A Tantalising Township Cookery Tour Extravaganza
A Tantalising Township Cookery Tour Extravaganza
Tantalise your taste buds and seduce your gastronomic senses with a whole new world of flavour and creativity, with a township cookery tour in Cape Town and surrounds.
This will not only introduce you to the vibrant culture of the African people, but also to real hearty African food the way it’s meant to be. For an unforgettable experience, simply take your pick from our selection of top township cookery tours that are conveniently listed below.
The African Cooking Safari
The African Cooking Safari by Andulela Experience, is an extraordinary outing. You will be guided through local Townships in the Cape Flats, like Gugulethu, Khayelitsha and Langa, and enjoy a hands-on TASTE of Township life. You will also get a fascinating insight into some of the little informal but thriving businesses completely operated from home, known as Spaza Shops. Amble past the colourful houses and container homes which joyfully depict the stores’ specialities by means of vibrant graphics and typography on the walls.
At the local markets you will find an abundance of the freshest fruit and vegetables as well as the “freest” ranging chickens!
Your outing will then culminate in a relaxed cooking & tasting demonstration at a family home or restaurant – after which your incredibly welcoming hosts will sit down and enjoy the meal with you.
Tour details – The African Cooking Safari is a half-day township cookery tour that is presented by an accredited guide at a cost of ZAR 595 per person as quoted in September 2011. The price includes return transfers to the V&A Waterfront, one refreshment, ingredients for the meal, an interactive cooking workshop and a surprise gift pack.
You can contact Andulela Experience on Tel: 021- 790 2592.
Tours take place in Langa, Khayelitsha and Gugulethu (link and anchor)
A township cookery tour in Langa
The Cape Town Township of Langa is roughly 15 km East of Cape Town CBD.
In Langa, why not learn the tricks of the trade in making chakalaka, samp, a delicious lamb curry with pap and umleqwa from the renowned African Chef Eugene, (a lecturer at Cape Town Hotel School). All this, at Eziko’s Cooking and Catering School. Thereafter sit down and enjoy the sumptuous dishes you have learnt to make at Ezikos restaurant.
An overnight stop…?
There is nothing stopping you completing your Township experience by sleeping over at the homely Ma Neo’s Township Bed and Breakfast. Ma Neo and her daughter Thandi are wonderful hosts and if you spare them the time, they may enlighten you to some of the bewildering stories of the Apartheid struggles, based on first-hand experience.
Your morning will begin by the sound of the cockerel and a wholesome continental breakfast.
Ask Ma Neo to guide you to some of the most exciting local spots to visit on your way back to Cape Town.
Tour details: Eziko’s Cooking and Catering School is based on the corner of Juni Walk and Brinton Streets in the heart of Langa. It offers tailor-made workshops, which can last from three to five hours, subject to your requirements. The costs are approximately ZAR100 per hour, as quoted in September 2011. Bookings should be made in advance with Victor at victor@ezikorestaurant.com or on Tel: 021- 694 0434.
It is also easy to book your classes through Pam of Cape Fusion Tours who will organize the whole tour and cooking experience for you from start to finish for you.
Ma Neo’s B&B is based at Zone 7, 30 Zolile Musie Street, Langa. The cost is ZAR300 per night, as quoted in September 2011. The contact number for reservations is: Tel: 021- 694 2504.
A township cookery tour in Khaylitsha
If you have a penchant for all things sweet, then you might want to consider paying a visit to Khayelitsha Cookies; a local business started by a few inspirational women in Khayelitsha itself. They currently employ close to 50 people locally and supply cookies to many major retailers in South Africa. Khayelitsha Cookies have recently been nominated for Small Business of the Year Award.
Not only will you be inspired by their entrepreneurship, but you will also walk away with a delightful box of scrumptious Khayelitsha Cookies.
Do also idle past some of the colourful local vendors and eateries, or browse the souvenirs at Khayelitsha Craft Market and absorb the sights, smells and sounds of this vibrant community.
Tour details: Khayelitsha Cookies is based at Unit 9, Gateway Park, Berkley Road, Ndabeni and can be contacted at kcc@khayelitshacookies.co.za or on Tel: 021- 510 2300.
The Khayelitsha Craft Market operates from the St. Michael’s Church’s premises that are based at Ncumo Road, Harare, Khayelitsha. More information can be obtained from the St. Michael’s Church at Tel: 021- 361 2904.
A township cookery tour in Gugulethu
One of the most recommended places to visit for a memorable culinary experience in Gugulethu, is Mzoli’s Place a local entrepreneur who has become famous through word-of-mouth marketing worldwide. This is evident due to the fact that even the famous English chef, Jamie Oliver, has been to Mzoli’s for lunch.
To work up a proper appetite, we recommend that you tour Gugulethu a little first. Stop at the Tourism Centre named Sivuyile; meaning “we are happy”. Here you will find some interesting pieces of local African art. You could also experience a little Township-style shopping at Gugulethu Square, the first of its kind in Gugulethu’s history. An attraction that should definitely not be missed is the Gugulethu Seven Monument that honours the death of youths who were killed for being Anti-Apartheid Activists. Finally head to the infamous Mzoli’s Place for an experience you will never forget.
Until recently, Mzoli Ngcawuzele’s business was purely a butchery, which he has now transformed into one of the most popular experiences in the whole of Cape Town.
You should consider staying the night for the Cape Town Jazz Safari, presented by Coffeebeans Routes.
Tour details: To reach Mzoli’s Place, you will take the N2 out of Cape Town and take the Modderdam Road Exit. From there you will turn left into Klipfontein Road and then left again after the second intersection. By then, Mzoli’s Place will be visible immediately on your left. Mzoli’s Place can be contacted on Tel: 021- 638 1355.
The Sivuyile Tourism Centre is based at the Gugulethu Campus on the corner of the NY1 and NY4. For more information you can contact the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre at gugulethu@capetown.travel or on Tel: 021- 637 8449.
Gugulethu Square can be contacted on Tel: 021- 633 7741
The Gugulethu Seven Monument is situated at the corner of the NY1 and NY111.
Finally to prepare you for your outing, below is a quick guide as to what is what when it comes to African Food:
• Pap or Mealie pap: a porridge made of maize, not too dissimilar to polenta
• Umnqusho: Samp & Beans
• Malva Pudding: Sweet spongy pudding
• Umvubo: Sour Milk mixed with mielie pap
• Umfino: Local spinach or vegetable mixed with Maize/Mealie pap
• Umleqwa: A sumptuous chicken dish
• Umqombothi: African beer made from fermented wheat
Make a difference
A large part of visiting the townships is of course to make us aware of the struggles that face the people that live here.
If you would like to take part in making a difference do make contact with Victor who is the mastermind behind Ezikos restaurant slash cooking school.
His model has developed to create a social uplifting project for the unemployed of the Cape Town Community. He was originally a teacher at Langa high school and with this business he is encouraging the youth to learn about the hospitality industry to give them the skills required for cooking, catering and running a small business.
Following their training, they then get intensive six month internship opportunities in some of Cape Town’s best restaurants and catering businesses and the success rate of them finding employment thereafter is very high indeed.
If you are interested in making a donation please contact The Eziko Cookery School on Tel: 021- 694 0434