13 Must-Try Local Foods in Cape Town: A Culinary Journey

May 3, 2025
ABS, Africa travel

Discover 13 iconic local foods in Cape Town, from bobotie to milk tart. Explore Cape Malay flavors, street eats, and where to taste the city's culinary heritage.

13 Must-Try Local Foods in Cape Town for Every Traveler

South Africa’s Mother City is renowned for more than just Table Mountain and coastal scenery—it’s also a culinary paradise. With its unique fusion of Dutch, Malay, Indian, African, and British influences, Cape Town offers one of the most diverse food cultures on the continent. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, exploring the local foods in Cape Town is essential for experiencing the city’s soul.

From fragrant curries to sweet pastries and fire-grilled meats, Cape Town’s cuisine reflects its complex history and vibrant communities. This guide showcases 13 iconic dishes and delicacies that define Cape Town’s food scene. Be prepared for bold flavors, rich traditions, and unforgettable meals.

1. Bobotie: South Africa’s National Dish

Arguably South Africa’s most beloved traditional meal, Bobotie is a hearty, spiced minced meat bake topped with an egg custard and often served with yellow rice and chutney. It’s the Cape’s answer to moussaka or shepherd’s pie, enriched with raisins, almonds, and curry spices.

Bobotie traces its roots to Cape Malay cuisine, brought by enslaved people from Southeast Asia during the Dutch colonial era. Its sweet and savory balance reflects the fusion that defines Cape Town’s culinary heritage. Look for it in local homes, traditional restaurants, and Sunday buffet lunches.

Where to try: Bo-Kaap Kombuis, Mzansi Restaurant, and various wine estate restaurants.

2. Gatsby: Cape Town’s Iconic Street Sandwich

The Gatsby is Cape Town’s most famous street food—a massive, foot-long sandwich stuffed with hot chips (fries), meat (like steak, polony, calamari, or chicken), salad, and spicy sauces. It’s messy, delicious, and designed to be shared, although many attempt to conquer it solo.

Originating in the working-class Cape Flats during the 1970s, the Gatsby is more than a meal—it’s a cultural icon. The sandwich was named after “The Great Gatsby” due to its extravagance and quickly became a post-party, lunch break, and weekend tradition across the city.

Where to try: Super Fisheries in Athlone (where it all began), Golden Dish, or any corner café in the suburbs.

3. Bunny Chow: Curry in a Hollowed-Out Loaf

Though it originated in Durban, the Bunny Chow has become a popular dish across Cape Town. It consists of spicy curry (typically lamb, chicken, or beans) served inside a hollowed-out quarter or half loaf of white bread. It’s delicious, filling, and portable.

Born from the Indian community under apartheid, bunny chow was a practical solution for takeout during a time when people were banned from dining indoors. Today, it’s enjoyed by all South Africans and ranks among the top comfort foods in Cape Town’s Indian and Muslim communities.

Where to try: Eastern Food Bazaar, Biesmiellah Restaurant, and various curry spots in Wynberg and Bo-Kaap.

4. Koeksisters: Sticky, Sweet Cape Treat

Koeksisters are deep-fried dough plaits soaked in sticky syrup and infused with cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. There are two kinds: the Cape Malay koeksister (spongy, fragrant, and mildly sweet) and the Afrikaans version (braided, crispy, and ultra-syrupy). Both are divine with tea.

These sugary delights are often sold at markets and church bazaars and are a must-try for visitors exploring Cape Town’s diverse pastry culture.

Where to try: Bo-Kaap Deli, Baked at The Silo, and local bakeries in Woodstock and the Southern Suburbs.

5. Snoek Braai: A Cape Fish Tradition

Snoek is a local game fish native to the cold Atlantic waters off Cape Town’s coast. The best way to enjoy it? Grilled over an open flame and basted with a sweet apricot glaze or vinegar-based marinade. This is known as a snoek braai—a beloved Cape tradition.

Often served with roosterkoek (grilled bread rolls) and potato salad, snoek is typically enjoyed during holidays, long weekends, or family gatherings. Its rich, oily texture and bold taste make it a South African coastal staple.

Where to try: Die Strandloper in Langebaan, Kalky’s in Kalk Bay, or local fish markets in Hout Bay.

6. Cape Malay Curry: Aromatic and Mildly Spicy

Unlike Indian curries, Cape Malay curry is aromatic rather than fiery. It often includes cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, cloves, and dried fruit—resulting in a warm, fragrant dish typically made with chicken, lamb, or lentils and served with roti, rice, or sambals.

This curry style is an essential part of Bo-Kaap’s culinary identity, shaped by the legacy of Malaysian and Indonesian slaves. The addition of raisins, apricots, or chutney adds a characteristic sweetness that complements the spice.

Where to try: Biesmiellah, Bo-Kaap Kombuis, or home-cooked meal experiences in Bo-Kaap walking tours.

7. Biltong: South Africa’s Favorite Snack

Biltong is South Africa’s version of jerky—but better. Made from cured and air-dried beef, game, or ostrich, it’s seasoned with salt, vinegar, coriander, and spices. Biltong is a go-to snack for road trips, game drives, and rugby matches, often paired with beer or cider.

Available in slices, sticks, or powdered (to sprinkle over sandwiches or pap), biltong is protein-packed and proudly South African. While not exclusive to Cape Town, every visitor should sample this national treasure.

Where to try: Cape Town Biltong Company, Neighborgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill, or any supermarket or farm stall.

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8. Chakalaka & Pap: The Ultimate Comfort Combo

A staple across South Africa, chakalaka is a spicy relish made with onions, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, beans, and curry spices. It’s traditionally served cold alongside pap—a maize porridge similar to polenta that is soft, thick, and comforting.

In Cape Town, this combination is often featured at shisa nyama (grill-style) eateries and community braais. Chakalaka adds bold flavor, while pap offers a neutral base that pairs well with meat, stew, or vegetables. It’s a dish that connects deeply with the city’s working-class culture and rural traditions.

Where to try: Mzoli’s Place in Gugulethu (formerly open), township food tours, or local Xhosa restaurants in Langa and Khayelitsha.

9. Samoosas: Cape Town’s Favorite Snack Triangle

No Cape Town food tour is complete without tasting a hot, crispy samoosa. Stuffed with curried mince, chicken, cheese, or vegetables, these triangular pastries are sold everywhere—from school tuckshops to spice markets and food stalls in Bo-Kaap.

Samoosas reflect the Cape Malay and Indian influence in the city’s cuisine. Their flaky pastry and spiced fillings make them an ideal snack or appetizer for all occasions, particularly during Ramadan or festive celebrations.

Where to try: Bo-Kaap Food Market, Eastern Bazaar, or any corner bakery in Salt River, Athlone, or Woodstock.

10. Waterblommetjie Bredie: A True Cape Classic

This unique stew, known as Waterblommetjie Bredie, is made with mutton and waterblommetjies—edible water flowers found in the Western Cape during winter. The dish is slow-cooked with potatoes, garlic, and mild spices, producing an earthy and floral flavor unlike any other.

Dating back to the early Dutch settlers, this bredie (Afrikaans for “stew”) is traditionally eaten during July and August when waterblommetjies bloom. It’s a true taste of the Cape countryside and represents indigenous knowledge passed through generations.

Where to try: Aubergine Restaurant, Die Volkskombuis in Stellenbosch, or seasonal menus at heritage wine estates.

11. Malva Pudding: Sweet, Sticky, and Iconic

Malva pudding is a rich, moist sponge dessert made with apricot jam and a decadent cream-based sauce. Baked until golden and often served with custard, cream, or ice cream, it’s a beloved conclusion to any South African meal.

This dessert is particularly popular during holidays and Sunday roasts. Its origins lie in the Cape Dutch kitchen, and it remains a firm favorite in both homes and high-end restaurants across Cape Town.

Where to try: Mama Africa, Karibu Restaurant at the V&A Waterfront, and local bistros offering South African tasting menus.

12. Braaibroodjies: Toasties on the Braai

Take grilled cheese to the next level with braaibroodjies—South African barbecue sandwiches made with bread, tomato, onion, and cheese, toasted over open coals. Sometimes chutney or hot sauce is added for extra flavor.

These are staples at any South African braai, and Cape Town’s beach picnics and summer gatherings are full of them. They’re quick to make, satisfyingly crunchy, and completely addictive.

Where to try: At private braais, braai-centric restaurants like The Backyard Grill, or food festivals featuring traditional cuisine.

13. Milk Tart (Melktert): The Dessert of the Nation

Light, creamy, and delicately spiced, milk tart (melktert) is a South African institution. This sweet pie features a cinnamon-dusted custard made from milk, sugar, eggs, and flour inside a shortcrust or puff pastry base. It’s served cold and found in nearly every bakery and café.

Originally brought by Dutch settlers in the 1600s, milk tart has become a nostalgic favorite across all cultures in South Africa. It’s especially popular during tea time, school bake sales, and holidays.

Where to try: Jason Bakery, The Velvet Cake Co., and local grocery stores like Spar or Pick n Pay.

Bonus Bites: What Else to Taste

If you’ve conquered the big 13, consider these other local food favorites:

Vetkoek: Fried bread stuffed with curried mince or jam
Boerewors Roll: South African hotdog with spicy beef sausage
Peppermint Crisp Tart: A refrigerator cake with cream, caramel, and mint chocolate
Amagwinya: Zulu-style doughnuts enjoyed across townships

How to Eat Like a Local in Cape Town

To truly explore Cape Town’s food culture, venture beyond the tourist restaurants. Join a Cape Town food walking tour through Bo-Kaap or Salt River. Visit community markets like Oranjezicht or Langa’s cultural cafés. Eat with locals, try unfamiliar flavors, and embrace the melting pot that is Cape cuisine.

South African food is deeply tied to its people, places, and past. When you savor a dish like bobotie or malva pudding, you’re tasting centuries of history and resilience. So bring an appetite and an open mind—you’ll leave with a full belly and a deeper understanding of the Cape.