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Feel it, it is here! Our warriors from South Africa are all set (visas pending!) to take the world stage by storm and do us proud.
For the first time since we hosted the tournament in 2010, South Africa will be competing at the 2026 World Cup in North America, with our opening match against Mexico a repeat of that goosebump-inducing 2010 curtain raiser... "Tshabalalaaaaaaa!"
Head coach Hugo Broos has assembled an interesting squad, but the mix of experience and raw talent is just right to hopefully see us through to the knockout stages. From there? Who knows...
While tough World Cup fixtures against the Mexicans, Son Heung-Min's South Korea, and Adam Hložek's Czechia await our boys, we all know that when it comes to competing on the world stage, there is no DNA, just RSA!
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To celebrate the start of the World Cup, Time Out Cape Town and Virgin Bet South Africa have donned the same jersey to bring you the very cleverly named 'Food-Ball World Cup', where we will bring you fun content right here and on our socials, as well as the chance to win some epic prizes (check out the Virgin Bet SA VIP Watch Party competition here).
To kick things off, we have compiled a list of some of the best places to enjoy South African and Mexican food in Cape Town below. Only question now is... boerewors rolls and tshisanyama or burritos and spicy nachos? You decide!
Cape Town's Best South African Food
South Africa is not called the 'Rainbow Nation' for nothing - and that very much extends to our cuisine.
It all started with the foraging techniques of the Khoi and San First People and has since been influenced by hundreds of years of new flavours, styles, traditions, and the ever-popular fire cooking (nou gaan ons braai!).
We are the epitome of diversity at play in the kitchen.
Now, in 2026, we come together over food and meals such as umngqusho, dombolo, braais, pap, gatsbys, mogodu, bunny chows, mashonja, and bobotie - a true mix made in a proudly South African style and full of heart, just like South Africa's star midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
When it comes to enjoying South African food in Cape Town, one cannot look past the epic, not-so-humble gatsby. Originating in the Mother City, this epic delight of a sandwich has been feeding families since the 1970s. Consisting of a long roll filled with chips and salad as a standard, and then pretty much anything else you can think of - viennas, polony, masala steak, and chicken, you cannot talk about Cape Town food without the gatsby coming up in the conversation. The Golden Dish and Super Fisheries, both in Athlone, are famous for their gatsbys. At the same time, Mariam's Kitchen and Aneesa's both do the giant sandwich justice at their various locations around the city.
For a more formal South African dining experience, Chef Nolu Dube-Cele's Seven Colours Eatery in Battery Park at the V&A Waterfront elevates nostalgia with colourful local dishes and mouthwatering tshisanyama magic. Nolz Kitchen in Salt River is another must-try South African gem. Their offering of traditional dishes like samp and beans, rich stews, and pork trotters is a deep dive into what makes us truly South African.
If you're looking for the best bobotie in town, Jonkershuis at Groot Constantia has perfected the art. At the same time, an immersive journey into Cape Malay culture in the Bo-Kaap must be complemented with a trip to Bo-Kaap Kombuis, where the traditions of generations sit proudly on a plate.
Cape Town's Best Mexican Food
While the various Mexican food we have available in Cape Town may not be 100% authentic to the true roots of the country's cuisine (Americanised in many ways), we are very lucky to have a whole heap of options to choose from that draw inspiration from Mesoamerican flavours, taking us on a journey inspired by home cooking and later Spanish influence.
Una Más in Sea Point and at the Time Out Market Cape Town is a premium mezcal offering. Their signature masa corn tacos, Jalisco-style beef birria, tasty empanadas, and tangy ‘Street Corn’ ribs are must-eat dishes.
The institution that is Fat Cactus has some of the best chilli poppers in Cape Town, while their Cowboy Nachos - loaded with chorizo, jalapeños, and feta - kick harder than a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty in the 94th minute.
For a Mexican feast in an interesting setting, Tortuga Loca in Muizenberg is the place. The aesthetic is ‘Day of the Dead’ meets ‘Chilled Muizenberg Surf’ with the lights turned down (you’ll see when you get there), and that backdrop only serves to enhance the deliciousness of the food presented in pretty large portions.
If you're keen on some Mexican goodness but are not all that keen on the cheese overload, Hacienda in Bree Street brings ‘Coastal Mexican’ cuisine to the fore. After snacking on a plate of totopos, begin with the guacamole. It’s prepared tableside, and makes a perfect starter for two while you browse the menu, divided into five sections: Land, Ocean, Tacos, Fire, and Dessert. End with the churros, obviously.
So, the only question left now is, Mexican or South African food? Head over to our socials - Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok - to let us know your thoughts.
Have a punt with Virgin Bet South Africa
At the time of writing, South Africa is priced at 8.50 to cause an opening day upset. Can they do it? Place your bet here. If you are a new sign-up, you can double your money with a deposit match capped at R3,000. Odds are subject to change. Please remember to always bet responsibly. Follow Virgin Bet South Africa on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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