Dining out in Cape Town
To speak about dining out in Cape Town as if it were singular past time, is to make the same mistake that many visitors make when travelling to our shores; assuming that our culture is a single, homogeneous entity. In reality South African culture is a mixture reflecting our vast and varied heritage. Cape Town's culinary universe is merely an extension of this, offering the unsuspecting traveller a thousand different options - all claiming to be the quintessential South African dish.
Situated between two oceans and within a country that prides itself on its wildlife, Cape Town is a great city for both seafood and game meats. From fresh line fish to ostrich, springbok and kudu, Cape Town has something for even the most discerning palate. Traditional African dishes, such as samp and beans and Malay dishes such as bobotie and bredie are some of the other local favourites that you should make time to indulge in. Although steeped in culture, Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city it has not hesitated in embracing some of the more positive aspects of globalisation. The worldwide obsession with sushi, for instance, has not passed us by and Cape Town offers a unique sushi and Asian fusion dining experience. Coffee culture is also huge in the city, with hundreds of coffee shops offering everything from organic cappucinos to one-of-a-kind pastries.
For a quick tour of some of Cape Town's foodie hotspots, let's start with breakfast. A good stop is Arnold's, an essential start for many Cape Townians who work in the Cape Town city centre. Situated within walking distance of some of Cape Town's favourite nightspots it's also a prime spot for those who didn't quite make it home after a night out. Deer Park Cafe is another option, offering smoothies and some delectable food.. It has a relaxed atmosphere and having a full playpark on the property makes it first choice for those with kids Rhodes Memorial is a classic breakfast venue, offering a muffin on the mountain, a pancake with a panorama - well, you get the picture. It also offers the opportunity for a scenic mountain walk after you've eaten.
On to lunch. With so much scenery about, it would be almost a sin to have lunch indoors. Constantia Uitsig is an old favourite, with three restaurants within the leafy heart of the winelands. Kalk Bay and Simon's Town on the False Bay coast of Cape Town offer a host of quaint eateries, including The Brass Bell, a popular spot for a relaxed lunch. Antique shopping is what Kalk Bay is famous for, so make sure you make time to take a stroll through some of its little sea treasure troves.
And so we come to dinner. With so many restaurants on offer it's difficult to pick favourites, but there are some which really stand out. Mama Africa in Cape Town is an essential stop, with a live marimba band and many authentic African dishes on offer. Mesopotamia, an exotic Kurdish restaurant, is a feast of the senses offering mezze meals and sensual belly dancers. Cafe Ganesh is part of Cape Town's unofficial history. A mainstay in Observatory, the bohemian capital of Cape Town, it offers no-nonsense African meals in a bar/kitchen with flair and waiters with spirit (and just a little attitude). Madame Zingara is perhaps Cape Town's most extravagant offering, situated in a 'Tent of Mirrors' near the foreshore. Think Cirque du Soleil with gourmet cuisine. You'll have to experience it to know what I mean.
So get out there and start testing and tasting the waters. You can view hundreds of cafés and restaurants from which to choose your perfect dining experience. Remember tipping is common practice in Cape Town and 10% of the bill is standard for good service. There are also many great Cape Town cookbooks available in bookshops for you to learn some of our culinary secrets to take home with you.
As the Xhosa proverb says “Ukuhamba kukufunda” - travelling is learning.
