South Africa’s street food scene isn’t just about flavour. It’s a full sensory journey packed with history, art, and culture.
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From the lively townships of Cape Town to the Jozi’s vibrant inner city, here are seven street food tours that are a MUST for tourists and locals alike.
Cape Town
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Taste of Africa: Cape Town Culinary Walking Tour
A 4-hour city-center journey where culinary diversity comes to life. You’ll pass iconic neighbourhoods while sampling dishes like hearty beef stew, vegetable curry and finish with a secret dessert paired with wine. Each bite is accompanied by stories about Cape Town’s multicultural history. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free options available, so nobody needs to miss out.
Langa Township Street Food & Cultural Tour
Deepest history meets bold flavour in Langa which is the oldest township in Cape Town. This 5-hour tour includes welcome refreshments at Mzansi Restaurant, live marimba music and traditional dance. You will also get to visit meaningful the heritage sites: Amy Biehl Memorial, Gugulethu Seven Memorial and Hamilton Naki Heritage site. The tour is highlighted with a hearty lunch woven together with personal stories from local guides.
There is a second option available through another lively version that includes local cooperative visits, street art strolls and you will also have food options like bunny chow or braai and a deeper look into Xhosa traditions.
Langa Township Art, Food & Beer Experience
his 5–6-hour tour is for the artsy traveller and blends street art, history and communal spirit. You’ll visit murals that tell stories of Langa’s struggle and resilience, browse crafts at the community center, tour the Passbook Museum and enjoy a live music session by a local musician. This tour is highlighted with a sit-down Chesa Nyama feast of lamb chops, boerewors, pap, chakalaka, samp and beans. You can try a “smiley” (lamb’s head) if you’re brave enough and wash it down with traditional sorghum beer.
Withlocals: The 10 Tastings of Cape Town
Set off on a 3-hour private walking escape through Cape Town’s hidden culinary corners. You will enjoy ten distinct tastings, from sweets to savoury through street-side surprises to tucked-away eateries. The tour is guided by a local host who brings each dish to life with engaging stories.
Johannesburg
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Johannesburg Arts & Culture Journey: Maboneng + Soweto Fusion Tour
This creative 5-hour private tour bridges two distinct worlds. It starts off in the evolving Maboneng Precinct where you’ll get to explore street galleries and meet local artists. The next stop will take you to Soweto to experience its dynamic township spirit. The journey includes visits to Vilakazi Street, the Great Soweto Towers, galleries and a traditional meal.
Maboneng Street Art & Street Food Walking Tour
This tour is a colourful 3-hour exploration of one of Joburg’s coolest neighbourhoods. Led from the 12 Decades Art Hotel, you’ll stroll through art-filled lanes, visit Arts on Main, sample local snacks at Kwa Mai Mai market, enjoy a rooftop moment atop Hallmark House and end it all with a filling South African meal. You also have the option of adding on live music and dinner at Marabi Club underground.
Soweto Food & Beer Tour
The final tour on our list is a 4-hour journey through Soweto that delivers bold taste sand history. Expect fat cakes (amagwinya), Kota sandwiches and grilled meats paired with local craft beers. You will also visit historical landmarks within the township like Vilakazi Street and the Hector Pieterson Museum.
South Africa’s real stories are told through its street food. These tours are equally about food and connection. Open your mind and get ready to eat your way across the Rainbow Nation.
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