Gourmet getaways

CLINTON MOODLEY

SOUTH Africa offers a smorgasbord of food experiences, whether it’s a shisanyama meal at a township, a Cape Malay curry in the Bo-Kaap, or a lamb bunny at a familyrun business in Durban. And, it seems travel companies are now maximising on South Africa’s unique food scene with bespoke tours and getaways that delve into the destination's history, culture and food attractions.

Enter the world of gourmet getaways, a sumptuous way for travellers to explore a destination while tucking into delicious cuisine.

From its half-day tours or week-long culinary escapes, gourmet getaways are fast taking shape in the country. One such establishment that is riding on the gourmet getaway bandwagon is Schoone Oordt Country House in Swellendam.

The 5-star property started their gourmet getaway weekend in May to put Swellendam on the map. Owners Richard and Alison Walker collaborated with the hospitality industry in Swellendam to offer guests an exclusive look at some of the area’s top culinary jaunts.

“South Africa is renowned for its food culture. You can find a great meal practically anywhere.

“The country is home to interesting people and stories, which translates to its food. It not only sustains your body but feeds your soul. Therefore, we hope our gourmet weekends encourage other hospitality establishments to show off their food attractions in their city or small towns,” she said.

Lending a helping hand

Walker said collaboration played a vital role in the tourism industry, especially during the pandemic. She created a WhatsApp group called Hospitality Support to encourage Swellendam tourism businesses to share ideas and lend support in times of need.

“Travel offerings like gourmet getaways benefit us all, showcase what a particular destination offers and entice people to visit. Food is a big thing for us, and we want that to translate into our guest experiences,” she said.

Eat like a local

After losing a majority of his international clients due to the pandemic, Rupesh Kassen, the founder of Eat Like a Local, is adapting his food tours to cater to the local market. He hosts a vegan food tour and the City Bowl tasting experience that takes travellers to Cape Town central and Bo-Kaap.

Kassen advised travellers planning gourmet getaways to research the foodie attractions at their chosen destination. He warned them to steer clear of tourist traps.

“Ask locals for recommendations. For example, many bloggers, Instagram and Tik Tok accounts offer a wealth of information. They know many hidden foodie gems that serve good cuisine and aren't packed with tourists,” he said.

Kassen recommended booking accommodation at your food destination to avoid long travel times.

“The best time to start embarking on food tours is on your first day to familiarise yourself with the destination,” he said.

Booking tour guides comes highly recommended, especially when travelling to places you haven't been before.

Walker said people should look for the must-try food experiences at the destination.

“Find out what the top foodie spots are, and then do research of your own to create an itinerary with experiences that you enjoy. Connect with your hotel for insider tips. Try something out of your comfort zone,” she said.

Price tag

Foodie experiences start from R1 469 for a 4-hour tour. The cost of a gourmet weekend or week-long getaway depends on your budget, the types of experiences you add to your itinerary and your accommodation grading.