Yes there are gastronomic spots on the exotic continent.
Africa does not usually spring to mind as a culinary and/or vigneron hotspot but there are many pockets on this vast continent that will surprise visitors, from television gastronomes to everyday foodies, with its unique diversity that goes well beyond the braai.
Africa at the crossroads of early explorers
These gastro hotspots are found in different places along the coast, reflecting the continent’s long and rich history, spots along North Africa’s coastline that absorbed much from seafarers crossing the Mediterranean, Arab traders sailing on the Indian Ocean monsoons to East Africa, Dutch and Portuguese explorers seeking the route to the East Indies spice treasures, along the southern Africa coast, the French who colonised West Africa and the British who left their mark on Africa less with memorable cuisine, but rather robust railways, effective civil services and a cricket and rugby legacy.
The Indian Ocean is the crossroads of traders plying between the Persian Gulf, India and China with the thriving kingdoms of Lamu, Gedi, Malindi, Mombasa, Zanzibar and Pemba for over millennia. Some of these places exist today only in history books. Sailing on monsoon winds, traders exchanged spices and cloth for ivory and slaves, and brought culture and cuisine from the east. The islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, off present day Tanzania, are the undisputed source of cloves and other exotic spices. The Dutch managed to eat the dodo out of existence on Mauritius while the Portuguese explorers added their own culinary style.
South Africa’s food and wine heaven
South Africa’s Western Cape province in South Africa is today’s food and wine destination on the Africa continent, with world class restaurants directed by amazing chefs, most are as home grown as the wonderful ingredients sourced for their mouth drooling dishes. The Cape’s culture and cuisine is influenced by a fragrant mix of visiting Dutch, Portuguese, French and English over five centuries as they passed through the Atlantic to Indian Oceans leaving a legacy supplemented by the Cape Malays and Indians imported as indentured workers, making coastal Cape Town one of the planets most cosmopolitan cities.
The French Huguenots, fleeing religious persecution in Europe, brought and planted the first vines in the Western Cape decades before Cook landed at Botany Bay. These vines established one of the finest wine regions in the world. Outstanding sparkling, whites and famous reds, led by South Africa’s own signature variety, Pinotage, from the Stellenbosch region bred in 1925. Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, also known as Hermitage, a deep red full bodied wine. The small, quaint village of Franschhoek sits in the heart of the Cape’s wine region with almost too many fine dining restaurants and boutique hotels and requiring an extended stay.
Stay. Immerse yourself among the vines at Leeu Estates in Franschhoek or stay at Leeu House in the Franschhoek village or Le Quartier Francais in the heart of the village. Closer to Cape Town is Constantia one of the oldest winemaking regions of South Africa with a delightful selection of boutique hotels or stay in Cape Town and head into the winelands for a day of discovery. Let us take you on a gastronomic journey and speak to one of our Africa Specialists for their personal recommendations.
