Introduction
From boerewors to bobotie, South African cuisine is as unique and varied as its culture. A melting pot of languages, traditions and food, its Malaysian Dutch and Indian influences are reflected in the culinary delights. Be sure to take a tour of the famous Winelands and discover an area ripe for exploration. With food and wine in abundance, South Africa is an ideal destination for foodies and oenophiles alike.
Braai, biltong and a sundowner
Three words that it is imperative to familiarise yourself with before a South African food and wine holiday. An outdoor barbecue, air-dried meat and a sunset drink, the best of traditional South African ways of eating. Braais are the countries go to way of cooking meat; from springbok and gemsbok to ostrich and crocodile it’s always better on the braai. Biltong is the ideal road trip snack and with many different varieties and flavours to try, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Have some chilli bites or chutney beef biltong to accompany a sundowner for a wonderful end to an evening.
Visit vineyards with the most spectacular scenery
The wine business in South Africa is 350 years old, but it has only produced its best bottles in the past two decades. The majority of wines exported come from the delightful Southwestern corner of the country – labelled the coastal region or Western Cape on the bottle. Take a trip to the most well known regions in The Cape such as Stellenbosch, Paarl and Constantia, tour an award-winning vineyard and be submersed in dramatic mountainous scenery and Cape Dutch architecture. And, as specialisation of vineyards is rare, the diversity is a gain for travellers as even a short trip can reveal the full range of what The Cape has to offer. From graceful Chardonnays to a more complex Sauvignon Blanc or, a Pinotage made from the national grape you needn’t be a connoisseur to drop in at a vineyard for a tasting or gourmet lunch.
Cuisine of the continent
The culinary options are on par with the wine, whether you are looking for a gourmet delight or an equally as sumptuous traditional meal, South Africa has so much to offer. Franschhoek is home to some of the top restaurants in South Africa – some run by award-winning chefs like Reuben Riffel of Reuben’s Restaurant – and is well worth a visit. Take the opportunity to sample a range of the delectable and luxurious items to try here, such as handcrafted chocolate and smoke salmon trout. Alternatively, enjoy some incredible traditional delicacies; alongside the ubiquitous braai and biltong, boerewors is a must. Often handmade, boerewors are a traditional game sausage, flavoured with herbs and cooked on a braai it is often served with the staple mielie pap – a maize porridge. Finish off a traditional meal with a delicious dessert of melktert – milk tart – or malva pudding.
Plan your South African holidays with Wexas, and your expert travel specialist will make sure that you are able to experience the best that the country has to offer, from vineyard tours to traditional meals in a township and more. Enquire today to begin planning your luxury, tailor-made holiday to South Africa.
