Banhoek Chilli Oil is a staple in my household, and for good reason. Pizza nights simply wouldn’t be complete without a drizzle of their garlic chilli oil on every slice. So, when I suggested a day out at the Banhoek Chilli Oil Company, my friends were all in: “We’re in! Their oils are incredible!”
For my first visit, we began with a coffee at the Banhoek Chilli Oil’s Taste Kitchen before moving on to our wine and chilli oil tasting. The restaurant’s setting is framed by the Groot Drakenstein Mountains and offers a spacious indoor and outdoor area that’s ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even special events. Families are more than welcome here too — there’s a jungle gym to keep kids entertained in-between dashes back to the table for milkshake sips and pizza bites.
Once our excellent coffees were finished, we headed to the nearby Banhoek Chilli Oil Leopard Lounge for the tasting experience. Our guide greeted us warmly and walked us through each variety of Banhoek’s chilli oil, from lemon and garlic-infused to olive and chipotle. It was my first oil tasting, and I was genuinely impressed! I highly recommend it — and don’t leave without a bottle or two of your favourites to bring a bit of Banhoek magic to your own kitchen.
After the oil tasting, we moved on to a wine tasting that was both enjoyable and informative, thanks to our knowledgeable guide. We even learned that Banhoek’s charcoal briquettes are made entirely from chilli waste, adding a distinctive aroma to the fire and reflecting the company’s dedication to sustainability.
With our appetites now in full swing, we returned to the Taste Kitchen for a late breakfast, and it didn’t disappoint. Portions were generous, prices were reasonable, and every bite was delicious. Another round of coffee was a must. I’ll definitely be returning to try their renowned pizzas and sample more of the menu.
Overall, it was a day well spent. From the warm welcome at the restaurant to the unique tasting experience, every part of the visit was a pleasure, with staff going out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and well looked after.
And there’s more!
Banhoek Chilli Oil Company is also home to a Scootours branch. Scootours was founded by Swiss river guides who originally used gravity scooters to descend ski slopes in the summer. While cable cars do the uphill work in Switzerland, here in South Africa, 4×4 vehicles take you up, making the journey to the top part of the fun. Led by friendly adventure guides, Scootours offers a fantastic outdoor activity for families and anyone looking to add a bit of adventure to a day filled with great food and good company.
ALSO SEE: Banhoek Chilli Oil launches its Taste Kitchen
Written by Bianca Muller.
