9 Food Experiences to Enjoy in South Africa

The chef's table events at Spasie restaurant are not to be missed. Image courtesy of Spasie

Yes, we have Table Mountain, the Big Five, pristine beaches, the alluring winelands and world-class airports…but South Africa also has food experiences as diverse as our Rainbow Nation.

You can expect everything from fine dining to Cape Malay cuisine and that old South African favourite, the braai (barbecue). Here are some food experiences to try if you are in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban…

Cape Town

[vc_button title=”1″ color=”default”] Cooking class in the Bo-Kaap

If you’ve been lucky enough to taste Cape Malay food and wondered how it is prepared, book a cooking tour in Bo-Kaap and take the recipe home.

Cape Malay food is nothing without spices, so it’s no surprise that the half-day tour starts with a spice tour, which is followed by a short walk to the Bo-Kaap Museum. You will then spend a half-day cooking and eating your way through Cape Malay cuisine.

Andulela Cape Malay Cooking Safari
Tel: +27 (0)21 418 3020

[vc_button title=”2″ color=”default”] All about meat at Carne South Africa

The name says it all. At Carne you can expect nothing but the best South African beef, which you will struggle to find anywhere else.

The best way to prepare for the meal is to make yourself a silent promise that you will not compare any future steak dishes with those of Carne – or you’ll be in for a disappointment. The original Carne restaurant is situated in the CBD, but now there are two more Carne restaurants serving great meat in Cape Town: Carne Kloof and Carne Constantia.

70 Keerom Street, City Bowl, City Centre, Cape Town
Tel: +27 (0)21 424 3460

[vc_button title=”3″ color=”default”] Fine dining at Aubergine

For me, fine dining is all about paying attention to the small details and great food, with a personal touch thrown in. That is exactly what you can expect at Aubergine restaurant in Gardens.

There is a regular menu but guests also have the option of picking a set menu with wine pairing. Whatever you decide to eat, it is not at all unusual to get complementary nibbles from the chef to take you to the next course.

39 Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Tel: +27 (0)21 465 0000

[vc_button title=”4″ color=”default”] Spasie – underground restaurant

Spasie restaurant is the first of its kind in Cape Town, where the only thing that remains constant is the address. With different chefs every two weeks, this means a different experience almost every time you visit.

It’s only open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. Wednesday nights are strictly invite only, and Thursday and Friday are chef’s table nights, where one of South Africa’s top chefs will cook guests a four- or five-course dinner with wine pairing at a set price. To book chef’s table see invites email below.

97 Church Street, Cape Town
Tel: +27 (0)21 422 1492
For invites email: speaktospasie@spasieunderground

[vc_button title=”5″ color=”default”] Mzoli’s – braai in the township

Mzoli’s, a popular braai spot in Guguletu just outside Cape Town, is a perfect place to visit for a taste of township life.

Mzoli’s meat is best enjoyed with a group of friends over cold beers (which you will have to take with you because they do not a have liquor licence). Once your choice of beverage is in hand, all you have to do is decide how much meat you want to buy and then sit and wait for your order.

While you wait there is always a resident DJ playing popular songs, and it’s also not unusual to spot a celebrity or two if you’re lucky. Those who can’t make it inside just bring a cooler bag and pitch their chairs in front of Mzoli’s.

Tel: +27 (0)21 638 1355

Johannesburg

[vc_button title=”6″ color=”default”] Vegetarian and vegan power – the Greenside Café

At the Greenside Café all meals are meat- and gluten-free. The café is not just a breath of fresh air for vegetarians and vegans, but also for anyone looking to eat fresh, healthy meals. On the menu there are pizzas, pastas, curries and even burgers, which can be enjoyed with freshly squeezed juices. With three People’s Choice awards for best vegetarian food menu, isn’t it time you found out for yourself why this restaurant is so loved?

34 Gleneagles Road, Greenside, Johannesburg
Tel: +27 (0)11 646 3444

[vc_button title=”7″ color=”default”] Lunch in Soweto

Soweto is huge so your best bet is to head to the most popular street, Vilakazi Street. It is not just the only street in the world that was home to two Nobel Peace Prize laureates – Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu – but is also home to a number of great restaurants. Depending on who you ask, the best restaurant changes, so just stroll down the street and take it from there. For lunch you can enjoy anything from a braai to an upmarket menu and premium wines, at places like Nambitha restaurant. In true township style, everybody is catered for; all you have to do is experience it for yourself.

Call Soweto Guided Tours on +27 (0)11 985 6249 to arrange a tour

Durban

[vc_button title=”8″ color=”default”] Dine with sharks at the Cargo Hold – uShaka Marine World

uShaka's Cargo Hold restaurant. Image courtesy uShaka Marine World — uShaka’s Cargo Hold restaurant. Image courtesy uShaka Marine World

The Cargo Hold restaurant gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with sharks without the need for wetsuits. While they eat, guests can view sharks in the shark tank. The restaurant is housed in the remains of a ship and offers a beautiful setting with stunning views of the ocean. It’s a definite must-do if you’re in Durban. Book in advance for your lunch or dinner to avoid disappointment.

uShaka Marine World, 1 Bell Street, Durban
Tel: +27 (0)31 328 8065

[vc_button title=”9″ color=”default”] Roma Revolving Restaurant

You’ll find Roma Revolving Restaurant on the 32^nd floor of John Ross House, which is just a few minutes away from the beach. Expect spectacular views of the ocean, even before you sit down to enjoy your meal. The menu is Italian inspired, with a wide choice. Keep an eye out for the chef’s specials. And if you want to spend a little more time at the venue, head to the 33^rd floor and enjoy drinks at the Gino’s Sky Bar.

32^nd Floor, John Ross House, Jonsson Lane, Durban
Tel: +27 (0)31 368 2275

This article first appeared on SouthAfrica.net and is republished here with their kind permission.