If you’re heading to Cape Town, South Africa, you’ll want to make sure to check out my list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Cape Town , as well as my Cape Town travel tips including hotels in Cape Town , Cape Town weather , and I’m answering popular Question: Is Cape Town safe?
Ah, Cape Town! Perched atop the continent’s southernmost country, South Africa is a feast for the senses. The azure sea – where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet – meets the plains of towering Table Mountain, so you’ll feel like you’re constantly looking up at this majestic mountain, which tends to loom over itself like a cloud in the morning On the body. tablecloth. There is also a rich and diverse wildlife unique to Cape Town, such as flora (fynbos, meaning fine shrubs) and fauna (African penguins, baboons, ostriches, antelopes, white sharks, kingfishers, etc.). Let us note that in this cosmopolitan city, rich in multicultural food traditions and agricultural region, there are some pretty good food options. But let’s not forget that the people are at the heart of what makes Cape Town so unique.
A little history of South Africa
Before the effects of colonization were felt in South Africa, there were (and still are) many tribes such as the Zulu, Basotho, Tswana, Xhosa, Swaziland, Venda, Spey Di and Tsonga. In 1816, the Zulus came under the rule of Shaka, a powerful militant. Under Shaka’s rule, the Zulus spread throughout South Africa. Today, the Zulu tribe is the largest tribe, estimated at 1-12 million people, and they have close ties with the Swaziland and Xhosa peoples. The Union of South Africa was established in May 1910, became a sovereign state under British control in 1934, and finally became a republic in 1961. During this period (1948-1994), apartheid (a system of segregation based on race) persisted. Segregation, or “segregation,” required blacks and whites to live in separate places. They use separate facilities, which are government-approved. In 1950, South Africa banned whites from marrying other races. South Africans began to be classified along racial lines: Bantu (black Africans), Colored (mixed race), white and Asian (i.e. Indians and Pakistanis). More than 80 percent of the land was zoned for white residents, who happened to be a minority.During apartheid, Zulus lost their South African citizenship and Forced to move from private land to KwaZulu.
Apartheid led to violent massacres, but also to peaceful protesters such as Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for his beliefs. Mandela was released from prison in 1990 and negotiated peace to end apartheid in 1994. Unfortunately, apartheid continues to have widespread effects in South Africa, which is one of the most racist countries in the world.
I observed many racist incidents during my time in Cape Town, which deeply saddened me. Townships (neighborhoods) reserved for blacks were often poor, crowded, made up of tin shacks, without basic needs – the residents of these communities provided services to neighboring white communities and lived in splendor but with strict security systems, further dividing They are isolated from the reality of everyday life. most people. In the mornings and evenings, I would see black workers walking miles along the highways, carrying packages back and forth when they left work, without the luxury of owning a vehicle or using public transportation. There was a clear lack of jobs and opportunities in many black townships. Once we hired a local black driver to take us to the Western Cape. He tells us about the struggles of everyday life, from pay and living disparities to the lack of opportunities for education and better jobs for black people. When it was lunch time, we invited him to join us for lunch at a local restaurant. He looked at us in surprise, smiled and said, “No, it’s not done here.” We soon discovered that racial integration was not thriving locally in Cape Town—even if the laws had changed, neither had the social pressure .
While racism still exists in Cape Town, it’s interesting to see such rich cultural diversity everywhere, with people from all over the world flocking to this world-class city and having an impact on the local food scene.
Common plant foods in South Africa
These are some of the traditional foods consumed in Cape Town and South Africa.
- Papanicolaou. Starchy dishes made from cornmeal are a staple.
- hard. Pappu in this form is often paired with stews. It looks like a bread roll.
- Soft handkerchief. Pap is in the form of mashed potatoes and is made with seasonings.
- Samp. It is made from corn and rolled into balls, often served with beans.
- Biryani. This Indian dish made with rice and spices is very common due to the large Indian population in South Africa.
- cookie sisters. This Afrikaans dessert consists of fried dough topped with syrup and lemon.
- Malva Pudding. A sponge cake with flavors such as caramel and jam.
- Chakara. Vegetable dishes with beans, spices and whatever vegetables you have on hand.
- Steamed bun.A delicious bread often eaten with soup as it absorbs everything.
- Boboti. Known as the “national dish of South Africa”, this meal consists of minced meat (usually lamb), spices, onions and raisins, baked in the oven and served with yellow rice. You can find plant-based lentil versions of this recipe at some restaurants.
What to see in Cape Town
Here are some of my must-see travel highlights in Cape Town:
- Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and walk around native plants and take in the stunning views of the area.
- V&A Waterfront. Enjoy city and water views, go shopping, and enjoy delicious food and a glass of local wine.
- upper corner. Take a stroll through this multicultural, historic neighborhood with its pastel-coloured buildings.
- Boulder Beach Penguin Colony: Visit the protected African Penguin Colony in Simon’s Town, where you can see penguins waddling along the shore.
- Cruise along Chapman’s Peak Drive. One of the best ways to see Cape Town is by driving along Chapman’s Peak between Noordhoek and Hout Bay (Uber is a great option! ), just a short drive from the city centre. You’ll see stunning views of the ocean and mountain peaks.
- city walk. Visit attractions such as the Town Hall, Greenmarket Square selling local crafts, and the Castle of Good Hope.
- Go whale watching in Hermanus. You’ll most likely go whale watching along this beautiful stretch of coastline and stop for lunch at a charming cafe.
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Cape Town
I find it easy to eat a plant-based diet in Cape Town. Almost every restaurant has at least one option, and many have separate vegetarian menus. In fact, there are several completely vegetarian restaurants in the city. During my travels, I tend to choose restaurants that offer vegetarian options. Cape Town’s cuisine ranges from sparkling fine dining restaurants worthy of Michelin stars (which Africa has yet to offer) to charming cafes and globally inspired restaurants. Here are some of my favorite vegetarian meals during my week in Cape Town.
Chef Warehouse It is one of the most famous restaurant groups in Cape Town, directed by chef Liam Tomlin. Each restaurant offers a vegetarian menu. These restaurants require reservations far in advance. We dined at Tintswalo Restaurant, a beautiful restaurant on the Atlantic coast.
pier waterfront
We also enjoyed dining at another famous restaurant group known as La Colombe. They have a tasting menu with a completely vegetarian menu option. The food is amazing! Creative, satisfying, beautiful and inventive.
cooked, watershed
We had a delicious Mediterranean lunch at the Watershed, an innovative shopping space featuring local artisans.
bochandar
We spent a wonderful day in the wine region near Cape Town, tasting wine, visiting farms, and having lunch in Boschendal – one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen! They even offered a vegan cheese platter to accompany our wine tasting.
Create a winery
If you take the time to visit Cape Town’s winelands, you should definitely stop at Creation Winery, which is home to one of the best wines produced in the region. Set among beautiful vineyards, you can also enjoy a delicious lunch made with locally sourced ingredients – there’s a vegan menu too, of course!
Hengshi Cafe
Stop for lunch at the Hang Ten Cafe in the surf town of Muisenberg, which has plenty of vegetarian options.
Taj Mahal Hotel (Cape Town)
We really liked the Taj Hotel in Cape Town, we had great views of Table Mountain from our balcony, a great location within walking distance of nearby attractions, and delicious plant-based food. I enjoy a traditional English breakfast (no meat) every morning! We also dined at their Bombay Bistro for a delicious plant-based Indian tasting menu.
Cape Town weather
Cape Town has a temperate Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters (similar to the weather patterns I have in California). Keep in mind that their location means they have a variety of microclimates. It can be quite cool on the top of Table Mountain and windy along the coast, while it can be very hot in the city and valleys. Additionally, summer is from December to February and winter is from June to August.
Cape Town safety
Much has been written about safety issues in Cape Town. In fact, they have high crime rates. But it’s important to consider that Cape Town’s crime rate is similar to other crowded cities around the world. Still, it’s crucial to follow some safety precautions, even more important than those you might observe on other trips. When you are walking around the city, do not display valuables as these can easily be snatched in broad daylight. This includes wallets, handbags, cell phones and jewelry. If you plan to take photos with your phone or camera, be sure to check your surroundings to ensure safety before doing so. Store all wallets and personal belongings in anti-theft cases, such as front-mounted underwear travel wallets and small cross-body wallets. Don’t walk around with your phone in your hand. Lock valuables in a hotel safe. Always pay attention to your surroundings to ensure you are not being tracked. Instead of walking at night, take an Uber or hotel car service to your destination. When parked, do not leave anything, not even sunglasses, visible in the vehicle. Always lock your car doors when driving. During our trip we followed all these rules and had no safety issues.
I hope you enjoy your time in Cape Town. It’s a beautiful part of the world with many rewards, and it’s sure to have a meaningful impact on your life.
For other plant-based travel tips, check out the following:
Plant-based diet in Tanzania
Plant-Based Diet in Sicily
Plant-based diet in Thailand
Plant-Based Guide to Morocco
Plant-Based Diet in Lisbon
Plant-Based Diet in Vienna, Austria
NOTE: This blog is not sponsored in any way. The advice presented in this blog is my own and I am not financially rewarded.