Cape Malay Cooking Class in South Africa

Introduction

I did a Cape Malay cooking class during my stay in South Africa. Although it wasn’t my first cooking class on the continent, I’ve done cooking classes during COVID-19 on Instagram Live and cooking classes in Morocco, Togo, Gambia and many others.

The South African cooking class or Cape Malay cooking class was one of the most eye-opening cooking classes I booked. It was a Cape Malay cooking experience. And honestly, between me and you, I didn’t know what “Cape Malay” meant before this trip.

After this South African cooking class, I was reminded why travel is so important and why it’s so important to book a cooking class.

That’s the beauty of travel. You learn. Taste. See. Feel and experience.

As someone who’s travelled across several African countries, I didn’t realise there was such a strong Asian influence in parts of South Africa, specifically from Malaysian, Indonesian, and Indian communities who were brought over during slavery and colonial times. That part of the country’s history is clearly preserved in the food, the spices, and even in the way people speak and share stories.

After my walking tour around Bo-Kaap. I spent the afternoon cooking and listening. This wasn’t just about the food. There was more. This Malay cooking class was about culture, community, and learning something I never would’ve understood through books alone.

This post is part of my Cooking Travel Talks series, where I share the food I’ve cooked in South Africa, what I learnt in the process, and the deeper cultural stories that sit behind each dish. South Africa was no different, and it changed my perspective.

Fun Activities in South Africa

What We Cooked in South Africa

Here’s what we made during the South African cooking class:

We started with Falooda. This is a rose-flavoured milky drink, like that bright type of pink, and it’s really sweet. I’d never tried it before, but the rose syrup and milk combo was quite refreshing.

We then spent the rest of the South African cooking class:

• Samosas – A crunchy outside, with a little spice with flavour on the inside. We folded and stuffed them ourselves using a mixture of spiced beef mince and onion. I loved trying to make these, the technique wasn’t easy, but once I got the hang of it, I was happy with myself.
• Roti – A flaky bread-like dish. Perfect for scooping up curry. I learnt how to roll the dough and pan-fry this.
• Cape Malay Chicken Curry – This dish stood out for its bold spices, including turmeric, cinnamon, and mild chilli. It was unlike any other African curry I’ve tasted.
• Chilli Bites (Dhaltjies)– Think of them like savoury fritters. Made with chickpea flour, chopped spinach, onion, and chilli then deep-fried. Addictive!

We all sat at the dining table sharing stories and eating together with the family, which was an incredible experience. And if you are looking for Cape Town cooking classes then you can book the same one here.

What I Learnt

As always, Cooking Travel Talks is more than just recipes. It’s about reflection, learning about generational history and deeply connecting with the local people.

Here’s what I took away:

• Cape Malay cuisine tells a story of displacement, survival, and joy. The cooking class became a space where food and memory and history was told and met.
• There’s a strong Asian influence in South Africa that isn’t spoken about enough, and yet it deeply shapes the local people. local cuisine, from the spices to the techniques that are used.
• Cooking together created instant connection. I met people different people from South Africa. The local chef shared family recipes and personal stories that gave each dish more meaning.
• I left understanding that food is one of the purest entry points into a country’s soul, mind and history, especially when you’re open to traveling, cooking listening and learning.

Conclusion on The Cape Malay Cooking Class

Before this Cape Malay cooking class, I didn’t know what “Cooking Cape Malay” food really meant. I didn’t know the drink was called Falooda, or that South Africa had a deep history and community with such strong Malaysian and Indonesian roots. I didn’t know that I’d feel so welcomed in a stranger’s kitchen with my apron on, stories flowing, spices sizzling.

And yet, that’s exactly why I travel. To see with my own eyes, taste with my own mouth, and learn with my own heart.

Cape Malay cooking class in South Africa reminded me that there’s so much more to cuisine around the world. Cooking is so much deeper than tasting good foods and learning a new dish.

And honestly, it’s up to us to go deeper, ask questions, and taste the truth for ourselves.

If this post inspired you, subscribe to the blog so you never miss an update. Want more travel tips? Visit the Travel Resources. Explore the Cooking Travel Talks series.

Till we meet again,

MBV x