Apart from gorgeous vistas and wildlife, South Africa is home to a host of cooking schools and part-time courses, which are very useful for locals and visitors who want to learn how to create flavourful, traditional dishes. Here are some of the top cooking schools around the country, though we’d love you to comment and let us know of any others you’ve attended and would recommend:
- Kuhestan Organic Farm – Persian cuisine
Set within the mist-covered Magoebaskloof Mountains in Limpopo is Kuhestan Organic Farm. They offer accommodation in the form of chalets, produce organic avocados and raspberries, and also provide weekend cooking courses, focusing on traditional Persian foods. The heady mix of spices and subtle flavourings make this a worthwhile endeavour, and some of the popular recipes you can learn include falafel, lamb kebabs, and flat breads. Shahrzad Hone, who runs these courses, also creates numerous preserves, cordials, and pickles which are for sale on-site. Tel: 082-903-7593.
- Môreson Wine Estate – Bread & Wine
Having a firm belief that food should be played with, owner and chef Niel Jewell runs the once a month Bread & Wine Course, set in the beautiful valley of Franschhoek. The lessons start fairly early in the day, and upon arrival you’re given the ingredients, an apron, and a recipe book that you can keep. The next step is recreating four bread types, namely the thin-based focaccia bread, a soft olive oil brown bread, traditional sourdough, and finally, the unique soda bread. As the breads bake, and the air is filled with the scent, you can enjoy a complimentary tasting of some of the award-winning Môreson wines. Tel: 021-876-3692.
- African Relish – Karoo Dishes
Situated in the picturesque town of Prince Albert, is the homey African Relish Accommodation and Cooking school. They not only offer fantastic food classes, but also promote the use of local, organic ingredients, as they believe in supporting the community. The set courses you can wander in and request are called Anytime ® Courses, which include lessons titled ‘Tapas’, ‘Comfort Food’, ‘Sauces’ and the very popular ‘Spice Course’, where you’ll learn how to identify, blend, and temper various flavours. You can also book one of African Relish’s self-catering chalets, and spend a week in the blissful scenery, learning new recipes – if you’re very lucky, you may even catch one of their celebrity guest chefs in action. Find out more.
- Cape Malay Cooking Safari – Cape Malay Fare
Below Signal Hill in Cape Town, lies the Cape Malay Quarter, and if you’re learning how to make Malay food, your day will start with a tour that begins at the Bo-Kaap museum. From here you’ll meander through colourful streets and spice shops, before finally entering into a family home. Once inside, you’ll receive a chilled cup of rose-scented milk called ‘faloodah’ which has a unique texture, before you move on to discover some well-kept secrets such as the right way of folding Samoosas, the correct spices needed for Masala, and how to combine Masala with other ingredients to create a flavour-filled Malay curry – with a touch of the Cape. The hands-on process ensures your informal cooking lesson will be both educational and fun. Once you’re done cooking, savour and share the meal you created. Tel: 021-418-3020.
- Angela Day Kitchen – Flavours from around the world
Set within the Lifestyle Garden Centre in Rand Park Ridge, Johannesburg is the cosy Angela Day Kitchen which offers evening cooking classes on varying weekdays. They have numerous guest chefs who present themed cooking nights, with classes that have names like ‘Sweet Yeast Treats’, ‘The Magic of Morocco’, and ‘Entertaining Alfresco”. There are also cooking demonstrations held once a month. To secure a place, ensure you call ahead. Tel: 011-791-1304.
Let us know of any South African cooking schools you’ve found, and would recommend taking a class from.
Main image courtesy of jerine (Flickr)
