The Food and Beverage Scene in Cape Town

The food scene in Cape Town is diverse and vibrant, reflecting the city’s multicultural population and its role as a global culinary destination. Cape Town is known for its rich and varied cuisine, and it offers a wide range of dining experiences from traditional South African dishes to international flavors. As a visitor, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the exceptional quality of food available in Cape Town, often at prices that offer outstanding value compared to many other developed countries. Here are some key aspects of the food scene in Cape Town:

1. South African Cuisine: Cape Town is a great place to sample traditional South African dishes. Some must-try dishes include:
   • Bobotie: A spiced, baked minced meat dish topped with an egg-based topping.
   • Bunny Chow: A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry, often served with lamb or chicken.
   • Boerewors: South African sausage, often grilled and served at barbecues (braais).
2. Seafood: Given its location on the coast, Cape Town is famous for its fresh seafood. You can enjoy a variety of seafood dishes, including snoek (a local fish), calamari, crayfish, and a wide range of fish, prepared in various ways.
3. Cape Malay Cuisine: Cape Town has a significant Cape Malay community, and its cuisine is a unique blend of flavors influenced by Indonesian, Malaysian, and African traditions. Dishes like bobotie, breyani, and samoosas are a testament to this heritage.
4. International Flavors: Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city, and you can find a diverse array of international restaurants, including Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and more. The city is known for its fusion and experimental cuisine, with many chefs incorporating local ingredients into global dishes.
5. Wine and Wineries: The Cape Winelands, located near Cape Town, are famous for their vineyards and wine estates. Wine tasting and fine dining at these estates are a popular activity. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl are well-known wine regions, and you can enjoy wine pairings with excellent food.
6. Street Food: Cape Town offers a vibrant street food scene. Head to local markets, such as the Old Biscuit Mill, Oranjezicht Farmers Market, Hout Bay Market, or the V&A Waterfront Food Market, to sample a variety of street food, from gourmet burgers and artisanal ice cream to international snacks and fusion cuisine.
7. Fine Dining: Cape Town boasts a number of fine dining restaurants, many of which have received international acclaim. These establishments offer innovative tasting menus and exquisite dining experiences, often with stunning views of the city or the ocean.
8. Organic and Sustainable Dining: Cape Town has a growing emphasis on organic, sustainable, and farm-to-table dining. Restaurants and food markets that prioritize locally sourced, organic ingredients are becoming increasingly popular.
9. Food Festivals: Cape Town hosts various food festivals throughout the year, such as the Cape Town Food and Wine Festival and the Stellenbosch Wine Festival. These events provide an excellent opportunity to explore local flavors and culinary trends.
10. Craft Beer and Cocktails: The craft beer and cocktail scene is thriving in Cape Town, with a variety of microbreweries, brewpubs, and cocktail bars. You can enjoy a wide selection of local and international craft beers and creative cocktails.

Travelling to Cape Town with Dietary Restrictions

For vegans and vegetarians, Cape Town is a haven of culinary options that will undoubtedly satisfy your palate. Nearly all restaurants in the city are accommodating to these dietary preferences, and you’ll also find numerous venues that are exclusively or predominantly vegan or vegetarian. The same culinary diversity extends to Observatory, where you’ll encounter no difficulty in discovering delicious plant-based dishes.

For individuals with food allergies, even those with the most stringent restrictions, Cape Town is well-equipped to meet your dietary needs. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are readily available at most eateries, and the majority of restaurants can cater to various allergies, including nut allergies, avocado allergies, tomato allergies, and more. This same level of accommodation applies to dining establishments in Observatory, ensuring that you can navigate even the most challenging food allergies.

However, if you ever find yourself in need of guidance or assistance when it comes to your dietary restrictions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are always available to answer your questions and offer support in managing your specific dietary restrictions.

Food Delivery Services in Cape Town

Food delivery services in Cape Town have seen significant growth and evolution in recent years, making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy a wide variety of cuisines from the comfort of their homes or offices. Here are some popular food delivery services in Cape Town:

1. Uber Eats: Uber Eats is a popular and widely used food delivery platform in Cape Town. It partners with a vast array of local restaurants, allowing users to order food from their favorite places with ease. The app offers real-time tracking and a broad selection of cuisines.
2. Mr D Food: Mr D Food is another well-known food delivery service operating in Cape Town. It offers a wide range of restaurant options and a straightforward ordering process. Users can choose from various payment methods, including credit card and cash on delivery.
3. OrderIn: OrderIn is a local South African food delivery platform that serves Cape Town and several other cities. It provides access to numerous restaurants and offers various delivery options, including express and scheduled deliveries.
4. Grocery Delivery: All grocery stores in Cape Town started offering home delivery services.