Besides of Morocco’s Culinary Tours where you can read as an introduction to culinary vacations in Africa, Africa’s Culinary Vacations also has Culinary tours to South Africa. South Africa’s Culinary Tours traditionally include a visit to Cape Town and a safari, but the focus will usually be on an area just outside of Cape Town, the Winelands. Cape Town itself rivals Paris, London and New York for its variety of first-class restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world. But the Winelands are unique because of the combination of fine-dining establishments as well as excellent wineries. Combine this with a stunning backdrop of mountains shadowing over lush gardens in historic wine estates, and you’re in foodie heaven.
Many of the established wine estates date back to the early Dutch and French settlers in the mid 17th Century. The buildings have been maintained and turned into very fine hotels and restaurants. A few of the best examples include the Constantia Uitsig Country Estate which is home to two of the finest award-wining restaurants in this area; the Constantia Uitsig and La Colombe.
Franschhoek is a small town in the heart of the Winelands settled by French Huguenots in 1688. It is considered the gourmet capital of South Africa. The little main street is simply lined with fantastic restaurants. Stay at Le Quartier Francais and feast at its restaurants and tasting room.
Before you jump into the fine-dining arena, you should also enjoy Cape Malay cuisine. Descendants of original slaves, as well as free citizens, the Malay community has a rich heritage and a unique cuisine. Rich curries and stews are flavored with aromatic spices, and there is a tradition of blending meats with sweet accompaniments. For gourmet Cape Malay food try the Cape Malay Restaurant at the Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia. Otherwise walk around the Bo Kaap area in Cape Town and pop into any local eatery for the “real thing”. One of my favorite dishes is Bobotie, which has its roots in Malay cooking. The best tour to take would be Andulela’s Cape Malay Cooking Safari.
If you’re traveling around the Winelands do stop into one of the many organic markets that are cropping up in the area. The Afrikaner community has really stepped up activity at these markets, the food is fresh, authentic and absolutely delicious. Try some game biltong while your there.
