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Street food in Cape Town is an expression of the city’s rich cultural diversity, bold flavours and colourful heritage.Satisfying pangs along every street corner are the savoury slices inspired by Cape Malay and Indian tradition, and in contrast, there are sweet delights which were born in Afrikaans kitchens. Cape Town street food is not just about serving hunger; it’s diving straight into the heart of this city. So many mouth-watering things are waiting for you to try, so pack your appetite and start the journey through the culinary treasures found right on the streets.
10 Best Street Foods In Cape Town
From spicy samosas to sizzling boerewors rolls, discover the most iconic and flavourful street food in Cape Town.
1. Bunny Chow
Photo: Andy Li / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bunny Chow is one of the most loved street food dishes in Cape Town and was born in Durban, but is now a national favourite with all South Africans. This filling dish consists of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with spicy curry made with chicken, beef, lamb, or vegetables. What gives Bunny Chow its character is the richly flavoured gravy that seeps into the bread and gives you that warm, satisfying feeling with each mouthful. It’s commonly sold from food trucks and casual eateries, especially in Cape Town’s bustling markets and townships.
Locations: Eastern Food Bazaar, Longmarket Street
2. Gatsby
Photo: HelenOnline / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Gatsby is a legendary South African sandwich and a must-try cuisine in Cape Town. A whopping footlong, this roll is generally stuffed with slap chips (soft, vinegar-laden fries), and spicy meats such as masala steak or polony, together with tangy sauces, garnished with lettuce and tomato. Generally said to have been created in the Cape Flats, the Gatsby has become a coveted local staple, eaten by students, workers and anyone else looking for a large, tasty meal for cheap. Whether you try it from a corner café in Athlone or a street vendor in the city centre, the Gatsby delivers bold, satisfying flavours in every bite.
Locations: Super Fisheries, Athlone; Golden Dish, Gatesville
3. Boerewors Roll
Photo: Andy Li / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the true South African classics, boerewors roll is undoubtedly among the most famous street foods in Cape Town. This filling light snack consists of a juicy, coiled beef sausage (boerewors), grilled over open flames to perfection and stuffed fresh into a crusty roll. What sets it apart is the rich mixture of spices used in the sausage, that is, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper, producing a strong and salty flavour. It is often topped with some fried onions, maybe some sour tomato relish, or, for a kick, a dollop of chakalaka, a spicy vegetable sauce.
Locations: Mzoli’s Place, Gugulethu; Sea Point Promenade Stalls
4. Samosas
Photo: ClumsyHomeChef / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Samosas are golden pastries shaped in a triangle that contain a plethora of savoury fillings of sorts like minced beef, spicy chicken, curried vegetables, or lentils, before they are deep-fried to perfection. These samosas are mostly served piping hot, crispy, and fresh, ready to be hungrily gobbled down, while most South Africans value them as a ‘treat’ for themselves or tourists. What sets the samoosas in Cape Town apart from other parts of the world is the use of spices and the bold use of cumin, coriander, and chilli, which would not fail to kick each bite.
Locations: Bo-Kaap Market; Eastern Food Bazaar
5. Koeksisters
Photo: DO’Neil / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Koeksisters are much loved in South Africa and are one of the things you must sample while trying street dish in Cape Town. These golden, braided fried doughnuts are made crispy and soaked in cold sugar syrup immediately after frying; they then have a shiny glaze and a sweet, sticky texture. This traditional dish has its roots in both Cape Malays and Afrikaners, where such a dish gives a taste of culture and flavour in every bite. The twisted form and syrupy crunch differentiate them from a normal doughnut for on-the-go snacking or dessert.
Locations: Auntie Koeksisters at Oranjezicht Market; Bo-Kaap Kombuis
6. Biltong & Droëwors
Photo: Jamsta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Biltong and droëwors are the two quintessentially South African snacks that every traveller ought to indulge in when exploring street dish in Cape Town. Biltong, a dried salted meat made from beef or game, is marinated in vinegar and seasoned with crushed coriander, pepper, and salt before being air-dried. The taste is deep and chewy, and truly loved by the locals. On the other hand, droëwors are air-dried sausages of beef and spices that let one savour a much softer bite but with just as much flavour as biltong.
Locations: The Biltong Shop, V&A Waterfront; Neighbourgoods Market
7. Fish And Chips
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Fish and chips are a traditional local favourite, crispy on the outside and full of flavour. Made with freshly caught hake or snoek, the fish is dipped in a light batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. Topped with thick-cut potato chips sprinkled with salt and a drizzle of vinegar, it is even better. The flaky, tender fish contrasts perfectly with the crispness of the batter, making it impossible to resist. Many vendors put their twists with homemade sauces, be it tartar or spicy peri-peri mayo. This dish has gained popularity, especially in coastal towns, where the catch is often fresher and more direct from the sea.
Locations: Kalky’s, Kalk Bay; Fish on the Rocks, Hout Bay
8. Falafel Wraps
Photo: Andy Li / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Falafel wraps, though Middle Eastern, are filled with crispy golden-brown falafel balls, made from ground chickpeas, herbs, and spices, enclosed in soft pita or flatbread. Then served with fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion while being drizzled with tahini or garlic sauce. Some vendors also serve it along with spicy chilli sauce or hummus to add that zesty flavour. Most popular at places like V&A Waterfront Market or food truck hubs, these wraps carry the promise of a filling and protein-rich meal that is blessed with bright earthy flavours. .
Locations: The Falafel Guy, Sea Point Promenade; Mojo Market
9. Masala Pineapple
Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A true treat for the senses, Masala Pineapple is one of Cape Town’s most refreshing and spicy street food delights. This glassy snack consists of slices of pineapple dusted with a blend of spicy chilli powder, salt, and sometimes lemon juice, creating a cocktail of flavours that is sweet, sour, and spicy. This treat is so juicy and delicious that it’s hard to resist. You can see Masala Pineapple sold in local markets and along the coast, mostly during the hotter months, when the juicy masala provides the best of both worlds.
Locations: Greenmarket Square; Local beach vendors
10. Vetkoek
Photo: Shereen Mmakola / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vetkoek, meaning “fat cake” in Afrikaans, is a beloved South African street food that’s crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. A golden deep-frying ball of dough is typically cut open, with a filling of savoury minced beef curry; however, you can also find versions filled with cheese or polony or even served sweetly with syrup or jam. In Cape Town, vetkoek is a go-to comfort food sold at food trucks, markets, and roadside stalls. The filling is often mildly spiced so that the plump, chewiest dough can shine softly. Hearty, inexpensive, and extremely soothing; a quick, filling lunch or late-night treat.
Locations: Mariam’s Kitchen, St George’s Mall; Oranjezicht Market
Street food in Cape Town showcases the heart and soul of its diverse communities. From savoury classics like Bunny Chow and Gatsby to sweet treats like koeksisters and vetkoek, each bite reveals a distinct narrative of tradition and fusion. Whether you are wandering through markets or at a beachside promenade, these dishes provide an authentic experience of the city’s street culture. Plan a trip with TripXL for a culinary experience of Cape Town.
Cover Photo: Antonio Di Giacomo / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
