This article was penned by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
- Pizza Night at Kalmoesfontein Farm
Situated in Malmesbury town, Kalmoesfontein Farm offers an unforgettable pizza night. Here, Charl Badenhorst expertly manages the pizza oven and skillfully hand-stretches dough while his wife, Semma, offers guests the farm’s signature Caperitif — an amber-toned vermouth, enriched with local fynbos, and served with tonic. As you enjoy your drink, Semma narrates the tale of the farm’s legendary pizza night, which started as a pop-up during the 2020 lockdown and has now become a local hotspot.
To experience this culinary journey, you book through WhatsApp. The menu, though simple, offers classic pizzas with a unique Badenhorst flair. The farm’s location in the naturally beautiful Winelands region adds a spectacular backdrop to your meal, and you can’t miss trying their pizza topped with melted mozzarella, hot honey, and ‘nduja.
- Mountain Retreat at Red Cederberg
At the restored Keurbosfontein farmhouse, nestled among the red mountains of the Cederberg region, time stands still. This venue, led by Justin Bonello, a leading figure in South Africa’s food scene, is known for its communal dining and cooking experiences. Here, food enthusiasts relish smoky dishes complemented with crisp chenin blanc.
Whether you’re savouring the scent of tonight’s chicken on the grill or biting into local ingredients like lamb shoulder with wild rosemary and herbs, you are sure to enjoy the serenity of the mountains and the spirit of connecting through food. It’s a haven for good food, conversation, and freedom from modern distractions.
- Miso & Meditation with Sexy Food
Fermentation expert James Kuiper welcomes guests to his home in Scarborough for unique experiences focused on the meditative process of fermentation. During his workshops, you’ll learn the ancient art of fermentation and have the opportunity to partake in yoga sessions, wildlife walks, and foraging experiences.
Over the course of the retreat, you will sample fermented misos, kefirs, koji, and pickled vegetables that reveal rich, salty, umami flavours. Leaving James’s workshop, you will feel energised and inspired, ready to start your own fermentation projects back home.
- Dairy in the Desert at Gay’s Guernsey Dairy
Nestled in the arid Karoo region, at the end of the Swartberg Pass, lies Prince Albert town, where Gay’s Guernsey Dairy resides. Claudia van Hasselt, Gay’s daughter-in-law, narrates the dairy’s humble beginnings with just three cows in 1990. Today, the dairy houses 35 cows and has become renowned for its unpasteurised, full-cream Guernsey milk products.
The dairy’s cheeses have won awards in South Africa and Europe. Whether you’re passing through or looking for a worthwhile stop, you can taste the cheeses over the counter, watch the cheese-making process, or witness the cows being milked in the afternoon.
How to Experience It
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic provide non-stop flights from Heathrow to Cape Town. From there, the best way to explore these experiences is by renting a car. The Red Cederberg is about three hours 45 minutes from Cape Town, and the three-night experience starts at £400 per person, all inclusive. This article was published in Issue 20 (summer 2023) of Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Food experiences in Western Cape
What food experiences are there in South Africa’s Western Cape?
The article highlights four unique food experiences in South Africa’s Western Cape region: pizza nights at Kalmoesfontein Farm, a mountain retreat at Red Cederberg, fermentation workshops at Sexy Food, and dairy tasting at Gay’s Guernsey Dairy.
Who hosts the mountain retreat at Red Cederberg?
The mountain retreat at Red Cederberg is hosted by Justin Bonello, a prominent figure in South Africa’s food scene, known for his TV shows Cooked in Africa and The Ultimate Braai Master.
What does Sexy Food offer in Scarborough?
At Sexy Food in Scarborough, James Kuiper offers one-day foundation workshops and four-day immersive retreats focused on the ancient practice of fermentation. There’s also time for yoga, wildlife walks, foraging, and cold-water immersions.
What can I find at Gay’s Guernsey Dairy in Prince Albert?
At Gay’s Guernsey Dairy in Prince Albert, you can learn about the process of cheese making, meet the cows, and taste a variety of award-winning cheeses made from unpasteurized, full-cream Guernsey milk.
How can I reach these food experiences?
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly nonstop from Heathrow to Cape Town. From there, it’s best to explore by hire car. The article provides additional details for specific destinations.
More about Food experiences in Western Cape
- National Geographic Traveller (UK)
- Kalmoesfontein Farm
- Red Cederberg
- Sexy Food
- Gay’s Guernsey Dairy
- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
8 comments
This sounds like a culinary adventure. South Africa, here i come!
been to Kalmoesfontein last summer… hands down the best pizza ive ever had. And the view, stunning!!!
The mountain retreat sounds so relaxing! I would love to learn how to cook authentic African dishes.
Nice read, I’ve been wanting to visit SA for a while. Now I have even more reason to go!
Fermentation and meditation? What a unique combination. Would love to visit Sexy Food.
Didnt know South Africa had such food gems. This was very informative. Thanks Nat Geo!
Gays Guernsey Dairy? yes please! I love artisan cheeses. Can’t wait to try them.
OMG! I can almost taste that pizza just reading this. Makes me miss SA so bad. Can’t wait to go back and try these spots!