Step into the kitchen and get your hands dirty with one of these popular cooking classes in Cape Town.
Cape Town has become one of the leading food cities in Africa, if not the world. Local flavours, international influence, expert chefs and idyllic locations have made it one of the best locations in which to enjoy a meal in a world-class restaurant. But if you want to figure out the magic behind some local delicacies, or simply spend an evening cooking your own meal in the company of an expert, give one of these hands-on cookery classes a go.
Bombay to Cape Town
Courtesy Bombay to Cape Town
Bombay to Cape Town offers small, personalised Indian cooking classes in owner Gautami Seksaria’s own kitchen. Unlike more commercialised cooking classes in the city, Bombay to Cape Town offers hands on lessons with small groups. The classes start in the scenic Ocean View Drive garden with a drink of rosewater, before you move indoors to cook your way through a culinary experience linked closely to Seksaria’s fascinating story. The courses last three to four hours, include wine, and can be tailored to your specific group requirements.
Ginger & Lime
Courtesy Ginger & Lime
Ginger & Lime offers one of the more popular cookery courses in the Cape. Though less personable and intimate, they operate a slick kitchen with the latest equipment. They run various classes throughout the year with different expert chefs. Themes vary according to each class and the time of year, and include everything from winter comfort foods, to plant-based and low-carbohydrate meals. Guest chefs also make regular appearances to teach participants about specific cuisine, such as Cape Malay, Italian and Japanese.
The Little Pink Chef
Courtesy The Little Pink Chef
The Little Pink Chef is another Cape Town cooking school that varies its courses, cuisines and styles. Chef Maryke Josling runs the courses from her cooking studio in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs. The courses are unique and personal, and receive regular praise for being fun and informative. The groups you’ll cook in are small, and you can book the entire evening for you and your friends to learn new techniques, taste new flavours, and sample a range of local wines.
Stir Crazy Cooking School
If you’re looking for fun, informative and entertaining cooking classes in the heart of peaceful Hout Bay, then Stir Crazy will have you covered. They offer interactive classes that provide insight into various culinary arts. The focus is on creating a relaxed, intimate environment in which to learn about various cooking styles and techniques, from Thai to tapas and dim sum.
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If you’re interested in the art of blending spices and creating the ultimate curry, then Masala Dosa’s curry classes are worth considering. They have a fun and creative approach to teaching you all about various Indian cuisine and will also teach you about Indian bread, paneer and teas. They have a fixed restaurant in the heart of Cape Town, but can also facilitate classes at your own private venue.
Lindt Studio
If you have a sweet tooth, clear your schedule and head to the Lindt Chocolate Studio at the V&A Waterfront Silo District. There, expert chocolatiers will teach you about a range of sweet delicacies, from making chocolate macarons, truffles and the ultimate chocolate cake, to the art of pralines, and even the secrets of chocolate décor. They also cater for younger chocolate fans with a variety of children’s classes.
Giggling Gourmet
Cape Town’s Jenny Morris, otherwise known as the Giggling Gourmet, is a celebrity chef with a presence across local media, and yet her cooking schools are personable, charming and intimate. The Giggling Gourmet facilitates classes for everyone from first-time cooks through to aspiring chefs. The most popular courses run over consecutive weeks and aim to teach participants important techniques taken from global cuisines. The classes all take place in the state-of-the-art teaching kitchen with high-end cooking equipment.
Silwood
Silwood is one of the country’s most respected cooking schools. Their alumni have ended up in the an array of celebrity chef kitchens. Though they run professional courses for aspiring chefs, they also offer part-time courses and cooking schools for people who want to take their skills to the next level. The part-time courses cover topics like cooking for students, baking, sweet treats, and steak masterclasses. They also offer children’s classes and can organise birthday party cooking events.
I'm a freelance writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. I write primarily about Cape Town and South Africa, but also spend time abroad producing stories for a wide range of websites and publications. Follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/andrewthompsonsa
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