We’re calling it.
South Africa is the ultimate foodie destination.
From traditional Cape Malay dishes to beef jerky to fish and chips, South Africa is home to all different kinds of delicious cuisine and unique food experiences.
On just about every corner in the nation’s biggest cities – including Johannesburg and Cape Town – you’re likely to find everything from traditional street food and markets, to quaint cafes and high-end restaurants.
In fact, South Africa is home to a handful of some of the top restaurants in the world.
Take a look inside the food and wine experiences in South Africa below. Post continues after video.
Besides being an enviable destination for food, South Africa is also home to several stunning wine regions outside of Cape Town, including Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
With a mix of historical and cultural influences, traditional over-the-flame cooking and fine dining experiences, South Africa is a haven for food and wine lovers alike. In case you’re not convinced yet, here are 18 photos that prove it.
We apologise in advance for making you very hungry.
Neighbourgood’s Market, Johannesburg
Instagram: @neighbourgoods_market_jhb
The Neighbourgood's Market in Johannesburg, which is open every Saturday, is home to local produce, homemade treats, artisanal producers, craft beer, beautiful clothes and handmade jewellery.
Across two floors, the markets are well known as a vibrant foodie scene. Amid the markets you'll find everything from centuries-old traditional recipes to boozy alcohol-infused ice cream and the Instagram-worthy foods of today.
Markets on Main, Johannesburg
Instagram: @marketonmain
In a similar vein to the Neighbourgood's Market, Markets on Main is a multi-level market selling fashion, books, fresh produce and delicious homemade baked goods.
Located in Johannesburg's Maboneng Precinct, which has a strangely similar feel to Sydney's Newtown, these markets are incredibly trendy.
Lebo's Interactive Cooking Experience, Soweto
Instagram: @sowetobybike
When it comes to food in South Africa, trying traditional food is a must.
Lebo's Soweto Backpackers, which has been a staple in Soweto since the 2000s, is home to Lebo's Interactive Cooking Experience.
Using fresh vegetables and herbs from Lebo's own garden, guests work together with chefs in the outdoor kitchen to cook the traditional way – in potjes (cast iron pots) over an open fire – to create a delicious, typical Sowetan meal.
Zwipi Underground, Johannesburg
Zwipi Underground is home to one of the most unique dining experiences in Johannesburg.
Located in the historic United Safety Deposit bank vault, this really is an underground dining experience.
The restaurant also hosts storytelling dinner experiences, which involves a multi-course dinner complete with storytelling that teaches you everything you need to know about the history and culture of the city between courses.
Coffeebeans Jazz Safari, Cape Town
Coffeebeans Jazz Safari in Cape Town is an exceptionally unique dining experience.
The tour provides guests an opportunity to share traditional cuisine in a local jazz musician's home.
Not only do you get to enjoy a home-cooked meal, you also get to watch a jazz musician perform in their own home, making it the best way to learn about the lives of the people in Cape Town.
Bo Kaap Cooking Tour, Cape Town
Bo Kaap is home to Cape Town's famous brightly coloured homes and cobble stoned streets.
The colourful region, which was formerly known as the Malay Quarter, is also home to Cape Malay culture and it's spicy yet mild cuisine.
The Boo Kaap Cooking Tour is the ultimate way to learn about the history and culture of the area.
Combined with a walking tour and a hands on cooking workshop, this tour allows guests to learn how to fold samosas and how to mix masala spice for the perfect pot of Cape Malay Curry. The experience also includes a two course lunch making it a fully immersive experience.
Delaire Graff, Stellenbosch
Instagram: @delairegraff
Delaire Graff in Stellenbosch is worth a visit for the views alone.
Located in between mountains and the vineyards, the views provide the perfect backdrop to this restaurant and winery.
The restaurant is well-known for it's use of fresh, organic produce and their creative pairings of different flavours.
La Petite Colombe, Franschhoek
Instagram: @lapetitecolombe
La Petite Colombe in Franschhoek is known as one of the top restaurants in the world.
The restaurant's most popular feature is the Chef's Experience – an eight-course menu that provides a taste of some of South Africa's very best produce.
The wine menu is also exclusively South African, showcasing some of the best wines from South Africa, including a number from Franschhoek where the restaurant is located.
Feature Image: Supplied.
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Jessica Staveley travelled to South Africa as a guest of South Africa Tourism.
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