15 Cooking Classes in South Africa to Build a South African Day Around

1.Malay Cooking Class and Lunch in Bo-Kaap

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 515 reviews · 2h 30m · from $49Our pick

Learn Cape Malay cooking in a Bo-Kaap home, explore colorful streets, and enjoy a spice-filled lunch with local chef Faldela.

“It was one of the best things we did in Cape Town and that's saying something because we had an amazing time. Faldela's dry wit and warmth made her a fantastic teacher and she imparted so much wisdom about each dish and the spices used. The end result was a delicious lunch shared with a small community. It was a lovely afternoon and I'd strongly recommend to anyone visiting Cape Town.”

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2.Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 236 reviews · from $57Top rated

Cook Southern African dishes with warm local hosts at Pahari African Restaurant in Cape Town, then share a memorable communal meal.

“We had so much fun!!! Very gracious hosts! My sister and I enjoyed getting to know about our hosts and their food. I would recommend.”

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3.Cape Malay Cooking Class in Bo-Kaap

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 120 reviews · 2 hours · from $52

Cook samosas, roti, and Cape Malay curry in a Bo-Kaap home while learning local food traditions from a welcoming host.

“The cooking class was absolutely wonderful. My family and I truly enjoyed this experience and would definitely try it again. The host was very hospitable and was understanding of our dietary restrictions. Overall I give this experience a 10/10.”

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4.Bo-Kapp Walking Tour and Malay Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 105 reviews · 4 hours · from $68

Explore Bo-Kaap with a local guide, learn Cape Malay cooking in a home kitchen, and enjoy curry, roti, samosas, and koesisters.

“Faldela was very warm and welcoming. She is a true local and many people within the street stop and say hello. She is very knowledgeable of the area and history. Her cooking class was excellent and we all left, full of new cooking tips, recipes and stomachs. If you are not into cooking, don’t let this put you off as this is a truly a great experience and you won’t regret booking.”

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5.Half-Day Small Group Cooking Experience in Franschhoek

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · from $116

Cook an eight-course South African feast with chef Nicola Spilsbury in Franschhoek, paired with local wine and warm Cape Winelands hospitality.

“Beautiful kitchen space and awesome evening learning about African cuisine, cooking a true feast and having a wonderful time! Would book again anytime”

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6.Authentic African Cuisine Cooking Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 31 reviews · 2h 30m · from $71

Cook pap, stews, chakalaka, and beans with Florence at Pahari African Restaurant in Cape Town during a warm, hands-on cultural meal.

“Hele aardige mensen, echt Afrikaans eten. Goede uitleg erbij over tradities en geschiedenis”

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7.Private Cape Malay Cooking Class in Cape Town with a Local Family

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · from $100

Cook Cape Malay specialties in Lorette and Desmond’s Cape Town home, then share rotis, curry, bobotie, and malva pudding together.

“My husband and I spent wonderful evening with Lorette and Desmond learning about Malay food, history and culture. Preparing the food was enjoyable and we were allowed to have hands on experience cooking not just observing Lorette. The conversation over dinner was fun, entertaining, and educational. We highly recommend this cooking class.”

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8.GQ: City Walking Tour & African Cuisine Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 11 reviews · 2 hours - 210 minutes · from $56

Walk historic Gqeberha, learn African cooking, share a homemade meal, and enjoy local stories with pickup and drop-off in Port Elizabeth.

“Rawson was a very nice guide. We had a lot of fun and he showed us a lot of interessing spots of the city.”

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9.South African Cooking in Cape Town with Local Chef Richard

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · from $76

Cook and share a South African meal in Richard and Gillian’s Cape Town home, with local wine, braai, cultural insight, and warm hosting.

“It was a great evening! We came a guests and left as friends! The hosts are very friendly and the meal was great!”

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10.Pan-African Cooking & Dinning Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 210 minutes - 4 hours · from $102

Cook South African and Pan-African dishes in a local home, shop for ingredients, share stories, and enjoy a welcoming meal in Johannesburg.

“We had an amazing experience with Chef Tee! Even better than we expected! He made us fell right at home and definitely created a vibe for us and taught us so much about the South African food we were making. Not only did we make wonderful dishes but it was all very delicious!”

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11.Private Authentic Cape Malay Cooking Class in Manenberg with Locals

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $92

Cook Cape Malay family recipes in a Manenberg home with Colleen and Ruth, then share samosas, tomato bredie, rice, dessert, and drinks.

“Such a memorable day from start to finish. I was by myself and felt like I was with friends the entire time, Coleen and Ruth really make you feel at home. The food was amazingly flavorful and well explained. I’m so happy I booked this, easy Uber there and back, and had plenty Read more”

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12.Zulu Food Cooking & Dining Experience with a local Chef

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 5 reviews · from $85

Cook Zulu dishes with a local chef, explore Maboneng, meet food vendors, and share a generous cultural lunch in Johannesburg.

“I had the best time with Dylan! We started with a walk around the neighborhood and he shared the history of it and what they are doing to foster community there. It was wonderful to see a different side of Joburg and we stopped at the market for refreshments. While cooking, we chatted about food, life, culture, and our experiences learning to cook. He was kind enough to print the recipes and teach me how to pronounce the names. The food was delicious and amazing; I had a great time cooking with Dylan. I ate sooo much!! And can hardly wait to get home and feed my friends and family…”

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13.Langa Township and Bokaap Cooking Class Half Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $142

Explore Langa, Bo-Kaap, District Six, and Cape Malay cooking on a guided half-day tour from Cape Town.

“Had a wonderful tour with Kelvin as our guide. Our first stop was Langa Township with Glen as our local guide. It was a real eye opener as to the hardships these people live under and something we will never forget. We then went to the CasRead more”

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14.Cape Town Shore Excursion| South African Cooking & Port Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $106

Review of a Cape Town shore excursion with a private South African cooking class, home-cooked meal, wine, dessert, and port transfers.

“Unfortunately I missed this event due to emergency surgery. The rest of our group attended and report a fabulous time with wonderful hosts. Food, beverage and commeradery were all excellent.”

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15.Cape Malay/Creole Cooking Class and Local Shopping in Salt River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $74

Shop Salt River, see its street art, and cook a three-course Cape Malay meal with local home cooks in this small-group Cape Town experience.

“Very interesting tour and Nadia is absolutely lovely! Great for anyone who wants to explore a different part of the city and appreciates street art”

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