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.
Stir Crazy Cooking School, Cape Town, Western Cape
Location and Atmosphere
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.
Courses Offered
At Stir Crazy, 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. The classes are hands-on, allowing you to get your hands dirty and end with a tasting session of your culinary masterpieces.
Unique Features
What sets Stir Crazy apart are its special programs that feature guest chefs and offer custom private classes for tourists or groups. These unique sessions provide an intimate and personalised culinary experience, perfect for those looking to explore South Africa’s flavours in a more tailored way.
Top Nosh Cooking School, Bergvliet, Cape Town
Location and Setting
Top Nosh Cooking School feels like a home away from home and is the ideal setting for a relaxed and personal cooking experience.
Courses Offered
Here, you can 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.
Additional Services
They also offer market tours and ingredient-picking trips, adding an extra layer of adventure to the culinary experience.
The Cooking Kitchen, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Location Insights
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.
Dishes Taught
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
Interactive experiences are a big part of The Cooking Kitchen offerings, with activities like market visits and live cooking demonstrations.
Cape Malay Cooking Safari, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town
Historical Context
The Cape Malay community has significantly influenced South African cuisine, introducing a range of spices and flavours. This cooking safari provides a brief history of the community and its contributions to the local food scene.
Location and Experience
Set in the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, the Cape Malay Cooking Safari uses authentic kitchen settings to teach traditional cooking. The vibrant streets and historical architecture add to the overall charm, giving visitors an authentic experience.
Signature Dishes
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.
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