12 incredible bars in Cape Town to bookmark immediately (2023)

FAQs

What food is Cape Town known for? ›

There are many foods that make up Cape Malay cuisine, including bredies (stews), curries, pickles (atchars and sambals), savoury snacks and sweet treats such as boeber, koesisters and a variety of “porrings” (the Cape Malay take on warm puddings).

Obtain the password, locate the secret venue within a Victorian warehouse in central Cape Town, and you'll be immersed in a time gone by, when Prohibition was in force and cocktails were served behind closed doors such as this one.

Cape Town is known for its bustling nightlife. The city is dotted with places where you can enjoy live music from talented local artists, dance the night away at a nightclub, or enjoy a sundowner.

Bobotie. Another dish thought to have been brought to South Africa by Asian settlers, bobotie is now the national dish of the country and cooked in many homes and restaurants. Minced meat is simmered with spices, usually curry powder, herbs and dried fruit, then topped with a mixture of egg and milk and baked until set ...

1. Howzit – A traditional South African greeting that translates roughly as “How are you?” or simply “Hello”. 2. Heita – An urban and rural greeting used by South Africans.

- Entrance is free.

The Art of Duplicity Style

The smart dress code – Think Al Capone meets Mae West – is well suited (this of course strictly prohibits shorts, flip-flops, sportswear and hoodies).

speakeasy, also called blind pig or gin joint, place where alcoholic beverages are illegally sold, especially such establishments in the United States during Prohibition (1920–33). In more recent years the term has also applied to legal bars that are modeled on historical speakeasies.

Noordhoek and Hout Bay round off the list with 10 ultra-rich residents each. The report points out that on top of these ultra-rich residents, suburbs like Camps Bay, Clifton, Bantry Bay, Fresnaye, Llandudno and Sea Point are also popular second home hotspots for the wealthy.

What is the dress code in Cape Town? ›

Cape Town is not formal unless you are there for business reasons. Therefore, you can easily wear casual or smart casual outfits to most outings, events or restaurants.

For breakfast, most South Africans eat some kind of hot cooked cereal, such as putu pap or pap (cornmeal porridge, similar to grits), served with milk and sugar. However, they enjoy putu pap and mealie bread (cornbread) for any meal of the day.

It is often referred to as the South African miracle herb and associated with the mysterious Khoikhoi, the indigenous people of the region around Cape Town – we are talking about rooibos tea.

Dining Etiquette in South Africa

Breakfast is typically served from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.; lunch is eaten around 1:00 p.m., and dinner is around 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. Many South Africans still take the time to enjoy afternoon tea.

The most common greeting is a handshake accompanied with eye contact and a smile. This is appropriate among most South Africans. Handshakes may be light or firm depending on the person you are greeting. People from rural villages may use two hands to shake/greet.

While the term “cheers” is commonly used in English-speaking parts of South Africa, the Afrikaan-speaking population has their own term to toast to: “Gesondheid.” The word literally translates to “health” and sounds an awful lot like the German word for “health” (“gesundheit”), which isn't all that surprising ...

The Food. At The Art of Duplicity they keep things simple with their light snacks, creative tapas-style offerings, nuts and charcuterie and cheese platter that pairs perfectly with their unique cocktail creations and exquisite drinks selection.

Many people believe that black clothing accentuates or slims their figure. Others, associate black with seriousness, tenacity or power and wish to convey those messages or attitudes to people.

What does black-tie dress code actually mean? “A black bow tie worn with a dinner jacket,” the dictionary helpfully posits. “Less formal than white tie… worn for dinners, parties and balls, as well as some Season events such as Glyndebourne,” adds Debrett's.

Black Tie. Black tie attire is slightly less formal than white tie, but it is more formal than business attire. It is the most common formal dress code for events such as weddings, proms, formal dinners, and theatre.

Why is it called a blind pig? ›

The term “blind pig” was born when an entrepreneurial Maine resident opened a tavern where he sold tickets to willing patrons to see his blind pig, and then gave them “free” drinks once inside. It was illegal to sell alcohol, but not to sell tickets to see your blind livestock.

Speakeasies received their name from police officers who had trouble locating the bars due to the fact that people tended to speak quietly while inside the bars. Speakeasies received their name from bartenders who requested that patrons “speak easy” while inside the bars.

A speakeasy has always been a place for people to buy alcohol without being noticed and without it being legal. The term started in Great Britain but spread to the United States. It was popularized during Prohibition when alcohol sales were banned all across the United States.

Richest suburbs in South Africa

The most affluent suburbs of Cape Town include Bakoven, Bantry Bay, Bishopscourt, Camps Bay, Clifton, Constantia, Fresnaye, and Llandudno. Slightly further afield, there are also significant numbers of wealthy individuals residing in Somerset West, St. James, and Tokai.

From Hollywood royalty Sean Penn and Orlando Bloom, to the British royal family, Cape Town makes an ideal celebrity hunting ground. Katie Holmes, Charlize Theron, Sean Penn and Oprah are some of the famous faces, who call Mount Nelson home when in The Mother City.

Kloof Street begins where Long Street ends, and it runs uphill towards the affluent suburb of Higgovale in the suburban Cape Town City Bowl. On either side of the street, you'll find fashion boutiques, art galleries, interior design shops and restaurants.

Camps Bay and Clifton are the most upmarket and expensive suburbs, while Sea Point is more densely populated and home to many retirees.

In Cape Town, Clifton, Bantry Bay, Fresnaye, and Camps Bay are the richest suburbs in the city. The majority of KwaZulu-Natal HNWIs are concentrated in the beach city of Umhlanga, however, the residential towns of La Lucia, Ballito, and the city of Durban also contribute to the wealth of the province.

In women's fashion, it is more common that the garment goes through a pendulum swing in popularity. Balmain Autumn/Winter 2023 collection featured a women's cape in wool. For men, however, capes are usually far rarer. That is, until now.

Do you have to wear a mask in Cape Town South Africa? ›

Do I need to wear a face mask in South Africa? Wearing face masks is not required.

Of all of this dark yet moving history, Cape Town is perhaps most famously known for being home to the inspirational South African president and national treasure, Nelson Mandela. The Bo-Kaap is a colourful hub of history, culture, music and flavour.

What is the most common food in South Africa? Bobotie is the most common dish in South Africa. It is baked with an egg-based topping and comprises minced meat.

Cape Cod is famous for sandy beaches, lobster rolls, and laid-back fun. But the Cape and Islands have also been the inspiration for some incredible, unique brands and products inspired by seaside life.

The Big Six is made up of Cape Point The Flying Dutchman Funicular, Groot Constantia, Kirstenbosch, Robben Island Museum, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and the V&A Waterfront. These six spectacular Cape Town attractions are the city's backbone.

December to March is the best time for beaches and sunny weather. If you want to head to the beach, the best time to visit Cape Town is in the summer (December to March). This is when you'll find warm weather, clear skies and long days, creating the perfect mix for sun-seekers.

1. Table Mountain. Undoubtedly the city's standout symbol and sight, Table Mountain looms above both Cape Town and its lovely coastline. Recognized the world round for its famous flat-topped plateau, it has a myriad of great hiking, rock climbing and wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

Indigenous drinks include umqombothi which is a home-brewed sorghum beer, rooibos tea which is a red-leafed tea grown in the Western Cape and Amarula cream, a sweet creamy liqueur made from the fruit of the Marula tree.

Meat is the centerpiece of any South African meal - from hearty stews to rich curries. This can range from familiar favorites like chicken, beef, and lamb, to more exotic and regional specialties like ostrich, springbok, impala, and even crocodile.

Biltong is South Africa's national snack made from dried, cured meat flavored with spices and cut into strips.

What is traditional South African snack food? ›

Vetkoek is an iconic South African street food item consisting of deep-fried yeast buns that are usually filled with cheese, curry, or fruit jams. It can be served as a small snack, for breakfast or lunch. The ball-shaped dough is made from salt, yeast, and flour.

When it comes to fast food, South Africans really, really like chicken. According to Business Tech, chicken fast-service restaurants lead the pack. The biggest of the chicken brands is KFC, which currently boasts around 850 stores in the country.

In sailing, the great capes are three major capes of the continents in the Southern Ocean—Africa's Cape of Good Hope, Australia's Cape Leeuwin, and South America's Cape Horn.

Its mild climate, beautiful scenery, and vibrant culture make it a top choice for travelers from all over the world. Whether you're looking to explore its rich history or simply enjoy its many modern amenities, Cape Town has something to offer everyone.

The word cape comes from the Latin cappa meaning "covering for the head." Capes aren't just worn by superheroes. A poncho is a type of cape that you wear in the rain to stay dry. Speaking of water, a cape is also a stretch of land that extends into a body of water — like Cape Cod, which extends into the Atlantic Ocean.