Cape Town is known for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant cultural tapestry, but stepping into Langa—one of the city’s oldest townships—offers a truly special glimpse into the heart and soul of the local African community life.

There is a reality that you need to accept when visiting Cape Town: it’s a very unequal place. The local communities have suffered massively at the hands of colonialism, and it shows. Local Africans have previously been brutally pushed aside (literally) to make way for a thriving white/European community, and although apartheid is officially over, the effects are still there to see.

In the city and Winelands, you’ll find incredible tasting menus and fancy restaurants, but our favourite foodie experince of the trip was in Langa.

We savoured everything from traditional bread (roosterkoek) fresh off the braai to homemade ginger beer, all while meeting inspiring locals and learning about Langa’s thriving arts and entrepreneurial spirit.

This tour was done in collaboration with Phumelele, a local from Langa who runs ‘Eat African With Me’. We Highly recommend you get yourself on this tour! He doesn’t have a website yet, but you can get in touch with him on his Instagram page @eat.african_with.me.

For a great food tour based in the City, check out our review of Eat Like a Local here.

About Langa

Langa, established in 1927, is Cape Town’s oldest township and was originally designated under oppressive policies to forcibly house Black Africans. Despite its challenging origins, Langa has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub that reflects the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of its people.

Home primarily to the Xhosa community, it is a place where traditions—such as beadwork, music, and dance—are woven into everyday life, creating a rich tapestry of heritage.

Today, Langa stands as both a testament to South Africa’s complex history and a beacon of hope and innovation, with community-led initiatives, thriving arts and culinary scenes, and a warm hospitality that invites you to experience its unique blend of past, present, and future.

Our Food Tour Logistics

Pick up from Church Square in Cape Town at 9 am.
Drive to Langa (10-20 mins, depending on the traffic)
Exploring Guga S’thebe until 10 am
8 food/drink stops, with a little bit of walking in between
Uber back to Cape Town at around 2.30 pm

The tour can be adjusted to suit the dietary requirements of vegetarians and those who eat halaal. Just inform Phumelele when you book. Also, remember your tour may differ based on availability and numbers.

Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre

Our journey began at the Guga S’Thebe Cultural Centre, a buzzing hub of artistic and social endeavours. Here, we met local artisans who transformed clay into delicate pottery, discovered hand-stitched African prints and clothing, and browsed colourful displays of beadwork and traditional crafts.

The Community Hall next door often hosts dance performances, music events, and community meetings. It’s a space brimming with creative energy and a true reflection of Langa’s collaborative spirit.

Waya Rostile: Fresh Breads & Local Delights

Our first food stop was Waya Rostile, a home-based bakery in operation since 2008. We were greeted with the aroma of freshly baked breads, including Roesterkoek—a traditional South African bread usually grilled on an open flame. The Roesterkoek paired perfectly with sautéed chicken livers, creating a rich, savoury bite that had us all saying, “so good!”

These filled Roesterkoeks have become a staple for the local community as a cheap and tasty breakfast snack. Waya Rostile does different flavours and fillings throughout the day.

Waya Rostile is run by a family in their home who welcomed us in with open arms … literally. They also had rock buns, a sweet cake-like treat on offer.

Mama Zuki’s Ginger Beer

Next, we met Mama Zuki, who is known around Langa for her homemade ginger beer. Sweet, spicy, and slightly fizzy, her drinks were exceptional. She also operates from her own home and we sat in her living room discussing her love for making ginger beer.

Sipping on a cold cup of her ginger beer was the perfect palate cleanser after the hearty roesterkoek earlier and we each took a bottle with us to drink over the rest of the tour.

Eziko: Culinary Training with a Cause

One of the most inspiring parts of the tour was our visit to Eziko, a culinary and hospitality school with a fascinating backstory. Supported partly by the Italian Embassy, which facilitates the sommelier training programme, Eziko offers training to young people looking to break into the restaurant and hotel industry.

It was heartwarming to hear that graduates have gone on to work at top establishments—one student even made it to the prestigious One&Only hotel!

During our visit, we met the students in the kitchen and sampled a delicious spread of freshly baked scones, muffins, and Romany Creams (chocolate-coconut biscuits). The positive energy and vibe in the training kitchen were tangible, and it felt amazing to support a program making such a real difference in people’s lives.

Braai Culture at Nomzamo Butchery

One of the standout culinary experiences in Langa is the braai, South Africa’s beloved barbecue tradition that marries community, music, and food. We made our way to Nomzamo Butchery, a local favourite, where the aroma of sizzling beef, chicken, and sausage fills the air.

Nomzamo is primarily a butcher, and you’ll see many locals stocking up for their own homes, but with a braai in the back, they can also cook the meat that you choose for you to enjoy at their tables.

We grilled some beef sausages and chicken wings, which were absolutely delicious! The meats were served with pap (a stiff maize porridge) for a true taste of township cuisine. Pap is stable for most of the African families in South Africa, similar to Ugali in Kenya.

Lick’s Tavern for a refreshing pint

We took a much-needed break from the food at a local bar, where we tried some Castle Double Malt Lager.

Ntosh Restaurant: Traditional Xhosa Plates

Our next stop was Ntosh Restaurant, where we were introduced to a hearty Sunday favourite known as “Seven Colours.” The restaurant is absolutely tiny; I think most people take the food away or sit outside but we got a true chef’s table experince in the back of the kitchen with the team.

True to its name, the dish showcased a rainbow-like array of flavours:

Samp (crushed corn kernels) (2 colours of beans)
Stewed chicken
Pasta salad
Butternut Squash
Cabbage
Beetroot

Traditionally served on Sundays, this plate’s colourful variety represents the warmth and unity of South African family gatherings. The plate is served with a deliciously rich broth that you can pour over the samp whilst eating. It is said that drinking the broth increases your fertility!

Kwa Amanda - The Tastiest Lamb We’ve Ever Eaten

The highlight of the tour, in terms of pure flavour, was the grilled lamb we had at our second-to-last stop Kwa Amanda.

Seasoned with a unique mix of lamb bile and Nyama Choma spices—yes, you read that right—the meat had an incredible depth of flavour and perfect caramelisation. Crispy on the outside yet juicy within, each bite was an explosion of smoky, spicy goodness. Served simply on a large sheet of paper with a knife to help you cut it up and eat.

The lamb was being prepared and cooked on the braai right in front of our eyes, with a beautiful view of Table Mountain in the background.

Szito: Fish & Chips

Our final stop took us to Szito, where we tried snoek (a local, distinctly flavoured fish) alongside crisp, golden fries. Szito is run by an Angolan family, and if you’re lucky enough to visit on a Sunday, they serve up a traditional Angolan feast.

More Than Food: Music & Healing

Beyond the culinary wonders, Langa offers cultural and social spaces that make the township come alive. We passed a medicine shop selling a variety of drugs and home remedies, and Phumelele gifted us some handmade bracelets to remind us of our time here.

We also popped into the Bridge Academy, a music school run with the help of UK donors. They offer classes to local kids, helping them hone their musical talents and channel their energy creatively. Tours are offered on specific days to ensure the student’s privacy and the school’s safe environment, but even a quick glimpse is enough to feel the impactful work they do.

Why You Should Go On a Food Tour to Langa

Langa is a community inviting you to learn, taste, and engage with its deep-rooted culture. From the entrepreneurial spirit of places like Eziko and Waya Rostile to the unmissable flavours of grilled meats and homebrewed ginger beer, every stop along the way offered a glimpse into a resilient, creative, and welcoming township.

Many people come to Lanaga on walking tours, but Phumelele said that they come to see the charity buildings, take some photographs and then leave. They don’t engage or immerse themselves with the local community.

A food tour in Langa is more than just a tourist tick box—it’s a chance to connect with the people behind the food, support local businesses, and witness the innovative ways Langa’s residents are shaping their own narrative. And also, the food is just brilliant!

If you find yourself in Cape Town, make sure to set aside half a day to explore Langa; you’ll leave with a full stomach, a warm heart, and memories you’ll savour long after you’ve left.

A Taste of Langa: A Food Tour in Cape Town’s Oldest Township