If it’s good food and wine you’re after then Cape Town’s plethora of options will see you in good stead. While the Winelands is often the first place that pops into mind when thinking ‘food and drink in Cape Town’, there are a few spots closer to the city too. One such place is Paarl, which is a mere 45-minute drive from the city centre and offers a true taste adventure with its #ProePaarl experiences. Here are three spots you can’t miss in this secret foodie haven.
1 Kikka
Head to this family-owned coffee store and florist on Main Street for a breakfast you won’t soon forget. Karike and husband Abe offer an impressive variety of local flora and fresh home-baked goods alongside their artisanal coffee. Abe, who is a well-known chef in his own right, is also the man behind AB Products – a range of delicious sauces, oils and mayonnaise that’s not only used in Kikka’s dishes but is also available for purchase at stores countrywide.
OF NOTE
When Monday to Friday 7:30 am – 5 pm, Saturdays 9 am – 3 pm
Where 217 Main Road, Paarl, 7674
Cost According to menu
Contact +27 21 872-0685, kikka-coffeeflorist.com
2 Pearl Mountain Wines
Set on the east-facing slopes of Paarl Mountain, this winery is run and owned by the Retief family and produces two wine ranges: Stubborn Man and Retief. Pop in for a tasting before heading to the farm’s bistro-style restaurant Blacksmith’s Kitchen for a bite. The winery also offers a venue for events such as weddings, and wine blending and bottle labelling experiences, which is a great activity for team building and larger parties.
OF NOTE
When Tuesday to Sunday 11 am – 4 pm
Where Bo Lang St, Paarl, 7620
Cost R42–R145 per bottle (Cellar Door prices)
Contact +27 21 872 9507, pearlmountain.co.za
3 Barley & Biltong and De Villiers Chocolate at Spice Route
If you haven’t heard of this Cape institution, where have you been living? Spice Route is a one-stop shop of amazing dining and wine experiences. But our picks are to sate your food cravings. At Barley & Biltong, you can enjoy burgers and boerie rolls with a difference while partaking in the best of Spice Route wines or a beer, if you’re that way inclined.
Then head to De Villiers Chocolates for sustainable bean-to-bar chocolate. All of DV Chocolate’s beans are sourced directly from Bundibugyo district in Western Uganda and you’ll be enticed to indulge in flavours as diverse as raspberry, vanilla and almond; orange peel and vanilla; and crunchy biscotti.
When Daily 9 am – 5 pm
Where Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, Paarl, 7620
Contact Spice Route: +27 21 863 5200, [email protected], spiceroute.co.za; Barley & Biltong: +27 21 863 5200, [email protected]; De Villiers Chocolates: +27 21 874 1060, dvchocolate.com
For more cool stops to visit, check out part one of ‘Celebrating the flavours of Paarl’ here.
Photography Zainab SvR