Ask any foodie you know and they will probably list Italy, Spain and Japan as their dream food destinations. Whether you have been there, are still saving to go or just get your foodie fix from Chef’s Table, most of us know about the culinary art to be found in cities like Milan, Valencia and Tokyo. Would you be surprised to hear that these three cities have just been beaten to the top of the list of Best food cities in the World by a South African city?
Cape Town has just been acknowledged as the number one food city in the world in the Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards! What a wonderful achievement. The city is praised for its culinary variety – “a melting pot of exceptional food” influenced by African, European, Malay and Indian cuisines. Of course, this is no news to those of us who live here. What we serve on our own tables at dinner time often still reflect these influences and I think fusion food happened at the Cape long before it became popular in the rest of the world.
This culinary heritage was one of the predominant reasons the city scored a delicious 95.65 in ratings by global travellers. The quality of the food alone is of course not what keeps a diner happy. It is also about the overall experience, the authenticity and warmth of the hospitality and the attention to detail. It is about how guests are introduced to our local food and we need to acknowledge those who passionately share the story of the food of Cape Town and the Cape Winelands. Chefs who stay true to traditions, but also experiment to keep it exciting. Front of house staff and servers who recommend dishes and present plates. Winemakers and sommeliers who understand the charm of beautifully matched food and wine. Influencers who might have to eat their food cold, but who share the beauty and the variety on their timelines. Tourists who travel all the way South to enjoy our culture and locals who support the industry even if they sometimes have to wait for a special occasion.
The beauty of it is, however, in more than the pretty plates and spectacular views of Cape Town restaurants. Restaurants also employ line chefs and cleaners and support car guards, they give a reason for hotel stays and new outfits and of course, support farmers, artisans and producers. Going to a special restaurant is a sensory experience that goes beyond the food, wine and hospitality. Thought and effort go into sourcing crockery, stemware and linen – some custom made by local artisans. Interior design and floral elements support local industries and with paintings and sculptures often part of the experience, even non-culinary artists find a platform in the restaurant business.
I’ve often written and commented about restaurants. Recently we asked if all is fine with fine dining and we talked about the struggle to be profitable in Restaurant Reality. There is no denying that the restaurant trade is no easy business, but when I thought about this Reader’s Choice award, I realised the importance of restaurants and why we need them – for much more than the food or a fun night out. I am delighted that visitors from all over the world enjoy Cape Town food and come here to spend money and support our economy. I do hope, however, that locals will not miss out on this internationally acclaimed beauty on our doorstep.
There are so many sites claiming to list the best restaurants in Cape Town (click here) and there really is an exceptional variety to choose from. Let’s all try to go to one of these in the next year and find out what the acclaim is all about! And in the meantime, perhaps walk into your local eatery a little more often. Nowadays it is expensive to eat – even when you cook at home – so do treat yourself and support much more than the chef and your waiter, but a whole community of passionate storytellers.