2016 Goal #4: Discover a new destination

‘Once a year,’ the well-known saying goes, ‘go someplace you’ve never been before.’ Of course we may not all have the time or money to plan a trip to the other side of the world – but then that’s what books are for. It’s perfectly possible to find out about a new culture or distant destination by reading about it. For example, why not dip into Quivertree title India: Lost and Found to get some insight into the magnificent diversity that characterizes contemporary India?

And then there’s food. In Bo-Kaap Kitchen: Heritage Recipes and True Stories, author Maggie Mouton writes, ‘Everyone has to eat, and food is a significant definer of culture around the world. Often, sharing a meal, extending hospitality with food, is something that breaks down cultural barriers between people. The Cape Muslims, or Cape Malays as they are also known, are no different in this regard. What is noteworthy is that their food style has evolved through centuries of adaptation and inventiveness – picking up a technique here, an ingredient there, mixing the many influences surrounding them into a unique, delicious and unpretentious feast of flavours.’

Here’s how to get a taste of the Bo-Kaap at home this week:

Bobotie (p89)

Tapioca Pudding (p37)

Next time you visit Cape Town, why not take a Bo-Kaap walking tour with Andulela or Footsteps to Freedom, or a cooking class with Bo-Kaap local Zainie Misbach? Find more info about walking tours with Andulela here and with Footsteps to Freedom here, and get more details about Zainie’s classes at bokaapcookingtour.co.za.

And in the meantime, to meet the inspiring people of the Bo-Kaap, read their unique stories and cook some more of their delicious dishes, get a copy of Bo-Kaap Kitchen: Heritage Recipes and True Stories.