The Countdown Begins: The Global Taste Festival Lands in Cape Town in 365 Days
For over two decades, the Taste Festival has been the world's leading culinary event, curating unparalleled food experiences in iconic cities such as London, Paris, Dubai, and Sydney, attracting hundreds of thousands of food lovers annually.
Image: Supplied
The global culinary phenomenon, Taste Festival, officially starts the clock today on its highly anticipated debut in Cape Town, with the landmark event set to ignite the city exactly one year from now in November 2026.
This 12-month countdown marks the beginning of a culinary odyssey that will see the Mother City transform into the world’s premier gastronomic destination, celebrating the vibrant food scene that has firmly placed South Africa on the global map.
For over two decades, the Taste Festival has been the world's leading culinary event, curating unparalleled food experiences in iconic cities such as London, Paris, Dubai, and Sydney, attracting hundreds of thousands of food lovers annually. The arrival of Taste in Cape Town marks a significant moment, recognising the city not just as a participant in the global culinary conversation, but as a leading voice.
The selection of Cape Town is a testament to its meteoric rise as a culinary powerhouse. Recently crowned the 'World's Leading Culinary City Destination' at the World Travel Awards in both 2023 and 2024, Cape Town’s unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and audacious culinary innovation creates a food scene unlike any other.
The city and South Africa at large have consistently produced some of the world's most talented and acclaimed chefs. These culinary artists are celebrated for their ability to weave together indigenous ingredients, diverse cultural influences, and world-class technique, creating a uniquely South African flavour profile that captivates global audiences.
The Taste Festival joins a prestigious portfolio of events, with flagship festivals in cities like London (attracting over 50,000 visitors), Dubai (35,000+), and Sydney (40,000+). The expansion into Cape Town aligns with a significant global trend: the explosive growth of experiential festivals beyond the traditional domains of music and booze.
For over two decades, the Taste Festival has been the world's leading culinary event, curating unparalleled food experiences in iconic cities such as London, Paris, Dubai, and Sydney, attracting hundreds of thousands of food lovers annually.
Image: Supplied
Consumers are increasingly seeking immersive, skill-based, and memorable experiences, and the culinary festival category is leading this charge. ''The growth in experiential festivals is undeniable, and the next frontier is unequivocally culinary," said Bonnke Shipalana, CEO at The Allure Group.''
Taste of Cape Town is more than a festival; it is a movement that will galvanise our local industry and showcase our capabilities on a global stage. We are investing in this vision because we believe that by 2028, Taste of Cape Town will be the biggest culinary festival not only in South Africa but in the entire African continent.
''Taste of Cape Town will offer a world-class, multi-sensory experience. Attendees can look forward to signature dishes from the city's top restaurants, interactive cooking demonstrations, masterclasses with sommeliers and brewers, and an artisan producer's market showcasing the finest local ingredients.
Steve Steinfeld, Operations Director at Taste of Cape Town, provided a glimpse into the star-studded lineup: "We are curating an experience that reflects Cape Town's status as a culinary destination that stands side-by-side with the world’s best. While we will proudly showcase the incredible depth of our local culinary scene, the event will also feature internationally renowned Michelin-starred chefs for one-of-a-kind gastronomic experiences.
'This dynamic combination of local talent and global excellence is what will make our festival truly unique.''
The countdown to a culinary revolution begins now. Taste of Cape Town will take place in November 2026.
Promotional campaigns with early bird ticket announcements will be launched in February 2026. For brands wishing to be part of the campaign, they should contact Caroline Dube at info@thealluregroup.co.za.
About Taste Festival: Taste Festival is the world's leading restaurant festival, bringing the best chefs, restaurants, and producers together for unforgettable culinary experiences in major cities across the globe.
For over 20 years, Taste has been a celebration of food and drink, inspiring food lovers and supporting the hospitality industry.