There’s so much more to Cape Town than the postcard. See the mountains, beaches and wine farms. I encourage it. But leave time for the neighbourhoods that rarely make the holiday brochure, where so much of the city’s real everyday life happens. A good place to start? A food tour in Langa.
Come hungry. That’s my first piece of advice for exploring with Phumelele Ndwe, a guide whose love for his neighbourhood is matched by his determination to get you eating your way through it.
Established in 1927 under segregation-era legislation, Cape Town’s oldest township carries a complicated history. There’s also enormous beauty here: in the homes people open to you, the businesses they’ve built and the pride with which they share their food.
Xhosa culture runs through daily life here. Depending on when you visit, you might encounter wedding celebrations, traditional dress or families gathering for ceremonies.
These are people’s lives unfolding around you, and having a local guide helps you understand what you’re seeing to deepen your appreciation and respect.
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Nick Hamman is a South African broadcaster, storyteller, and food-culture creator. He is the host of 5FM’s national breakfast show, 5 Breakfast, and the creator of Hammy Eats, a platform dedicated to discovering the people, places, and stories behind South African food.
