We can take for granted that the food we eat, tell us about where we come from. South Africa and certainly Stellenbosch offers an abundance of traditional culinary experiences rooted in our history, a melting pot of cultures that makes rich connections between the food we love and the stories behind its origin.
Immerse yourself in the South African food culture – from vetkoek, pap and braaibroodjie to biltong, bobotie, and waterblommetjies stew – you can taste it all in Stellenbosch.
Here are 8 great foodie experiences and places to visit for traditional foodie experiences, in and around Stellenbosch:
Oom Samie se Winkel
Not an eating experience, but a wonderful trip down memory lane. At Oom Samie se Winkel (Uncle Sammy’s Shop), dating back to the early 1900’s, you can browse the spices, tea, bokkoms (salt-preserved, dried fish) and bric-a-brac just like all those years ago. The Victorian character was preserved and today it is a Stellenbosch institution.
For more information visit their wesbsite.
For a virtual view of this unique shop, click here.
Eat with Locals
Join local hosts for a home dining experience and enjoy true Stellenbosch hospitality. Share a meal with locals while enjoying the richness of their culture, food, talent and neighbourhood experiences. Local home dining options include laidback meals, cultural activities and optional interactive cooking presentations. Dine with locals are offered in Kayamandi, Pniel and Kylemore.
For more information or to book a tour, click here.
Bites and Sites Culinary Tours
Experience South African culture through the stories, the food and the architecture along the oak-lined streets of this historical town. Bites and Sites Culinary Tours offers a range of unique and original food experience that introduces you to the authentic flavours of Stellenbosch. Choose from tours themed around classic cape cuisine or how-grown teas paired with typical cape sweet treats.
For more information or to book a tour, click here.
Oude Werf Hotel and Restaurant
In the hustle and bustle of Church Street, you will find the Oude Werf. Not only has the hotel been in operation longer than any other in South Africa, it was also the home to one of the first churches in South Africa. Built in the 1680’s, the building is visible in the earliest known sketch of Stellenbosch dating back to 1710. Unfortunately, the church and much of Stellenbosch was destroyed by fire.
Now, a luxury hotel with all the comforts of 21st-century amenities, Oude Werf on Church Street still celebrates its 300 year history as a national heritage site and as South Africa’s oldest continuously-running hotel, and you will find a delicious traditional, homemade and contemporary gourmet dishes on the menu.
For more information, click here.
De Volkskombuis
A Classic South African dining experience with a modern twist in an elegant and recently renovated Sir Herbert Baker house dating back to the 1970s. De Volkskombuis (translated to kitchen of the people) menu features some of the signature old traditional favourites such as Meraai se Hoender Pie and Boland Bobotie with an impressive wine selection carefully put together to showcase all the terroirs within the Winelands. Rustic and contemporary design and features set a perfect ambiance for a great dining experience”.
For more information or to book, click here.
Eike Restaurant
A Bertus Basson restaurant, Eike celebrates traditional South-African cooking to its fullest by drawing inspiration from nostalgic food memories. We are a country of diverse people and influences, but the one thing that brings all South Africans together is what we eat. Eike is about being inspired by being a South African, and celebrating our food heritage.
For more information or to book, click here.
Muratie Farm Kitchen
Not only do you step back in time when entering the cellar at Muratie, you can also feast on some traditional dishes such as hearty stews (we call it bredie) and afval (offal). With culinary roots anchored by Tannie Annatjie’s generous farm hospitality, today the kitchen still serves simple and beautifully executed dishes: lamb shank; mushroom risotto; fresh fish with vegetables from the farm garden.
For more information, click here.
Middelvlei Boerebraai
South Africans are known for loving a “braai” (BBQ). Having a braai is a social event where family and friends gather to share stories, food and a special bottle of wine. Middelvlei has perfected the art and you can feast on a traditional braai with sosaties (cubes of meat on a stick), boerewors (local beef sausage with spices, especially coriander) succulent lamb chops and best of all, braaibroodjie (toasted cheese and tomato sarmie cooked on the fire).
For more information and to book, click here.
For more recommendations on cultural experiences, contact Visit Stellenbosch at info@visitstellenbosch.org
