Cape Town is full of surprises, especially when it comes to food. Sure, wine and cheese are great, but why stop there? This city takes things up a notch with some seriously creative pairings that bring out the best in local flavors. Think rich, spiced biltong with a bold red wine, a zesty gin matched with creamy nougat, or a cold craft beer balancing the salty hit of fresh oysters.
If you’re the kind of person who loves trying new things (or just really loves good food), these pairings are a must. Whether you’re visiting Cape Town or just looking for a new go-to combo, these unexpected flavor duos will change the way you eat and drink. Let’s dig in!
1. Wine & Biltong – A South African Classic
If there’s one pairing that embodies South African culture, it’s biltong and wine. Biltong—air-dried, spiced meat—is a staple snack in South Africa, and when paired with the right wine, it creates a bold and deeply satisfying tasting experience.
Where to Try It:
- Eighteen13 Wine & Tasting Room specializes in curated biltong and wine tastings, offering an interactive experience that highlights how different wines complement biltong’s rich flavors.
Why It Works:
The saltiness and umami of biltong enhance the bold tannins in Pinotage or Cabernet Sauvignon, while a crisp Chenin Blanc balances out the spice. This pairing is all about rich textures and deep flavors that work together beautifully.
2. Gin & Sorbet – A Refreshing Twist
Gin and sorbet might not be the first pairing that comes to mind, but it’s an absolute game-changer. The botanical notes in gin blend seamlessly with the fruity, tart flavors of sorbet, creating a light, refreshing tasting experience that’s perfect for a warm day. Just try not to have too much. It’s harder than you think!
Where to Try It:
- Ginologist Distillery offers a unique gin and sorbet tasting experience, where different gins are paired with handcrafted sorbets to enhance the flavor profiles.
Why It Works:
The crispness of citrus-based gins pairs perfectly with lemon or berry sorbets, while a more spiced gin complements sweeter flavors like pear. The balance of herbal botanicals and icy fruit flavors makes this a refreshing, palate-cleansing treat. Delicious!
3. Craft Beer & Oysters – A Coastal Delight
Oysters and champagne may be the classic combo, but why not take it up a notch by pairing fresh oysters with local craft beer? The combination of briny, creamy oysters and crisp, hoppy beer creates a bold contrast of flavors. You won’t typically find this combo offered as a tasting, But in Cape Town there’s no shortage of places that sell mouthwatering oysters and create unique brews, so be adventurous and make your own pairing.
Where to Try It:
- Darling Brew Tasteroom is a pioneer in South African craft beer, offering expertly curated seafood and beer pairings.
- Den Anker is a Belgian-inspired restaurant at the V&A Waterfront, known for its fresh oysters and impressive beer selection.
Why It Works:
The bubbles and bitterness of a pale ale or IPA cut through the oyster’s richness, while the carbonation refreshes the palate between bites. If you prefer a smoother pairing, a wheat beer or pilsner enhances the oyster’s natural saltiness.
4. Rooibos Tea & Dark Chocolate – A Locally Inspired Treat
Okay, this is a pairing you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Rooibos tea is one of South Africa’s most iconic flavors, loved the country over. And when paired with dark chocolate, it creates an indulgent and rich experience that feels both comforting and luxurious. If you know you know.
Where to Try It:
- Honest Chocolate Café is a boutique café in Cape Town serving artisanal dark chocolate that pairs beautifully with rooibos tea.
Why It Works:
The natural sweetness and slight nuttiness of rooibos complement the bitter cocoa notes in dark chocolate. A spiced rooibos tea pairs well with 70% dark chocolate, while a vanilla-infused rooibos enhances fruitier chocolates. This pairing is all about balance—earthy, bold, and slightly sweet. Don’t add sugar, it will only spoil the experience!
5. Wine & Cheese – A Timeless Classic
No food pairing guide would be complete without the timeless combination of wine and cheese. Whether you prefer creamy brie, sharp cheddar, or crumbly blue cheese, there’s a Cape Town wine that pairs perfectly.
Where to Try It:
- Fairview Wine & Cheese is one of the best places in the Western Cape for a dedicated wine and cheese pairing, featuring house-made cheeses and award-winning wines.
Why It Works:
A rich Chardonnay pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses like brie, while a bold Shiraz stands up to aged cheddar. The contrast of flavors and textures makes this pairing endlessly enjoyable.
6. Wine & Chocolate – A Decadent Indulgence
Wine and chocolate may not be an obvious pairing, but when done right, it’s pure magic. The deep, complex notes in both enhance each other, creating a luxurious, sensory experience.
Where to Try It:
- Lanzerac Wine Estate is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa, offering an elevated take on this classic pairing.
- Waterford Estate offers one of Cape Town’s most famous wine and chocolate pairing experiences, with handcrafted chocolates specifically designed to complement their wines.
Why It Works:
A Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, bringing out the berry and cocoa notes, while a Muscat or dessert wine highlights the sweetness in milk chocolate. It’s a pairing that feels indulgent yet perfectly balanced.
Conclusion
Cape Town’s food pairings go beyond the usual wine and cheese, offering unique flavor experiences that reflect South Africa’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re indulging in biltong with wine, sipping gin with sorbet, or enjoying the luxury of wine and chocolate, these pairings showcase the city’s creativity and bold flavors.
And the best part? Staying at O’Two Hotel puts you right in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant food scene. With world-class restaurants, wineries, and tasting experiences just a short drive away, you’ll have no shortage of flavors to explore.
So why not treat yourself to something different? Cape Town’s food scene is waiting to surprise you!
