EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: CAPE TOWN

BEST FOOD TO EAT IN CAPE TOWN

If you’re looking to pinpoint South Africa’s national dish, here’s a helpful tip: there isn’t one. Cape Town’s multi-cultural heritage boasts British, French, and Indian influences, making this South African port city’s cuisine quite diverse. Fish and chips, barbecued meats, and sushi, are common menu items. However, a classic dish not to be missed is Bunny Chow. Bunny Chow draws on the country’s Indian influence and ironically (and thankfully!) doesn’t contain any rabbit. It is essentially a bread bowl filled with flavorful curry, prepared with lamb, beef, chicken, or minced vegetables. It’s quite rich and filling – best to share a serving with a friend!

Top Cultural Foods To Try in Cape Town

Here are some of the top traditional foods to try while you're studying in Cape Town:

• Bobotie: Bobotie is a savory baked dish made with spiced minced meat and a creamy egg-based topping. It's a Cape Malay classic and is widely considered to be the South African national dish. You’ll want to try it while abroad!
• Braai (BBQ experience): On the surface, a Braai is a barbecue, but it's also a major social event in South African culture. Get together with friends and family to enjoy this delicious meal, which typically includes sausage, chicken, lamb chops, steaks and more.
• Snoek & Oysters: Because Cape Town is located right on the ocean, seafood is naturally a part of local cuisine. Snoek is a popular local fish that is often enjoyed grilled or smoked. The local oysters are also incredibly fresh and delicious, offering diverse flavors to try. 

BEST DRINK IN CAPE TOWN

When in South Africa, do as the Capetonians do and indulge in a cup of rooibos. Rooibos (meaning “red bush”) is a rare herb found in South Africa that is traditionally brewed into tea. Rooibos is non-caffeinated and high in antioxidants, with a taste and color reminiscent of hibiscus tea. Drinking rooibos regularly reportedly has numerous health benefits, including improving blood pressure and circulation, treating and preventing diabetes, boosting bone health, preventing cancer, and aiding in weight loss. Give this red, earthy tea a try plain, or flavored with milk, honey, or sugar to taste.

Top Cultural Drinks To Try in Cape Town

Here are some of the top traditional drinks to try while you're studying in Cape Town:

• Rooibos Tea: Rooibos tea is an herbal tea made from the leaves of a native plant in South Africa. With a sweet yet earthy flavor, it's a nice and comforting drink. You try it hot or iced depending on your preference!
• Mageu (amaHewu): Mageu is a fermented drink made from maize, known for its unique sour flavor. It's affordable, quick and energizing, making it an amazing pick-me-up when you’re out exploring the city.
• Amasi: Try this traditional fermented milk drink that offers a variety of nutritional benefits. You'll find it has a thick and yogurt-like consistency with a tangy flavor. Traditionally, it’s eaten with maize porridge on the side, but you can also try it on its own! 

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE IN CAPE TOWN

Cape Town has no shortage of incredible beaches and beautiful landscapes, but there is only one place in the world where you can see African Penguins up close: Boulders Beach. Boulders Beach is part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area. Here, the beaches are safe and clean and contain measures to protect the penguin colony, especially their nesting area and chicks. Since African Penguins are classified as an endangered species, you’re not allowed to feed or touch them. You can take a stroll on the winding boardwalk and get many Insta-worthy photos.

Top Cultural Attractions to Visit in Cape Town

Here are some of the top cultural attractions to visit while you're studying in Cape Town:

• Table Mountain: This is the most famous landmark in all of Cape Town! It's a flat-topped mountain that you can access by cable car or with a challenging hike. Once at the top, you’ll discover amazing views of the city that make it a perfect place to snap a photo as well!
• Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope: Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are incredible cliffs located within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Whether you love nature views, adventurous hikes or panoramic city views, you’ll get a chance to enjoy all the above.
• Boulders Beach: Boulders Beach is famous for its colony of African penguins, which are an endangered and protected species. You can walk along the boardwalk and get a great look at them in their natural habitat, all while seeing the beautiful views of Boulders Beach. 
  
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