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Cape Town has a unique multicultural heritage that influences much of its cuisine. Few dishes or foods are considered 'traditional': rather, it is a fusion of styles, flavours and techniques, with seafood in abundance.
Due to its British colonial past and proximity to the ocean, Cape Town has a real culture of fish and chips. You can order fish and chips both in street food eateries and upscale restaurants, where a more refined version is served. If you want to keep it traditional, head to a fish and chip shop - like Kalky's in Kalk Bay and Snoekies in Hout Bay - and order a portion of fried hake or snoek with chips.
The gatsby is a classic Cape Town sandwich that originated in the Cape Flats area in the mid-1970s. It is a large sandwich filled with meats, chips and sauces, at a low price. It's not easy to eat a whole gatsby, so it's perfectly acceptable to order a half portion. You won't find this meal on the menu of your typical fine dining restaurant, but instead at street food establishments and no-frills restaurants such as the Golden Dish or Cosy Corner Take-Away.
Bunny Chow is a classic South African dish with Indian influences. It is a fast food dish that essentially consists of a hollowed-out half loaf of bread filled with curry. The meat is usually beef or chicken and, in spite of the name, has nothing to do with rabbits. Like gatsby, few people manage to eat a whole portion, so it is recommended to start with a quarter loaf (kota). Some restaurants in the city have tried to make gourmet versions of this dish, but it is best to choose the takeaway version.
Bobotie is a Cape Town speciality made with minced beef and topped with an egg cream. It is a sweet and sour dish containing spices and dried fruits. The origin of Bobotie dates back to the 17th century, when Indonesian slaves were brought to Cape Town, bringing their specialties with them. You will find it on many restaurant menus all over the city.
You'll find sushi in most upscale restaurants, and there are dozens of quality, budget sushi restaurants scattered throughout the city. The chefs here often bring their own unique twist to the dish, departing from traditional Japanese style and techniques.
Braai is one of the first Afrikaans words most tourists learn. It is basically the South African version of the traditional barbecue, with some local touches. Braais are usually rich in meat. There are no real restrictions on what you can braai, but most include boerewors (a local spicy sausage), steak and pork chops. Some hotels and backpacker hostels offer traditional braais to guests.
Milk tarts, malva pudding and koeksisters are among the most popular sweet treats of Cape Town. You can find them in bakeries, supermarkets and many restaurants in the city.
