The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour
Overview
Our signature experience takes you on a captivating journey through time—from the 1600s to today—revealing how centuries of cultural exchange, global trade, and resilience have shaped Cape Town’s distinctive flavours and traditions.
Stroll through the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, where every building tells a story. Indulge in local favourites like golden koeksisters, savour the rich spices of Cape Malay bobotie, and explore hearty classics such as bunny chow, pap, and chakalaka. Sip on rooibos tea and enjoy a selection of locally crafted beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Led by a passionate local foodie expert, you’ll uncover hidden gems, meet local vendors, and hear the stories behind each dish. From the spice routes of the 17th century to the lasting impact of slavery and apartheid, every stop offers a deeper connection to the city—its people, its past, and its vibrant food culture.
What's Included
- Meals 10+ South African food and drink tastings included — all beverages, wine and alcohol covered
- Alternative beverages provided for those who do not consume alcohol including coffee and tea
- Local professional guide with history insights of the area
- Gratuities
- Transportation to/from tour.
Meeting Location
114 Church Street
Bokaap, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
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Bo-Kaap
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Cape Town
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
De Waterkant
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Foreshore
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- When booking, please note any dietary restrictions or allergies, as our guides arrange the food in advance to ensure you don't miss out on any dishes. We can accommodate vegetarian and gluten friendly diets, as well as restrictions for seafood, shellfish, and pork. However, please be aware that we cannot guarantee that any tasting will be 100% free of allergens.
- Dress code is comfortable, including comfortable walking shoes. Weather changes fast in Cape Town so please come prepared as we will be outside.
- Tours run rain or shine; however, in cases of extreme weather, your guide will reach out to inform you of any changes or cancellations.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, approximately 1.7 Km.
- Unfortunately the tour route includes stairs, and is therefore not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
- Cape Town has paid street parking available. We do recommend making use of Uber or Hotel provided services. We do not finish the tour where we start from.
- Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult and any kids over the age of 2 require a regular ticket to attend.
- Guests under 18 years old will be served alternate drinks where alcohol would have otherwise been offered.
- Tickets are non-refundable, they are however exchangeable/transferable with a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to tour commencing. Within 24 hours, tickets are 100% non refundable and non-exchangeable for any reason.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-58697P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 508 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (SAST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Meals. 10+ South African food and drink tastings included — all beverages, wine and alcohol covered.
- Alternative beverages provided for those who do not consume alcohol including coffee and tea.
- Local professional guide with history insights of the area.
- Gratuities.
- Transportation to/from tour.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 6. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Meals10+ South African food and drink tastings included — all beverages, wine and alcohol covered
- Alternative beverages provided for those who do not consume alcohol including coffee and tea
- Local professional guide with history insights of the area
- Gratuities
- Transportation to/from tour.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- When booking, please note any dietary restrictions or allergies, as our guides arrange the food in advance to ensure you don't miss out on any dishes. We can accommodate vegetarian and gluten friendly diets, as well as restrictions for seafood, shellfish, and pork. However, please be aware that we cannot guarantee that any tasting will be 100% free of allergens.
- Dress code is comfortable, including comfortable walking shoes. Weather changes fast in Cape Town so please come prepared as we will be outside.
- Tours run rain or shine; however, in cases of extreme weather, your guide will reach out to inform you of any changes or cancellations.
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, approximately 1.7 Km.
- Unfortunately the tour route includes stairs, and is therefore not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
- Cape Town has paid street parking available. We do recommend making use of Uber or Hotel provided services. We do not finish the tour where we start from.
- Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult and any kids over the age of 2 require a regular ticket to attend.
- Guests under 18 years old will be served alternate drinks where alcohol would have otherwise been offered.
- Tickets are non-refundable, they are however exchangeable/transferable with a minimum of 24 hours notice prior to tour commencing. Within 24 hours, tickets are 100% non refundable and non-exchangeable for any reason.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
