There’s something undeniably nostalgic about hitting the open road in the Western Cape.
Sulaiman Fredericks / Wikimedia Commons
Beyond the sweeping mountain passes, rolling vineyards, and rugged coastlines lies a roadside culture that feels both retro and refreshingly timeless. From neon-lit roadhouses to rustic padstals brimming with homemade treats, the Western Cape’s road culture invites travellers to slow down, pull over, and savour the journey.
Roadhouses – A taste of the past
Before the age of drive-throughs, South Africans pulled up to roadhouses, where carhops delivered burgers, milkshakes, and toasted sandwiches straight to your window. While many have disappeared over the decades, a handful still survive in the Western Cape, proudly serving up classic comfort food with a side of nostalgia. Places like Wembley Roadhouse in Athlone remain iconic, drawing locals and road-trippers alike with their masala steak sandwiches and fresh samoosas. Whether you’re after a late-night snack or a blast from the past, roadhouses are a reminder that dining on the road can be an experience in itself.
Padstals (road stalls) – farm fresh finds
Padstals (traditional farm stalls dotted along highways and byways) are a cornerstone of South African road culture. Often family-run, these charming stops offer everything from freshly baked roosterkoek and biltong to seasonal fruit, artisanal jams, and handmade crafts. The R62, one of the country’s most scenic drives, is especially famous for its padstals, where you’ll find colourful produce displays and shelves stacked with rusks, preserves, and local wines. Each padstal has its own character, some quaint and rustic, others quirky and modern, but all offer a chance to taste the flavours of the region and connect with the people behind them.
Retro road culture – more than just a drive
What makes a Western Cape road trip special isn’t just the destination, it’s the simple rituals along the way. Pulling over for a warm roosterkoek straight off the coals, grabbing a paper-wrapped Gatsby at a roadhouse, or filling the boot with biltong, dried fruit and jams from a farm stall are as much a part of the journey as the scenery itself. On long stretches of road, padstals break up the monotony with bursts of colour and hospitality, while roadhouses still echo the tradition of families eating in their cars. For many, the joy of a road trip lies in weaving these small moments together—snacking, browsing, and pausing often—reminders that travel here is as much about the stops as it is about the miles.
Why traditions like these endure
In an age of fast travel and convenience, the enduring appeal of roadhouses and padstals lies in their authenticity. They are more than pitstops, they’re places to pause, indulge, and reconnect with the spirit of the journey. Whether you’re cruising along the West Coast, winding through mountain passes, or exploring the heart of the Klein Karoo, the Western Cape’s retro road culture transforms every drive into a story worth telling.
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