Our Story
Origins
Our story started with a humble food blog
Our journey began in 2014 with a humble food blog called Molewa’s Kitchen, where our founder Dennis Molewa shared recipes crafted from locally sourced, ethically produced ingredients, alongside reviews of unpretentious eateries serving honest fare. Over time, his interest shifted toward the social impact of food and the role it plays in different South African communities. This led him to explore the food system more broadly, addressing topics such as sustainable agriculture and food labelling legislation.
Transition to Action
Our commitment to make a tangible impact
In 2018, Dennis’s efforts took a new direction as he began highlighting the stories of African food entrepreneurs in several publications nationwide. This spotlight revealed a glaring gap in the celebration of African cuisine and authentic heritage foods within South Africa. Motivated to address this disparity, he began hosting intimate social suppers at his cherished Somali restaurant in Cape Town. Within a year, his love for African cuisine and the people who prepare in blossomed into a three-hour African food tour, guiding local and international visitors through Cape Town’s CBD to explore the rich food cultures of East, West, and South Africa. This food tour has been included in the latest New York Times 36 Hours in Cape Town must-dos.
Dennis currently served as the resident coach for Oribi’s AfriFoodlinks incubation programme in Cape Town in 2024 and 2025, which nurtured 15 food entrepreneurs from marginalised communities. Since 2024, he has also contributed as a food systems and gender advocate for the organisation, occasionally assisting as a communications strategist and mentor, promoting inclusive and sustainable food systems. Through this very work, he curated our latest food tour, more of a food system tour aimed at those wishing to explore the formal and informal food economy of Cape Town’s CBD.
Advocates for Food Entrepreneurs
In 2018, Dennis’s efforts took a new direction as he began highlighting the stories of African food entrepreneurs in several publications nationwide. This spotlight revealed a glaring gap in the celebration of African cuisine and authentic heritage foods within South Africa. Motivated to address this disparity, he began hosting intimate social suppers at his cherished Somali restaurant in Cape Town. Within a year, his love for African cuisine and the people who prepare it blossomed into a three-hour African food tour, guiding local and international visitors through Cape Town’s CBD to explore the rich food cultures of East, West, and South Africa. This food tour has been included in the latest New York Times 36 Hours in Cape Town must-dos.
Dennis currently serves as the resident coach for Oribi’s AfriFoodlinks incubation programme in Cape Town, which nurtures 15 food entrepreneurs from marginalised communities. Since 2024, he has also contributed as a food systems and gender advocate for the organisation, occasionally assisting as a communications strategist and mentor, promoting inclusive and sustainable food systems. Through this very work, he curated our latest food tour, more of a food system tour aimed at those wishing to explore the formal and informal food economy of Cape Town’s CBD.
Our Purpose
All our tours are a statement of purpose.
In a city renowned for its culinary delights, we recognize the stark realities of inequality, gentrification, and the marginalization of small local and African diaspora-owned businesses. Affordable trading spaces for local formal and especially informal food vendors are scarce, and genuine appreciation for African cuisine is often overlooked. We firmly believe that food is inherently political and historical. Amidst the wave of high-end Euro-centric establishments, we are committed to championing and preserving Cape Town’s authentic and diverse culinary traditions, which we believe foster social cohesion and help bridge gaps between communities. Our vision is to build a business that actively contributes to preserving the city’s rich culinary heritage, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and equality in one of the world’s most diverse yet unequal cities. Learn more about our core values, mission, and vision here.
Why Book With Us?
We aim to provide Cape Town’s most authentic and impactful food tours, guiding guests along unexplored routes through the city’s backstreets and into community kitchens and restaurants that few dare to explore alone, yet play a crucial role in their communities. We go beyond typical Eurocentric culinary experiences by weaving Cape Town’s African food cultures with history and storytelling that is inclusive and honest. Our tours highlight the narratives of African entrepreneurs and small business owners, who contribute significantly to the city’s cultural and economic landscape. From our favourite tailors showcasing African fabrics and arts, to hidden markets, informal food vendors, community kitchens, and hole-in-the-wall eateries, we offer an immersive and responsible experience that goes beyond tasting food. This journey takes guests through the heart and soul of Cape Town’s diverse local and African diaspora communities.