Two Sides of Cape Town Food Tour
Connecting Food, Culture, and Economy in Cape Town: The Formal and Informal Food System in the CBD
Discover both sides of Cape Town’s food system on a 4-hour walking food tour that connects the formal and informal economies in the city centre. This journey explores Cape Town’s contrasting informal and formal food economies, ranging from heritage-rich African and local eateries to artisan-driven culinary destinations. Our aim is to help visitors establish a genuine connection between food, culture, and economy in Cape Town’s CBD.
About
Ideal for curious and conscious foodies who appreciate artisan food and discovering hidden kitchens, this tour offers an opportunity to experience Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage and socio-economic landscape from a culinary perspective that embraces inclusivity. We seek to connect the food with entrepreneurial narratives, reflecting the city’s intricate relationship with colonial history and the dynamics that shape one of the world’s most culturally diverse and economically unequal cities.
Cape Town is more than just a foodie capital. The food in Cape Town acts as a vital conduit between our diverse communities. It reflects their unique identities, businesses, and history. This tour seeks to provide a genuine, inclusive, and unsanitized experience. It aims to offer a balanced and honest perspective on Cape Town’s food economy and its challenges. We recognize the disparities within our local food system and celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of the informal food economy, which plays an essential role in South Africa’s culinary landscape.
Initially developed as part of Oribi’s AfriFoodlinks incubation programme, this tour was designed to introduce a cohort of food entrepreneurs from marginalised communities to Cape Town’s inner-city ecosystem of food businesses. It stands as a testament to our strong partnership with Oribi and our shared commitment to advocating for circularity, sustainability, economic equity, and bridging gaps for small and medium-sized food entrepreneurs through initiatives such as incubation. Learn more about our story and values.
Tour Highlights
On this food tour, you will explore our favourite artisan foodie spots and African hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Cape Town, enjoying tastings at around six different locations.
- Discover the best of both worlds in Cape Town: artisan foods, heritage dishes, and explore our favourite foodie hotspots alongside hidden gems while learning about the CBD’s informal and formal food economy.
- Dive deeply into the city’s food system from an entrepreneurial perspective, linking food with history, urbanism, heritage, and artisan craftsmanship.
What’s Included?
- Approximately 15 stops (covering about 3km of walking)
- 6 curated tastings at various locations (Please come hungry!)
- Hot and cold beverages, snacks, and shared meals (featuring a variety of warm, cold, sweet, and savory dishes shared among the group)
Where?
Meeting point is in front of District Six Museum. This tour starts in District Six, passes through the city centre, and concludes atop Wale Street
When?
Mondays to Saturdays from 11:30am to approximately 3:30pm
What to Bring?
- Comfortable shoes.
- Sun hat (and sunscreen if necessary)
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions and come with weather-appropriate clothing such as a sun hat, rain jacket or windbreaker
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
- Mondays to Saturdays from 11:30am - 3:30pm
- Meeting Point: In front of District Six Museum. This tour starts in District Six, passes through the city centre, and concludes atop Wale Street
- Costs: R2000 p.p
Private Bookings
For private bookings, we offer flexible itineraries with various durations and options to suit your interests, including additional stops for shopping.
For more details, feel free to email us at contact@unexplored.co.za
