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As winter continues to take over Cape Town, the city’s vibrant food scene shifts to embrace hearty, warming dishes to combat the chill. From steaming bowls of curry to freshly baked sourdough, Capetonians know how to eat well during the colder months. Here’s a quick guide to the best winter comfort foods the Mother City has to offer and where to find them.
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1. Hearty Cape Malay curries
Few things warm the soul like a fragrant Cape Malay curry. Spiced with turmeric, cinnamon, and chilli, these slow-cooked stews are a staple in Cape Town’s winter dining scene. The Bo-Kaap Kombuis serves an iconic lamb curry that’s rich and aromatic, while Gold Restaurant offers a pan-African twist with their Durban-inspired bunny chow.
2. Gourmet hot chocolate & artisanal coffee
Cape Town’s café culture thrives in winter, with locals seeking refuge in cosy spots serving decadent hot drinks. Truth Coffee, often ranked among the world’s best coffee shops, crafts velvety cappuccinos perfect for rainy days. For an indulgent treat, Chocolate Studio in the V&A Waterfront serves thick, spiced hot chocolate topped with homemade marshmallows.
3. Slow-cooked stews & potjiekos
A traditional South African potjiekos (small-pot stew) is a definite must-try for winter. Made in a cast-iron pot over an open flame, these stews blend meat, vegetables, and spices for deep, smoky flavours. Kirstenbosch Tea Room occasionally hosts potjiekos events, while Moyo Spier offers a gourmet version with deer meat and red wine.
4. Freshly baked sourdough & soup combos
Nothing beats dipping crusty sourdough into a creamy soup during a cold day. Jason Bakery in Bree Street pairs their famous sourdough with seasonal soups like butternut and ginger. Meanwhile, Schoon Bakery in De Waterkant is known and loved for its wood-fired sourdough paired with seasonal soups.
5. Warm desserts: Malva pudding & koeksisters
For a sweet winter fix, Cape Town’s bakeries serve up sticky malva pudding (a spongy, caramelised dessert) and syrup-drenched koeksisters. The Test Kitchen Fledgelings offers a modern take on malva pudding with Amarula cream, while Charly’s Bakery keeps it classic with their legendary version of koeksisters.
Winter in Cape Town is a time for indulgence, where food becomes a source of warmth and joy. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a hidden café or digging into a steaming potjiekos, the city’s culinary offerings make the cold season worth savouring.
Article shared by Cape Town ETC.
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