends nearby due to venue closure.

Is public transport nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to both start and end points.

Can you accommodate severe allergies?

Dishes can be modified for some allergies if notified in advance, but 100% allergen-free cannot be guaranteed due to shared kitchens.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through Bo-Kaap, Bree Street and De Waterkant neighborhoods with your local expert sharing history along the way. You’ll enjoy multiple tastings of South African classics—koeksisters, bobotie, bunny chow—and sip drinks from rooibos tea to locally crafted beverages (with non-alcoholic options always available). All tastings plus your guide are included; just bring comfy shoes and let them know about any dietary needs when booking.