African Food in Cape town: A list of African Food Restaurants in Cape Town

Cape Town, located in South Africa, is known for its diverse culinary scene that offers a wide array of African foods. Here’s a detailed list of African foods you can find in Cape Town:

1. Bobotie: A traditional South African dish made with minced meat (usually beef or lamb) cooked with spices, onions, and raisins, topped with a savory custard made from eggs and milk, and baked until golden and fragrant. It’s often served with yellow rice and chutney. See more>

2. Biltong: A popular South African snack made from dried and cured strips of meat, usually beef, game, or ostrich. It’s seasoned with spices like coriander and black pepper, and it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

3. Bunny Chow: A unique South African street food, Bunny Chow is a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. The bread acts as a bowl, and the curry can be made with different types of meat, such as chicken, lamb, or beef, and is often served with a side of sambals (chopped vegetables in a spicy vinegar dressing).

4. Boerewors: A type of sausage that is popular in South Africa, Boerewors is made from coarsely minced beef or lamb, flavored with spices such as coriander, cloves, and nutmeg. It’s often grilled and served with pap (a type of maize porridge) and a tomato and onion relish.

5. Pap en Sous: A traditional South African dish made from maize meal cooked to a thick, smooth consistency, similar to polenta. It’s typically served with a tomato and onion relish, known as sous, which is often made with added vegetables and spices.

6. Potjiekos: A traditional South African stew made in a cast-iron pot (known as a potjie) over an open fire. It typically contains a variety of meat, vegetables, and spices, and is slow-cooked for hours to develop rich flavors.

7. Samp and Beans: A popular dish in South African cuisine, Samp and Beans is made from corn kernels and beans that are cooked together until tender. It’s often flavored with onions, tomatoes, and spices, and can be served as a main dish or a side dish.

8. Chakalaka: A spicy vegetable relish that originated in South Africa, Chakalaka is made from a variety of chopped vegetables, such as onions, tomatoes, carrots, and peppers, cooked with spices and sometimes beans. It’s often served as a condiment or side dish with meat or bread.

9. Vetkoek: A South African fried dough pastry, Vetkoek is similar to a doughnut or a beignet. It’s made from a yeasted dough that is deep-fried until golden and crispy, and it’s often filled with savory fillings like minced meat, cheese, or jam.

10. Koeksisters: A popular South African dessert, Koeksisters are deep-fried, sweet pastries made from braided dough that is soaked in a sweet syrup made from sugar, water, and flavored with cinnamon and ginger. They are sweet, sticky, and utterly delicious.

These are just a few examples of the diverse African foods you can find in Cape Town, which offer a unique and flavorful culinary experience. Cape Town’s food scene is a melting pot of different cultures and cuisines, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

A list of African Food Restaurants in Cape Town

Cape Town, a vibrant city located at the southern tip of Africa, is known for its rich cultural diversity and eclectic culinary scene. Among the many flavors and cuisines found in this cosmopolitan city, African food holds a special place. With its diverse range of traditional dishes from various regions of Africa, Cape Town offers a culinary adventure for food enthusiasts looking to experience the tastes and flavors of the continent.

African cuisine is a melting pot of flavors, spices, and cooking techniques, influenced by the diverse cultures and geography of the continent. From the hearty stews of North Africa to the spicy grilled meats of West Africa, and the aromatic curries of East Africa, African food is a celebration of culinary diversity. In Cape Town, visitors can explore a plethora of African food restaurants that showcase the unique flavors and dishes from different regions of Africa.

1. Gold Restaurant: Located in the trendy neighborhood of Green Point, Gold Restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines African cuisine with live entertainment. The menu features a range of African dishes from different regions, such as Moroccan lamb tagine, Ethiopian injera bread, and South African bobotie. Click here to visit the Gold Restaurant Website>

2. Mama Africa: Situated in the heart of Cape Town’s city center, Mama Africa is a popular restaurant that offers a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse menu of African cuisine. The menu includes a variety of dishes from different African countries, such as Namibian venison, Ghanaian jollof rice, and Zimbabwean sadza. Click here to visit Mama Africa Website> 

3. Addis in Cape: www.addisincape.co.za/
   Known for its authentic Ethiopian cuisine, Addis in Cape offers a warm and welcoming ambiance. The menu features traditional Ethiopian dishes such as injera bread, doro wat (spicy chicken stew), and kitfo (raw minced beef seasoned with spices). Click here to visit the Addis in Cape Website>

4. Marco’s African Place: Located in Bo-Kaap, Marco’s African Place is a cozy restaurant that offers a fusion of African and Cape Malay cuisine. The menu includes dishes such as Cape Malay curry, grilled ostrich steak, and peri-peri chicken, along with live music performances. Click here to visit Marco’s African Place website.

5. Nyoni’s Kraal: Located in Gugulethu, Nyoni’s Kraal is a popular spot for authentic Xhosa cuisine. The menu includes traditional Xhosa dishes such as umngqusho (maize and bean stew), umleqwa (free-range chicken stew), and amadumbe (a type of yam), offering a unique taste of Xhosa culture. Click here to visit Nyoni’s Kraal Website>

6. Goldies African Restaurant: Situated in Observatory, Goldies African Restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that features a variety of African dishes. The menu includes dishes such as peri-peri chicken, lamb curry, and sosaties (marinated meat skewers), along with vegetarian options. Click here to visit Goldies African Restaurant>

7. Township Cafe: Located in Khayelitsha, Township Cafe is a community-driven restaurant that offers a taste of authentic South African township cuisine. The menu features dishes such as chakalaka, pap en vleis (maize porridge with meat), and mogodu (tripe stew), showcasing the flavors of the townships.

8. AmaZink Live: Located in Kayamandi, AmaZink Live offers a unique dining experience that combines African food with live music and performances. The menu features a range of South African dishes such as boerewors, lamb potjie (stew), and malva pudding (a traditional South African dessert).

9. Nyama Mama: Situated in the V&A Waterfront, Nyama Mama offers a contemporary African dining experience with a modern twist. The menu features a fusion of African flavors with international influences, such as peri-peri prawns, beef suya (spiced grilled beef), and Moroccan lamb tagine.

10. Lelapa Restaurant: Located in Stellenbosch, Lelapa Restaurant offers a fine dining experience with a focus on African cuisine. The menu features dishes inspired by different African regions, such as Tanzanian coconut curry, Mozambican peri-peri chicken, and South African bobotie.

These are just a few examples of African food restaurants in Cape Town that offer a diverse and flavorful culinary experience. From traditional South African dishes to exotic flavors from different African countries, Cape Town’s African food scene has something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Apart from these restaurants, there are many other African food establishments in Cape Town that offer a diverse range of dishes and flavors. From casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, Cape Town’s African food scene has something for every palate and budget.

Author: Sandra Mapfumo