I spent a week in South Africa – this is everything I ate

Dare I say it's emerging as the new foodie spot of the world...?!

Last month I was invited to go to Cape Town in South Africa for the Good Life Show, an event that puts the spotlight on food (especially plant-based), drinks, conscious living, and wellness brands. I was so honoured to be asked to host masterclasses and cooking demos in this city because it’s a rising foodie hotspot, and was actually voted ‘the foodiest city’ by CondeNast Traveller readers. I wouldn’t say that Cape Town is the first place I think of when I’m talking about plant-based or seasonal eating. Not because they don’t have brilliant produce – there’s lots of options – but of course, their diets are very carnivorous and always have been, so it’s exciting to see that plant-based eating is quickly emerging in South Africa, and I really felt that when I was there.

I grew up in Tanzania, which is East Africa, so while it’s not quite the same, it did bring a comforting sense of returning home.

I wasn’t planning on doing a food diary, but the food there was really bloody good. There are so many great restaurants – mostly of European influence – and it’s a beautiful place with many different pockets of regions that feel world’s apart from each other. I’d have liked to have seen and tried more local cuisine (though it’s a little tricky for vegans), but I managed to find – and was recommended – some brilliant places. Here’s everything I ate, plus a few snaps from the most beautiful safari that I went on with my husband and daughter.

This is a long one, so make yourself a cuppa and strap in…