South Africa: Cape Town has been recognised amongst the 15 of the best places in the world for food right now by the National Geographic.
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026 National Geographic, one of the world’s largest non-profit scientific and educational institutions published a feature article titled as “15 of the best places in the world for food right now.” In which they listed various places who are popular for and serve tasty food.
The magazine mentioned that for many travellers, food is an integral part of what makes a destination “The Best.” So they asked their global writers and editors to follow their appetites to the most delicious and intriguing places.
And the result came out to be as 15 Best of the World food experiences to plan your trip around. More than a pin or a map, these top spots reveal hidden histories, rising culinary stars and surprising flavours that will leave the foodies hungry for more.
National Geographic suggests that this is the right time to visit Cape Town. Why Now? Because for years, Cape Town’s best and buzziest restaurants have been inspired by European cuisine. But the city is returning to its South African “Soul Food” roots at new spots and local favourites that many travellers may miss.
Considering the experience, Cape Town has always been a top destination for fine food. Recently, chefs around the city have been finding new menu inspiration in the simple, traditional South African comfort foods enjoyed at street stalls, taxi stands and family tables.
Adding more, Founder of Eat Like a Local, food tours – Rupesh Kassen said that there is a focus on shared eating and the concept of a traditional Sunday lunch vibe. It’s a style of dining built into the very fabric of our culture.
Heritage foods find the spotlight at places like Seven Colours Eatery at the busy V&A Waterfront in the city center, backed by views of Table Mountain. Nolukhanyo Dube-Cele opened the restaurant in 2022, where she highlights the namesake platter, a rainbow of rice, stewed meat, and vegetables that families have been sharing at Sunday gatherings and celebrations for generations.
Dube-Cele stated that she sees it as something deeply symbolic of South Africa. It reflects who we are as a country: diverse, colourful and aspiring to be unified. It represents ubuntu, the idea of shared humanity.
Umleqwa, the Xhosa word for “road runner chicken” is another cultural staple served at the restaurant. The stew is made from older or free-range chickens, slow-cooked for hours and often served with pap, a maize-based porridge, or samp (umngqusho in Xhosa), a mash made with dried corn kernels.
Near the city center, Bo-Kaap may be known among international travellers for its candy-coloured homes, but restaurants here recall the 17th-century Muslim labourers who settled in Cape Town from Southeast Asia, with dishes like bobotie, a casserole of curried minced meat and egg.
At Faeeza’s Home Kitchen, visitors learn how to cook Cape Malay dishes, such as curries and samosas.
In the Langa township, local tour guides bring travellers a taste of braai culture, the communal tradition of grilling meat deeply beloved across South Africa.
Meanwhile, the Athlone suburb is a top spot for gatsbys, massive sandwiches stuffed with vinegary fries and masala steak or sausage slathered in fiery peri-peri sauce. Invented as an inexpensive meal for workers, they’re popular for sharing with friends and family.
Back at the waterfront, Gold Restaurant’s 14-dish set menu, a culinary tour of the continent, puts a modern spin on traditional ingredients and techniques. Bobotie fills flaky samosas and Xhosa imfino becomes patties; a handheld version of the traditional maize porridge made with imfino, the leafy green with a complex, yet treasured, history.
Dube-Cele credits younger chefs with bringing these foods into the mainstream, giving visitors a taste of Cape Town’s soul food history. She says that it’s food that brings people together and makes you feel at home.
But how to reach there? No worries, we’ve sorted this for you – The city center is 20 to 30 minutes by car from Cape Town International Airport. There are a variety of ways to get there, including authorised taxi or private car hire. Public transportation options include commuter buses, a number of rail services and rideshares.
Other than Cape Town of South Africa, the places which are recognised for their delicious food are:
- Crete,Greece
- Kelowna, British Columbia
- Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Maui in Hawai‘i
- Buôn Ma Thuột, Central Highlands, Vietnam
- Czechia
- Lucknow, India
- Northern Colombia
- Train trips through scenic landscapes
- Southern Tasmania, Australia
- Singapore
- Somerset, England, United Kingdom
- Sonora, Mexico
- Bozcaada, Turkey
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- London, England, United Kingdom
All these cities have been honoured for their unique cuisines and delicious food they serve. Their tasty meals have won hearts of visitors and food lovers who always seek to visit again and again.