Food Indaba 2026 returns to Cape Town with an exciting programme of immersive food tours, chef-led dining experiences, interactive workshops, vibrant markets and thought-provoking talks, all exploring the vital connection between water and the food system.
As one of South Africa’s leading food events, Food Indaba brings together growers, chefs, academics, activists, policymakers and food lovers to spark meaningful conversations about sustainable, resilient food systems.
This year’s programme offers the chance to discover incredible local flavours, learn from industry experts, and explore the people, stories and innovations shaping the future of food through a series of unique experiences across the city. Here’s the line-up of events.
Food System Walking Tour Langa
Take a fascinating walking tour through Langa and discover the stories behind one of Cape Town’s most dynamic food hubs. Explore the township’s vibrant food system, gain insight into the people, trade and challenges that shape it, and learn how Langa has become central to the city’s economy. Along the way, enjoy tastings of a variety of delicious local specialities for an authentic flavour of the community.
When: Wednesday, 22 July | 2pm – 4pm
Where: 16 on Lerotholi Gallery, Lerotholi Ave, Langa, Cape Town
Cost: R550 | BOOK NOW
Why Regenerative Agriculture? A conversation panel
Discover how regenerative farming could transform Cape Town’s food future at this thought-provoking 90-minute panel discussion hosted by SOLVE and Food Indaba at the V&A Waterfront.
Industry experts from Woolworths Foods, the SA Urban Food and Farming Trust, and Den Anker Restaurant will unpack the challenges of responsible sourcing, market access for regenerative farmers, and how businesses can help build more sustainable, resilient food systems. Arrive early to enjoy coffee, light snacks and networking before the discussion begins.
When: Thursday, 23 July | 11.30am – 1pm
Where: Makers Landing, Cruise Terminal, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Cost: Free entry | BOOK A SPOT
Food System Walking Tour Cape Town CBD
See Cape Town through a whole new lens on this immersive walking food tour that uncovers the city’s rich history, diverse food cultures, and deep ecological roots. Journey through iconic landmarks, including Greenmarket Square, the Golden Acre, and the Company’s Garden, while discovering how centuries of history have shaped how the city eats today. Along the way, enjoy tastings of classic Cape Town street food, all included in your ticket.
When: Thursday, 23 July | 10am – 1pm
Where: Iziko South African Museum, 25 Queen Victoria St, Gardens
Cost: R550 | BOOK NOW
Inside Wolfgat. A Food System Masterclass
Go behind the scenes of the internationally acclaimed Wolfgat restaurant in this exclusive masterclass with the team behind the award-winning Paternoster dining destination. Discover how wild coastal ingredients, foraged herbs, seaweeds, and local knowledge have shaped one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants, and gain rare insight into the philosophy, people, and landscape behind its unforgettable dining experience.
When: Thursday, 23 July | 3pm – 5pm
Where: Makers Landing, Cruise Terminal, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Cost: R100 | BOOK NOW
Water and the Food System Conference
What can Cape Town’s Day Zero teach us about the future of food and water? This thought-provoking one-day conference brings together leading researchers, policymakers, innovators, and community leaders to explore the growing challenges of climate change, water scarcity, and food security.
Through expert discussions and practical solutions, discover how communities can build resilience before the next crisis arrives. Your ticket includes pastries and coffee on arrival, lunch, and refreshments throughout the day
When: Friday, 24 July | 9am – 5pm
Where: Two Oceans Aquarium Conference Centre, Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront
Cost: R950 | BOOK NOW
World of Mouth Chef-Led Dining Experience: Wetlands Within
Experience an unforgettable evening where food, storytelling, and reflection come together at Wetlands Within: A Meditation on Water, Memory & Survival. Created by Mpintshi Yum founders Leigh and Lerato Waters-Maine, this intimate chef-led dinner explores the powerful connections between water, culture, health, and heritage through a thoughtfully curated multi-course menu inspired by African ingredients and traditions. Hosted in the intimate Tauyaa Wine Room, the ticket includes dinner, with drinks available to purchase on the night.
When: Saturday, 25 July | 6.30pm – 9pm
Where: The Tauyaa Wine Room
Cost: R850 | BOOK NOW
Food Indaba MRKTPLC
Discover the future of local food at MRKTPLC, a vibrant two-day marketplace at Makers Landing showcasing 15 innovative agri-processing SMMEs, most of them youth-owned. Meet the makers, sample exciting products, watch live demonstrations, and shop everything from delicious food to unique food-inspired creations while supporting emerging local entrepreneurs.
When: Saturday & Sunday, 25 & 26 July | 10am – 5pm
Where: Makers Landing, Cruise Terminal, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Cost: Free entry | BOOK A SPOT
Between the Lines: Conversation with Food Writers
Celebrate the stories behind every meal at Between the Lines, an inspiring event where acclaimed food writers, memoirists, and cookbook authors explore the powerful connection between food, culture, memory, and storytelling. Following a hugely successful debut, this year’s edition promises another thought-provoking conversation – with featured writers to be announced soon. Secure your seat before the lineup is revealed.
When: Sunday, 26 July | 5pm – 4.30 pm
Where: Makers Landing, Cruise Terminal, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Cost: R100 | BOOK NOW
World of Mouth Chef-Led Dining Experience: Mosotho in the City
Embark on a memorable culinary journey to Lesotho at Mosotho in the City, an intimate chef-led dining experience by award-winning chef and The Sorghum Agenda founder Zandile Finxa. Through a five-course menu celebrating sorghum, indigenous ingredients, and Basotho traditions, each dish tells a story of heritage, sustainability, and community. Hosted in the intimate Tauyaa Wine Room, the evening includes a welcome drink and dinner, with additional beverages available to purchase.
When: Saturday, 1 August | 6.30pm – 9pm
Where: The Tauyaa Wine Room
Cost: R850 | BOOK NOW
Hack the Kitchen: Teens WATERLESS Cooking Jam
Watch creativity thrive under pressure at this exciting Zero-Water Cooking Challenge, where 40 teens take on the ultimate culinary test at Food Jams. With the taps turned off, they’ll use innovative techniques to extract moisture from ingredients instead of relying on water, proving that resourcefulness can deliver incredible flavour while reimagining the future of sustainable cooking.
When: Saturday, 1 August | 6.30pm – 9pm
Where: Soute by Food Jams, 1st Floor, Salt Orchard Precinct, 45 Yew St, Salt River
Cost: R300 | BOOK NOW
Tea with a Farmer: Lerotholi Farm Langa
Escape the city for a refreshing urban farming experience with Tea with a Farmer, hosted by Mzi Mashicila. Sip farm-grown herbal tea before exploring a thriving urban farm, where you’ll discover sustainable growing practices, organic gardening, and the vital role of urban agriculture in Cape Town’s future. After the tour, take time to explore the Art Café exhibition at the adjoining gallery, with tea included in your ticket.
When: Saturday, 1 August | 2pm – 3.15pm
Where: 16 on Lerotholi Gallery, Lerotholi Ave, Langa, Cape Town
Cost: R200 | BOOK NOW
Tea with a Farmer: Oranjezicht City Farm
Discover the story behind one of Cape Town’s most beloved green spaces with Tea with a Farmer at Oranjezicht City Farm. Join farm manager Melanie Stewart for a guided tour exploring the farm’s history, sustainable growing practices, and the importance of urban agriculture, all while enjoying a cup of freshly brewed farm-grown herbal tea. It’s a relaxing and insightful experience that celebrates the power of local food.
When: Saturday, 1 August | 10am – 11.15am
Where: Oranjezicht City Farm, 87 Upper Orange Street, Oranjezicht
Cost: R200 | BOOK NOW
Hack the Kitchen: Kids WATER Lab
Let curious young minds dive into the fascinating world of water at this fun, hands-on workshop for children aged 6 – 12. Through science experiments, cooking, and interactive activities, kids will discover how plants, nature, and the ancient knowledge of the KhoeKhoe people reveal hidden sources of water. It’s an engaging adventure that blends learning and delicious discoveries while exploring one of today’s most important environmental questions.
When: Saturday, 1 August | 10am – 12pm
Where: The Cape Town Science Centre, Main Rd, Observatory
Cost: R200| BOOK NOW
Strand and Veld: A taste of life in Paternoster
Escape to the West Coast for an unforgettable Paternoster experience celebrating food, nature, and community. Enjoy local stories and traditional flavours before joining renowned botanist Rupert Koopman on a guided walk through the remarkable Strandveld ecosystem, discovering the wild plants that have sustained life along this coastline for thousands of years. Hosted by the team behind the acclaimed Wolfgat restaurant, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the region through the eyes of its people and landscape.
When: Saturday, 1 August | 6.30pm – 9pm
Where: Dispens, Cnr of St. Augustine Road and R45, Paternoster
Cost: R690 | BOOK NOW
Website: foodindaba.org
Facebook:@foodindaba
Instagram: @food.indaba/
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