Lorette’s passion for cooking started at the age of eight when she baked her very first batch of cupcakes. Her love for cooking has only grown from there. Her inspiration for cooking traditional food comes from her mother, who taught Lorette how to cook most of their family recipes. Join Lorette, a catering professional with a deep passion for cooking, to learn to cook an authentic South African meal.
“Having people over to enjoy a home cooked meal is something I love doing. I am very excited to share my South African food and culture with the rest of the world!”
Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.
Cooking experience:
(2-10 guests)
Travel inland from the port in Cape Town and discover the culture through food, in this South African cooking class in a local home, in Grassy Park. We recommend all cruise travelers this Cape Town Shore Excursion, for a true and authentic taste of local cuisine. Be welcomed into Lorette and Desmond’s beautiful home, built by Lorette's father 44 years ago. She loves cooking traditional South African food, and particularly loves showcasing the cuisine of the Western Cape which has a Cape Malay influence.
During your Cape Town cooking class, you will join Lorette in her spacious, modern kitchen and learn to cook a traditional South African meal. Lorette is a keen gardener and loves using fresh herbs from her garden, so you might start the experience by collecting a few ingredients from the garden to cook with. The cooking class will last between 1-2 hours, during which you will learn to make 2-3 South African dishes. After cooking, sit down with Lorette and Desmond at their dining table to enjoy conversation and the delicious food you helped prepare. Your menu might include dishes such as mini roti's with chicken curry (the Cape Malay roti is a delicious unleavened flatbread served with chicken curry), bobotie (a South African dish of curried minced meat baked with a savory custard and served with aromatic rice and roasted vegetables) and malva pudding (a traditional South African dessert served with custard or cream).
Notes:
1. Lorette can offer vegetarian and halal meals on request.
2. Your Cape Town Shore Excursion includes a private, hands-on cooking class, a glass of local alcohol and pick-up and drop off from Cape Town cruise terminal.
Languages spoken: English
Lorette and her husband, Desmond, are born to entertain and make guests feel incredibly welcome. Sit down at Lorette's kitchen counter with a glass of wine, as if you are visiting a loved family member. She is dynamite in a small package and it's very inspiring watching her cook, as well as sharing all her hints and tips with you as you go along. She's also happy to share recipes should you want to take a little bit of Cape Town home with you. Marmalade the cat might pop in when he starts smelling her chicken curry, but he really doesn't bother anyone. The neighbourhood is quiet and gives you a chance to escape from reality for a bit. Lorette has a very interesting past, including having worked as a wedding caterer and has just registered her own company. Also, a keen baker, there is really not much you can tell this lady about food! An absolute feast for the heart and soul! Very tasty dishes, generous portions, prepared in a health-conscious way, very wholesome meals. Everything was really good! It was lovely sitting down with her and her husband for lunch, as it was an incredibly relaxing environment and they are very generous and hospitable without even trying!
Amilinda and Tim, Traveling Spoon Ambassador
We had a great night with Lorette, learning about her food & culture. The meal of butter chicken & roti was great as was the Malva pudding for dessert. All washed down with a nice sauvignon Blanc. It was great to be able to go to a local home and understand food & culture. I highly recommend this experience to anyone wanting to enjoy South African food & culture in local home.- gary April 14, 2026
Loretta was so friendly and a really great chef. Her recipes were easy to follow and super tasty. We had a wonderful time in her beautiful home. The highlight was making our own roti’s and of course eating the delicious food. Highly recommend this experience.- Maddy February 02, 2026
Fantastic morning in the kitchen learning how to cook butter chicken, roti and malva pudding. Authentic and friendly !- claire January 26, 2026
Fantastic morning in the kitchen learning how to cook butter chicken, roti and malva pudding. Authentic and friendly !- claire January 26, 2026
Fantastic morning in the kitchen learning how to cook butter chicken, roti and malva pudding. Authentic and friendly !- claire January 26, 2026
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