From Cape Town to Johannesburg, there are many cooking schools to sample and explore, dedicated to teaching foodies how to prepare authentic South African dishes. Let’s explore some of these culinary schools where you can turn cooking into a memorable cultural adventure.
Township Cooking Schools to Visit in South Africa
01.
Stir Crazy Cooking School, Cape Town
Located in the busy streets of Cape Town, Stir Crazy Cooking School offers a professional yet welcoming environment for cooking enthusiasts. The school offers a state-of-the-art kitchen that makes every student feel like a professional chef. Learn how to make local favourites such as Bobotie, a delicious Malay curry, Bunny Chow, a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry, and Chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish. What sets Stir Crazy apart are its special programs that feature guest chefs and offer custom private classes for tourists or groups.
02.
Top Nosh Cooking School, Bergvliet, Cape Town
Top Nosh Cooking School feels like a home away from home and is the ideal setting for a relaxed and personal cooking experience. Learn to cook heart-warming dishes such as Malva Pudding, a sweet and sticky baked dessert, Koeksisters, syrup-coated doughnuts, and Potjiekos, a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew made in a traditional potjie pot. Top Nosh also offers allowances for special dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free options, plus market tours and ingredient-picking trips.
03.
The Cooking Kitchen, Parkwood, Johannesburg
The Cooking Kitchen is located in the laid-back suburb of Parkwood in Johannesburg. The school’s setup is both modern and welcoming, providing the perfect environment for learning and experimentation. The courses here include local favourites like Pap and Sheba, a traditional maize meal served with a tomato and onion sauce, Vetkoek, deep-fried dough balls, and Durban Curry, known for its fiery spice and depth of flavour. Interactive experiences are a big part of The Cooking Kitchen offerings, with activities like market visits and live cooking demonstrations.
04.
Cape Malay Cooking Safari, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
The Cape Malay community has significantly influenced South African cuisine, introducing a range of spices and flavours. Set in the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, the Cape Malay Cooking Safari uses authentic kitchen settings to teach traditional cooking. Participants can learn to make samosas, crispy pastry triangles filled with spiced meat or vegetables, Rotis, flatbreads, and Cape Malay Curry, a flavorful dish with a blend of sweet and savoury spices.
Explore South Africa by renting a car from SANI Car Rental. SANI Car Rental is a South African homegrown car rental company. Vehicles available to rent include compact cars, economy cars, premium cars, people carriers, and SUVs. SANI Car Rental has customers all over South Africa, including at all the major airports, both domestic and international.
