• Church Square - Meet & Greet at Church Square (Ensure not to confuse it with Church Square in Woodstock!)
  Our meeting spot is at the statue of Jan Hendrik Hofmeyr on Church Square, located in the vibrant center of Cape Town. We are situated directly across from McDonald’s, at the intersection of Parliament and Spin Street. This is where we gather to welcome you and introduce you to the experience.

Please note, this is more than just a food tour.
While food is central, we also explore public spaces, untold histories, and the lived experiences of small business owners in the city. Church Square, South Africa’s second oldest public square, is the perfect starting point for this journey. It allows us to begin by reflecting on the importance of public spaces in the country’s history and how they continue to shape community life today.

• Plein Street - Somali Food Culture (First shared warm meal)
  Enjoy a shared warm East African meal while learning about Somali food traditions and flavors. We’ll taste signature Somali dishes and spiced tea, and explore what makes this cuisine so distinctive. Approx. 20 minutes, depending on group size and curiosity.
• Golden Acre - Old Post Office & Cape Malay Bites (incl. Snack Tasting)
  Visit the historic Old Post Office to uncover layers of colonial history and the evolving role of public space in Cape Town. Meet small food vendors, enjoy Cape Malay/Creole snacks, and browse through second-hand books.
• Cape Town City Hall - Grand Parade & Mandela Balcony
  Welcome to South Africa’s oldest public square. Here, we explore the Grand Parade and pause in front of the iconic Mandela balcony at City Hall, where Nelson Mandela delivered his first public address after his release from prison. This space offers not only rich historical context but also a glimpse into contemporary South African politics. As we walk through the square, we’ll share stories about the informal food vendors who trade here daily, offering their perspective on life and business in Cape Town’s city center.
• Adderley Street Flower Market - Discover the Flower Market
  Let’s explore one of the oldest open-air markets in South Africa. We walk through the oldest flower market in Southern Africa and greet their vendors.
• Greenmarket Square - Greenmarket Square and West African Community
  Visit Greenmarket Square, Cape Town’s third oldest public square and a lively hub for informal African traders and entrepreneurs. Here you will meet vendors from across the continent, with an opportunity to browse for souvenirs if you wish. This is also where we begin to explore Cape Town’s West African community more closely. If you are interested in fabrics, we pass by our favorite Senegalese tailor known for his beautiful African textiles.
• Cape Town Central - Introduction to West African cuisine and food tasting. (second shared warm meal)

Here we share our second warm meal and taste West African cuisine from Mali and speak about how African cuisine has the ability to unite people.

• Cape Town Central - Central Methodist Mission
  Join us at the Methodist Mission, a welcoming space where people from all walks of life gather daily. Steeped in community activism and social justice history, it remains a beating heart of Cape Town’s inner city. Here we pause for tea or coffee and a treat while reflecting on the stories this space holds.

• Lunch
• Snacks
• Tea and coffee
• Carbonated beverages
• Bottled water

We bridge Cape Town’s culinary culture with its rich history, unique spaces, and the personal stories of local entrepreneurs. This journey includes shared meals and snacks at hidden community kitchens, quaint eateries, and African-owned food businesses, each with its own unique narrative.

IMPORTANT: This is far more than a typical food tour. While food is a focal point, the experience delves into the interplay between public spaces, history, entrepreneurship, and cuisine, as well as the impact of gentrification on urban life. The tour includes eight stops, featuring three culinary experiences: two warm shared meals and one snack tasting, accompanied by both warm and cold beverages. Arrive with an appetite!

Throughout the tour, participants will encounter small business owners who embody a passion for food, storytelling, literature, and textiles. Cape Town’s small business landscape is ever-changing, and so is this tour. It is an immersive, responsible experience that offers a genuine insight into the vibrant heart of the city’s core.

The tour is suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian guests; gluten-free guests will enjoy Xhosa cuisine.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.