Cape Town is the foodie Mecca of South Africa with some of the best restaurants, tastes, and flavours for visitors to explore. A taste of cumin can transport you to the Middle East as instantly as the crunch of coriander lands you in the Karoo. In essence, spice has elevated Cape Town’s many borrowed recipes to lekker local cuisines. The best way to discover these fine spices is to visit the local spice shops and chat with residents from the area or even the local shop owners too.
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Looking for quality spices to add a spicy twist or vibrant flavours to all your dishes? Here’s some of Cape Town’s best spice shops. Discover what makes each of them so unique:
1. Atlas Trading Company
The family-owned and run business, Atlas Trading Company has been selling spice since 1946. This spicy gem is located in the heart of Bo-Kaap with a colourful history and exquisite product range. While strolling through Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, turn into Wale Street and you’ll spot a pink house with a simple green logo: ‘Atlas Trading’. There’s a variety of spices on sale; from well-known curries to barbeque mixes and the more exotic spices, such as Methi Kasoori or Sajiera. Whether you’re a tourist or a desperate housewife you’ll find what you’re looking for in this unique shop.
- Location: 104 Wale Street, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town
2. Cape Spice Emporium
Delight yourself in this one-stop spice shop in Claremont selling from spice to rice. With an over 100 year legacy, Cape Spice Emporium is a 4th generation family business. Their legendary spices are especially blended for incredible flavour and unforgettable meals. Get all your favorite spices here to experience incredible Indian cuisine, right at your home!
- Location: 76 Imam Haron Road, Claremont, Cape Town
3. Spicy City
Spice City, established in the ’90s, is a family-owned and managed specialty spice store run by the Rawoot family – based in Athlone, Cape Town. Get your family’s favourite quality and authentic spices from masala blends that are created on-site using only pure spices imported directly from India. Not only do they stock a range of in-house and international spices and masala blends, but also stock a large variety of Dals (also spelled daals or dhalls) and rice from around the world along with a variety of Indian vegetables and groceries.
- Location: 24 Reen Avenue, Athlone Industria, Cape Town
4. Spice Bazaar
Spice Bazaar is a Thaver family business, based in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town. The one-stop all-things-spices shop offers premium quality spices. Pop in store to grab some herbs, spices, and tantalising sauces from across South Africa – everything you need to spice up your cooking. Whether you need the perfect masala to make a hot Durban curry, or the right blend for a delicious biryani – they’ve got you covered!
- Location: 59 Lawrence St, Heathfield, Cape Town
Whether you’re a humble home-cook, vendor, cater or restaurant owner, cook and impress your friends and family with a taste sensation. Head down and visit these local stores that we’ve huddled together for a feast of flavors guaranteed to pamper your palate!
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The ultimate guide: where to get a curry in Cape Town, as voted by you!
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