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Cape Town Tour: Food, Art & Thrift Adventure
4.9
8 Ratings
Cape Town
Discover the vibrant neighborhoods of Salt River and Observatory in Cape Town on a walking tour. Indulge in African food, admire street art, and explore unique thrift stores.
Discover the vibrant neighborhoods of Salt River and Observatory in Cape Town on a walking tour. Indulge in African food, admire street art, and explore unique thrift stores.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Cape Town - This journey starts with a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets of Salt River, where participants will shop for ingredients at local establishments. The group will then proceed to the home for the cooking class. The meeting point is Fargo Trading, one of Cape Town’s oldest and most underrated spice shops, setting the perfect tone…
- Cape Town - This journey starts with a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets of Salt River, where participants will shop for ingredients at local establishments. The group will then proceed to the home for the cooking class. The meeting point is Fargo Trading, one of Cape Town’s oldest and most underrated spice shops, setting the perfect tone for this genuine Cape Malay/Creole culinary experience.
- Cape Town - After visiting one of Cape Town’s most iconic spice shops, the group will continue gathering ingredients for the meal while enjoying a relaxed walk through Salt River. Along the way, they will admire striking street art created by the Salt River Heritage Society and the International Public Art Festival. Participants will also learn about African immigrant communities who operate local grocery shops, as well as Cape Malay/Creole food vendors. The walk concludes at the home, where everyone will cook and dine together.
- Cape Town - Participants will have the opportunity to cook and enjoy an authentic three-course Cape Malay/Creole meal. They will experience true ‘Kaapse Kos’ while learning about its rich history and heritage, and connect with local home cooks renowned in their communities for their exceptional cooking and baking.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
Additional Information
Join us for a relaxing walk through Salt River to shop for ingredients and appreciate local street art, followed by preparing a Cape Malay meal from scratch! This 3–4 hour experience requires no previous cooking experience—just an interest in the culinary traditions of the Cape Malay/Creole community. Your participation level is adaptable, based on your…
Join us for a relaxing walk through Salt River to shop for ingredients and appreciate local street art, followed by preparing a Cape Malay meal from scratch! This 3–4 hour experience requires no previous cooking experience—just an interest in the culinary traditions of the Cape Malay/Creole community. Your participation level is adaptable, based on your availability and enthusiasm. We can either cook everything from scratch or guide you through essential parts of the process. Typically, guests roll out traditional rotis, make Onion and Tomato Sambal, and delve into the history of the spice and slave trade in South Africa.
While cooking, participants will learn about the socio-cultural identity of the Cape Muslim community, one of the most diverse Creole communities globally. Enjoy a three-course meal with welcome drinks and snacks. Afterward, share the meal with local home cooks from Salt River/Woodstock. This is a perfect activity for food and history enthusiasts looking for an authentic connection with Cape Malay culinary culture.
- the remaining time will be for the transfer for each attractions
Location
FARGO TRADING CO
Malta Road
Please meet us inside Fargo Trading, the spice shop. We'll start by shopping for spices together before heading to the house for the cooking class."
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(8 Ratings)
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Kathleensn1513ab
Sep 13, 2025
Don’t miss this experience - My mom and two friends joined me at this fabulous cooking lesson. We met at a spice market and explored spices unusual for an American cook. On to the butcher shop to see local meats and how they are sold.
Our cooking lesson started with savory treat, which we learned how to make. Nothing beats hands on. Fish curry for a quick weekday meal. Step by step, details on the spices used and how to bloom them. And it was delicious. Chai tea and malva pudding for dessert.
Our chefs were knowledgeable, good teachers, and so interesting. Highly recommend. I’ve taken cooking lessons around the world while traveling and this is at the top of the list.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eric_e
Aug 10, 2025
A completely lovely cooking and dining experience! - We had a positively lovely experience with Shihaam and Auntie Janie. We met Shihaam at the Old Biscuit Market, explored there for a little bit, then walked to the location where we made a wonderful (and very delicious) meal. We had the opportunity to learn a wide range of things about their experiences, as well as about the ingredients and prep for the Cape Malay meal. We were looking for the chance to connect with local individuals in a more informal setting than the typical "touristy" transaction, and this was exactly what we hoped for. We thank you both for your willingness to share! (Also, the dessert pudding was AMAZING!)
Review provided by Viator
Biancafb1921il
Aug 10, 2025
One of the best cooking classes I’ve ever taken! - After the amazing storytelling food tour with Dennis, I immediately knew I wanted to book Unexplored Cape Town again!
I had a full free day to myself in Cape Town, and asked Dennis if there were any cooking classes he could recommend. To my surprise, he said they had one! It only took me about 30 seconds of conversation to be convinced to sign up.
Since I work in the food industry myself, I wanted to be as involved as possible… and they made that happen! We went to the spice shop, the butcher, picked up some ingredients, and made everything from scratch.
Shihaam and Janop taught me how to make roti, chili bites, butter chicken, malva pudding, chai. We also enjoyed a very delicious split pea soup. All recipes were passed down to them, and I felt honored to be able to cook and bake by their sides. It was like I was in the kitchen with family members, learning how to make their precious family recipes!!!
After 10 days of visiting different countries in Southern African, I can confidently say the Cape Malay/Creole cooking classes (and the food tour!) were one of the best experiences, ever. I felt super comfortable and happy to be there.
I loved getting to know Shihaam and Janop—it was truly an honor I got to take their class. And the next time I visit Cape Town, I’m definitely booking both events again!
Thank you Dennis, Shihaam, and Janop!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
76adrienne
Jul 17, 2025
Wonderful South African Food and Culture Experience. - My husband and I participated in the Cape Malay / Creole cooking class during our week long stay in Cape Town. We have participated in cooking experience in other cities throughout our international travels and have enjoyed them. This class did not disappoint. Shihaam and “Auntie Jeanne” were our instructors and hosts. They were amazing pleasure to spend spend time with. From the hands on instruction to the great conversation, it was a wonderful time!!! I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about the food and culture of South Africa.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Venture792248
Jul 16, 2025
Immersive cultural and food experience - This was truly such a wonderful unique experience. Dennis took us on such an informative walk around salt river. From the spice shop to the street art and we even went inside one of the local mosques, where we were greeted with such warmth and hospitality.
Next up was the cooking class, hosted in Dennis' home. We were greeted with delicious dhaaltjies(the best I have ever tasted and a hearty vegetable soup, perfect to warm us up on the cold rainy day.
We learnt about the basic spices of Cape Malay cooking and then onto learning how to make a butter chicken and Rotis. It was hands on and I loved rolling out the rotis. We then were served a delicious dessert and a chair masala tea, absolutely heavenly
I left feeling full, extremely happy and like I had made new friends. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Cape Town
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Benjamin_r
Jul 14, 2024
Excellent off the beaten path choice - Very interesting tour and Nadia is absolutely lovely! Great for anyone who wants to explore a different part of the city and appreciates street art
Review provided by Viator
Aliyaferg
Feb 13, 2024
An absolute MUST when visitnf Cape Town! - Considering we have lived in Cape Town for as long as we have and never explored the parts of the city that Dennis takes you on this tour was a really interesting and eye-opening experience! Dennis manages to weave interesting important history and facts about the lesser known but just as important parts of Cape Town with ease and every stop along the way was punctuated with delicious bites to eat. The exposure to the different diaspora of Africans in the CBD and thier cuisine was one of the best we have had in Cape Town!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Warren_j
Jul 4, 2025
Enlightening cooking experience - The experience started with a tour of a spice shop and then a walk through Salt River to meet the chefs. We started with a tasting of a starter and then a introduction to spice mixes. We were guided though making a curry and rotis. After the meal we had Chai tea and dessert. During the experience we engaged with the cooks about culture and cooking.
Review provided by Viator
