Bo-Kaap Malay colour, feast fusion cook-up
BESIDES being the most colourful community in Cape Town, Bo-Kaap has earned the well-deserved reputation of having the most exotic flavours in the city.
If you ask any local where to buy spices, the retort is immediately “Bo-Kaap”. Zainie Misbach, who was born and grew up in the kaleidoscope streets, is a culinary legend in the community. With over 30 years of experience in Cape Malay cuisine, she has created a business from her talent and is the host of the Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour offered to visitors and locals.
Misbach kicks off the tour at the Atlas Spice Shop where she introduces newcomers to the world of finely ground greatness.
On the walking tour through the streets, she regales people with tales of every mural, corner and shop in the Bo-Kaap.
Her stories of love, struggle and loss draw you in and keep you captivated.
The tour ends at her home on Rose Street, and it’s time for the flavours to take over.
Misbach patiently teaches the tour group how to put together a true Malay feast with the utmost care.
The secret of making a great curry is all in the spice. Hot or not, the scent fills up the kitchen and keeps you salivating until the meal is served.
Making a good roti is all about the mixture, allowing it to rest and then rolling it out with care.
As the cooking lessons draw to a close, the table is set and a Malay feast awaits you. Every dish is cooked with love and enjoyed in great company. You leave with a full stomach and a heartfelt respect for the Bo-Kaap community. Mission accomplished.
The cooking tour is being promoted by Cape Town Tourism following the release of the latest
Neighbourhoods video. It is an important educational tour of culture, cuisine and community.
More locals and tourists alike should participate in the tours; it is amazing how much you don’t know about what’s right in your backyard.