Some time last year, we reported on why food is such an important part of the travel experience.
One of the reasons was that you gain an appreciation for other cultures, and you learn the history of an area through the food.
Also, trying food staples from other areas can give you a greater appreciation for their culture. Whether you submerge yourself in the new culture by travelling there or find local options to try, you can gain a better understanding of the people and traditions.
And the chief executive officer of Bergrivier Tourism, Nomonde Ndlangisa agrees with us. In a statement, Ndlangisa reveals that foodies who are interested in exploring new places to try out adventurous dishes and culinary experiences, the Bergrivier region, which is right on Cape Town’s doorstep and includes small towns such as Velddrif, Aurora, Piketberg, and Porterville offers some great culinary adventures set in beautiful locations, offered by warm and hospitable locals, using some of the finest local produce and talents.
She says the region is known for its open spaces and dramatic landscapes, but it is also peppered with small towns that offer a massive array of culinary experiences to suit all ages, tastes, and budgets.
Below Ndlangisa provides insights on where to find the best spots to satisfy your travelling taste buds.
Velddrif
The hugely popular West Coast village of Velddrif, which hugs the banks of the beautiful Berg River, offers a wealth of culinary adventures and experiences to foodies.
On the historic, and quaint dirt road of Bokkom Laan, visitors can enjoy a meal on the edge of the Berg River at the eclectic and rustic Ek & Djy Vissery. Bokkom Laan is also the epicentre of the Bokkoms industry and no culinary caper is complete without tasting this traditional and unique West Coast delicacy of salted and dried fish.
If you are less keen on the dried and salted version, Ek & Djy offers a freshly braaied version – also local traditional food. For lovers of a traditional dish, a must-visit spot is the River Shack Restaurant at Knor Varkie, on the edge of the river, where one can order a plate of kerrie afval (curried intestines).
Velddrif is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood served at a variety of establishments, such as Die Pont restaurant at the Riviera Hotel on the banks of the Berg River, Soverby Lapa on the beach on the way to Dwarskersbos, and Russell’s On the Port on the marina in Port Owen, which offers a fine dining experience.
The River Market Restaurant, at Pelican Harbour, also offers South African favourites such as snoek pate and kerrie vis, or try the spade full (yes, literally) of chicken wings. Cheese lovers are in for a treat at Kokerboom Kaas where artisanal cheeses made from locally sourced milk are available to taste and purchase.
While in the Port Owen marina, be sure to visit the Poetic License distillery for an artisanal gin tasting experience, as well as Charlie’s Brewhouse to sample the craft beers. For a sweet treat to round off the day, grab an ice cream cone from the Lighthouse gift shop at the Laaiplek harbour and savour it while admiring the fishing boats.
Piketberg
Visitors to Piketberg, which is nestled at the foot of the Piketberg Mountain range, can look forward to, among other delicacies, fresh oysters served with Cap Classique bubbly at the Org de Rac wine farm just outside the village. In the centre of town, in a beautiful historical building, is Berg Coffee where lovers of a fine brew can expect a premium artisanal coffee experience.
Also in town is the Café Bravo restaurant, serving up a wide selection of freshly prepared food. Heading towards the Piekenierskloof Pass, a stop at De Tol Farm Deli is a must to enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice and what is said to be the best cup of coffee along the N7, accompanied by a warm roosterkoek with a selection of toppings.
You can also purchase the highest quality farm produce to take home. Here you will also find the tasting room for the Piekenierskloof winery, and visitors can sample and purchase these delicious wines, or enjoy a gourmet meal.
The Carmién Tea tasting room is also situated here, and in addition to the innovative and extensive range of herbal blends and flavoured rooibos teas – which can be enjoyed in an exciting tea pairing experience, visitors can try the two award-winning rooibos distilled gins on offer.
Slightly further along the N7 is the Kardoesie Padstal, nestled in the Piekenierskloof Pass, which offers delicious meals from an extensive menu – to be enjoyed with a view over the valley.
Porterville
Porterville is a quaint village nestled on the slopes of the Olifants River Mountains at the base of the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, that offers one of the most desirable foodie experiences – bespoke cooking classes at Ebony Moon where attendees get to prepare the freshest dishes under the guidance of a gourmand – learning new tricks and techniques – and then eat their delicious creations.
Just above the village in the mountains, one will find Gin Smiths, an artisanal gin distillery where visitors can savour a gin tasting and tapas experience. In the village, visitors can enjoy a meal at the Rendezvous restaurant or at Koppie Koffie – both serving up a wide range of dishes including wood-fired pizzas, hamburgers, and much more.