Cape Town has officially taken the crown as the World’s Best Food City in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. With an impressive score of 95.65, the Mother City surpassed global culinary heavyweights like Tokyo, Rome, and Porto, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Cape Town’s food scene is a celebration of its multicultural heritage, weaving together African, Dutch, Malay, and Indian influences. Each bite offers a taste of the city’s complex history, with local chefs and restaurateurs embracing traditional flavours while pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine.
One restaurant encapsulating this heritage is Bo-Kaap Kombuis, owned by Yusef and Nazli Larney. Nestled in the historic Bo-Kaap, the eatery serves authentic Cape Malay dishes, honouring centuries-old culinary traditions brought to the Cape by enslaved people from Southeast Asia. Reflecting on the city’s global recognition, Yusef shared his pride in an article by News24 Food, “Cape Town deserves this title. It speaks to the diversity of our people and how food connects us.”
Beyond tradition, Cape Town’s food scene is brimming with innovation. Renowned chefs like James Gaag of La Colombe are at the forefront, blending creativity with fine dining. Gaag views the award as both an honour and a challenge. “With recognition comes pressure to maintain high standards, but that’s what makes the culinary world exciting,” he explained. “Cape Town offers everything—whether you’re looking for casual street food or Michelin-level experiences.”
African ingredients take the stage
Cape Town’s recognition also shines a spotlight on the rise of African cuisine. Culinary collectives like Edge Africa, founded by Absie Pantshwa and award-winning chef Vusi Ndlovu, are working to give African ingredients the international recognition they deserve. Pantshwa emphasized the importance of embracing local resources. “We are shifting the narrative towards African cooking techniques and giving respect to the ingredients we have around us. It’s about showcasing Africa’s culinary story to the world.”
Similarly, Pitso Chauke, owner of Pitso’s Kitchen, expressed his excitement about Cape Town’s growth as a food destination. “It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. About seven years ago, people complained about the lack of African cuisine in Cape Town. Today, we’ve changed the game.”
A world-class food destination with room to grow
While Cape Town is now on the global culinary map, South African food writer Errieda du Toit believes there’s still potential to explore. She highlights the hidden gems in rural Western Cape towns that offer unique culinary experiences beyond the city’s borders.
“There’s so much to discover outside of Stellenbosch and Elgin. These small towns have untapped potential, offering incredible produce and authentic experiences,” said du Toit.
A new era for Cape Town’s food scene
With this award, Cape Town’s food scene is set to attract even more visitors, eager to explore the rich flavours and diverse dining experiences it offers. From heritage-rich eateries in the Bo-Kaap to cutting-edge culinary hubs, the city caters to every palate. This recognition marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Cape Town—one where local traditions, fine dining, and African ingredients stand proudly on the global stage.
Top 5 Food Cities in the World (Condé Nast Traveller 2024):
- Cape Town, South Africa – 95.65
- Milan, Italy – 95.20
- Valencia, Spain – 95.00
- Tokyo, Japan – 94.78
- Porto, Portugal – 94.48
ALSO SEE: Some of our favourite all-day breakfast spots in Cape Town
Feature image: Pexels
