Two Sides of Cape Town Food Tour
Exploring Cape Town’s Formal and Informal Food Economies
Discover both sides of Cape Town’s food system on a walking food tour through the city centre that connects the formal and informal economies shaping the CBD.
This immersive culinary journey explores Cape Town through the lens of food, entrepreneurship, migration, heritage and urban culture. From artisan bakeries and independent cafés to community-rooted eateries and informal food spaces, the experience offers a deeper understanding of the people, businesses and histories that shape the city’s culinary identity.
Our aim is to help visitors establish a genuine connection between food, culture and economy in contemporary Cape Town.
About the Experience
Designed for curious and conscious travellers, this experience offers a more honest and unfiltered perspective of Cape Town’s food culture and urban identity.
Cape Town is more than just a foodie capital. Food acts as a vital connector between communities, histories and economies, reflecting the city’s complexity, creativity and inequalities. Through carefully selected food businesses and conversations, we explore how food intersects with migration, colonial history, entrepreneurship and everyday life in one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities.
At Unexplored Cape Town, we believe tourism can create meaningful economic inclusion and stronger connections between people. This experience celebrates both the formal and informal food economies that contribute to Cape Town’s culinary landscape, including the often-overlooked businesses and entrepreneurs who play a vital role in the city’s food system.
This tour was originally developed through the AfriFOODlinks programme in partnership with Oribi, as part of broader efforts to support emerging food entrepreneurs and create more inclusive local food systems in Cape Town.
Tour Highlights
- Discover artisan food businesses, heritage dishes and community-rooted eateries across Cape Town’s CBD
- Explore the relationship between the city’s formal and informal food economies
- Enjoy curated tastings across approximately six different locations
- Learn about Cape Town’s history, urbanism and cultural diversity through food and storytelling
- Gain insight into the entrepreneurial realities shaping local food businesses and communities
What’s Included?
- Approximately 15 stops covering around 3km of walking
- Around 6 curated tastings across different locations
- Hot and cold beverages
- Guided storytelling and cultural interpretation
Please come hungry.
Where?
Meeting point is in front of District Six Museum.
The experience starts in District Six, moves through the CBD and concludes atop Wale Street.
When?
Monday to Saturday
11:30am – approximately 3:30pm
Important to Know
- This is a walking food experience with approximately 3km of walking throughout the tour
- Please wear comfortable shoes
- Vegetarian-friendly options are available
- We recommend bringing weather-appropriate clothing such as a sun hat, sunscreen, rain jacket or windbreaker depending on conditions
Everyone’s Welcome!
Read our commitments and values and find out how we seek to make our tours as inclusive as possible.
Want to know more? Our FAQs might help or feel free to contact us.
Details
- 4 Hours
- Monday to Saturday 11:30am – approximately 3:30pm
- Meeting Point: In front of District Six Museum.
- Costs: R2200 p.p
Private Bookings
For private bookings, we offer flexible itineraries with additional options such as extended durations and shopping-focused stops.
Please contact us directly for more information.
For more details, feel free to email us at contact@unexplored.co.za
