Cape Town’s cooking classes offer the best way to understand South Africa’s unique food culture.
Two standout experiences await food lovers: First, the African Cuisine Cooking Experience teaches essential traditional dishes while sharing stories behind the ingredients.
Second, the Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap neighborhood pairs perfectly with a walking tour, letting you discover spices and techniques passed down through generations.
For those short on time, the 3-hour Cape Malay class hits all the right notes – you’ll learn to blend spices and create classics like bobotie or curry in a local home.
These experiences get my vote for their authenticity and hands-on approach.
Check out our favorite cooking tours below.
Top Tours
- Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience offers a highly rated 3-hour class featuring starters, mains, and beverages, with vegan and vegetarian options.
- Private South African Cape Malay Cooking Class provides an intimate, hands-on experience where participants create traditional dishes like rotis and chicken curry.
- Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap is a 2-hour interactive session where participants prepare a three-course meal with guidance from a local host.
- Cape Town: Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience (2.5-hour) covers traditional dishes like Sadza and chakalaka, with a communal meal reflecting African hospitality.
- Bo-Kaap Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class combines a cultural walking tour with a hands-on cooking class, providing valuable insights into the neighborhood’s history and culinary heritage.
Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience
One of the top-rated cooking experiences in Cape Town, the Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of African gastronomy.
With an impressive 168 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate, this 3-hour class in a private room adjacent to the Pahari African Restaurant provides an immersive culinary journey.
Guests can savor a menu of authentic starters, main dishes, and beverages, including vegan and vegetarian options.
Praised for its warm hospitality, educational components, and delectable cuisine, this experience is a must for foodies and those eager to explore African culture through the lens of its celebrated cooking.
Read our full review: Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Private South African Cape Malay Cooking Class
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience in Cape Town can partake in a private South African Cape Malay cooking class.
Hosted in a local’s home, this intimate class offers the chance to learn family recipes not found in cookbooks. Participants will make 2-3 traditional dishes, including rotis, chicken curry, and malva pudding.
The sample menu features a starter of mini Cape Malay rotis with chicken curry, a main of bobotie with aromatic yellow rice and roasted vegetables, and a dessert of malva pudding served with custard or cream.
With high traveler recommendations, this private tour promises a delicious and informative hands-on cooking experience that immerses guests in the vibrant Cape Malay culture.
Read our full review: Private South African Cape Malay Cooking Class Review
Book now: Check availability
Cape Town: Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap
Nestled in the vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood of Cape Town, a captivating Cape Malay cooking class promises an immersive cultural experience for foodies.
The 2-hour interactive session focuses on authentic cooking techniques and recipes, allowing participants to prepare a delectable three-course meal.
Led by a knowledgeable local host, the class offers insights into the history and traditions of this unique cuisine.
Traveler reviews consistently praise the incredible food, engaging host, and overall enjoyment of the experience.
With flexible scheduling, free cancellation, and a pay-later option, this cooking class is a must-try for those seeking to explore the culinary heritage of Cape Town.
Read our full review: Cape Town: Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap Review
Book now: Check availability
Cape Town: Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience
Immersing oneself in the vibrant culinary traditions of Africa promises an enriching cultural experience for foodies visiting Cape Town.
The Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience offers just that, allowing participants to learn how to prepare an entire authentic African meal from start to finish. Led by the co-owner Florence, who brings decades of culinary expertise, the 2.5-hour small-group class covers traditional dishes like Sadza, beef bones with veggies, and chakalaka.
Vegan and vegetarian options are available, and the communal meal enjoyed at the end reflects the warm hospitality of African culture. Participants can also request an easy-to-follow recipe to recreate the experience at home.
With flexible booking and free cancellation, this hands-on cooking class is a must-try for a taste of Africa in Cape Town.
Read our full review: Cape Town: Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience Review
Book now: Check availability
Cape Town: Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class
The Bo-Kaap Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class promises an immersive cultural experience for visitors to Cape Town.
Over the course of four hours, guests embark on a cultural walking tour through the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, learning about the neighborhood’s history and architecture.
The highlight is an interactive cooking class in a local’s home, where participants learn traditional Malay techniques for preparing dishes like curry, roti, and donuts.
With a live English-speaking guide, the experience offers valuable cultural insights and the chance to savor delicious food.
Highly rated for its value and overall satisfaction, this activity is a recommended way to explore Cape Town’s diverse culinary heritage.
Read our full review: Cape Town: Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class Review
Book now: Check availability
Walking Tour + 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap
This engaging activity combines a captivating walking tour through Cape Town’s historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood with an immersive 3-hour Malay cooking class.
Participants will explore the vibrant, colorful streets, interact with locals, and visit the Bo-Kaap Museum to learn about the area’s rich Cape Malay heritage.
The hands-on cooking class allows visitors to savor traditional cuisine and gain insights into the unique culinary traditions of the community.
Featuring a knowledgeable guide, this experience provides an in-depth understanding of Cape Town’s history, culture, and diversity.
With the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers flexibility and the opportunity to take in the captivating essence of Bo-Kaap.
Read our full review: Walking Tour + 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap Review
Book now: Check availability
Cape Town: 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap
In the heart of Cape Town’s historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood, visitors can embark on a captivating 3-hour Malay cooking class.
Hosted in a chef’s home, the class offers a unique culinary experience, exploring the vibrant flavors of Cape Malay cuisine. Participants will learn traditional cooking techniques, such as making rotis, while gaining insights into the local community and culture.
With a rating of 4.7/5 based on over 220 reviews, the class is praised for its interactive, hands-on format, informative sessions, and engaging atmosphere. Recipes are shared via email, allowing attendees to recreate the dishes at home.
Read our full review: Cape Town: 3-Hour Malay Cooking Class & Lunch in Bo-Kaap Review
Book now: Check availability
Common Questions
How Do I Book a Cooking Class in Advance?
To book a cooking class in advance, one can typically visit the class provider’s website or contact them directly. Many offer online booking or reservation systems to secure a spot well before the class date.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Cooking Classes?
The cancellation policy for cooking classes typically allows participants to cancel or reschedule with a minimum notice, often 24-48 hours, without incurring any fees. Policies may vary by provider, so it’s best to check the specific terms when booking.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies Accommodated?
Most cooking classes in Cape Town offer accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergies. They’ll work with students to ensure their needs are met and they can fully participate in the culinary experience.
What Should I Bring to the Cooking Class?
What to bring to a cooking class? Generally, students should bring an apron, a notebook, and a pen to take notes. Some classes may also require attendees to bring their own containers or bags to take home any dishes prepared during the lesson.
Are the Cooking Classes Suitable for Children?
Many cooking classes in Cape Town welcome children, providing a fun and educational experience. Instructors often tailor the curriculum to engage young learners, making it a great family activity. However, parents should check age requirements and class details beforehand.
Sum Up
Cape Town offers a range of authentic African and Cape Malay cooking classes, providing visitors with hands-on experiences to learn traditional recipes and techniques. From private lessons in Bo-Kaap to comprehensive cuisine experiences, these classes showcase the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of the region. Whether you’re a novice or experienced cook, these classes are an excellent way to learn about the local culinary traditions of Cape Town.