What to Eat in Cape Town

South Africa’s coastal city of Cape Town is famous for its harbor and location in the Cape Floristic Region, a region known for its biodiversity and natural landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. While the city boasts several beautiful natural wonders and a vibrant culture, the city’s food is among its highlights. The multicultural city boasts one of the most exotic and dynamic culinary scenes in the world, with dishes and delicacies inspired by the numerous cultures that make up the city.

Here is a list of recommended bites to try in Cape Town, from snacks and meals to traditional beverages.

Stop by Jason Bakery on Bree Street for their famous bacon maple croissants, or for traditional rusks, buttermilk or condensed milk biscuits, similar to scones, paired with coffee.

For a quick snack on the go, grab some droëwors, dried, spiced sausage pieces, or biltong, another delicious dried, salted and spiced beef delicacy found throughout the city. For a larger snack on the go, stop by a street vendor for boerwors, tender and flavorful farmer’s sausages served on their own or on a roll with peppers.

Wherever you go in Cape Town, it’s safe to assume you’ll find freshly caught calamari, served grilled or crumbed. For more fresh seafood, try snoek, a local fish either braaied (barbecued) with apricot jam or smoked. Head to Snoekies in Hout Bay or Kalky’s in Kalk Bay for some of Cape Town’s famous fish and chips.

For a savory meal, enjoy a comforting bowl of waterblommetjie bredie, a delicious lamb and pondweed stew, or bunny chow, a hollowed out half-loaf of bread filled with curry. For a true taste of Cape Town, find a traditional braai (barbecue) such as Mzoli’s in Gugulethu. These brais often include: boerewors; pop, a maize-based porridge; and braaibroodjies, tomato, onion and cheese sandwiches toasted over the fire. Another must-try Cape Town delicacy is bobotie, a Cape Malay dish made with spiced, ground meat and topped with egg custard.

For a late-night snack following drinks, grab some steer chips, essentially seasoned fries, served at South African fast food chains.

For dessert, indulge in koeksisters, fried doughy treats soaked in lightly spiced syrup, or malva pudding, a hot, sponge-like treat.

Wash it all down with Rooibos tea, a caffeine-free, antioxidant-packed red bush tea grown in the Cederberg region. Try it black, with lemon or order a cinnamon and honey-topped red cappuccino or latte.