Cape Town

South Africa is without any distinctive types of local bread, but some traditional Afrikaner baked goods are delicious. Koeksisters, in particular, are prepared by deep-frying dough in oil, and dipping the fried dough (arranged in a braided, plait-like shape) in cold sugar syrup. The dish is of Cape Malay origin, though the Afrikaner version, which is more syrupy and crispy, is probably more common than the spicier, more cake-like original. They’re sold at most local bakeries, coffee shops and delis. They’re particularly good at Melissa’s, the local deli-chain (See the Specialized Grocery section).

The following bakeries cover just about every type of baked good imaginable, and cater particularly well to French and German expatriates.

Dinkel German Bakery – This specialty bakery is as genuine a taste of home as any German expat can hope for. The sourdough breads are particularly excellent (try the dinkel), as are the streusel- and pflaumenkuchen.

91 Kloofnek Road, Gardens

Call 021 424 3217

• Open Hours: 08:00 16:00, Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 13:00 on Sundays.

C’est La Vie – Just off Main Road in Kalk Bay, this tiny café stocks artisinal breads and pastries, as well as incomparable rye sandwiches and baguettes. The resident chef, Jo Smith, trained for 18 months in France to bring classic Parisian flavors with a contemporary, healthful twist to locals and expatriates. Incidentally, their coffee was voted among the top ten in the city by Elle Magazine.

Rosmead Road (behind Lisa’s Little Wine Shop), Kalk Bay

Call Jo on 083 676 7430 or e-mail hillybop@kingsley.co.za

• Open Hours: These are very irregular, so you’re best advised to contact Jo before making the trip.

Jardine Bakery – This charming little restaurant features a café-style window to the pavement, and all manner of artisan breads, bagels and sandwiches are on offer, along with pastries and cakes. Home to an award-winning Scottish chef, situated opposite DVD Nouveau, and barely a block from Long Street, it’s a particular favorite with the local trend-setters, who gather in the mornings to partake of Jardine’s excellent coffee.

Cnr Bloem and Bree streets, Cape Town

Call 021 424 5640 or visit www.jardineonbree.co.za

• Open Hours: Monday to Friday, 07:00 – 15:00, and 08:00-13:00 on Saturdays

Olympia Bakery – Just around the corner from the famous deli of the same name, Olympia bakery sells home-made pies, ciabattas, croissants, brownies, Swiss rolls and all other manner of baked decadence. It’s a personal favorite of many, and a staple of the Kalk Bay community.

132 Main Road, Kalk Bay

Call 021 788 6396 or e-mail info@olympiacafe.co.za

• Open Hours:06:30 – 19:00, Monday to Sunday

Knead Bread & Pastry Shop – Among the most fashionable bakeries in Cape Town, Knead serves excellent sourdough rye, as well as muesli loaves for the health-conscious, while their chocolate brownies, petit fours and custard slices make for truly decadent treats.

Wembley Square, North Building, McKenzie Street, Gardens

Call 021 462 4183 or e-mail bread@kneadbakery.co.za

• Open Hours: 07:00 – 17:00, Monday to Sunday.

Crocodeli – This bakery is mostly a supplier for caterers and special events, but it makes an incredibly diverse range of goods, from American corn rolls to Black Forest rye, as well as excellent biscuits – try the gingerbread men or biscotti.

Shop 4, Apollo Park, Marconi Road, Montague Gardens

Call 021 551 9768 or e-mail crocodeli@mweb.co.za

• Open Hours: 08:00-16:00, Monday to Friday, or contact the factory (open 24/7)

Bonjour Patisserie – This petit French patisserie makes excellent croissants and tarts, as well as gorgeous brioche.

3 De Lorentz Street, Tamboerskloof

Call 072 989 7897

• Open Hours: 07:00-17:00, Monday to Friday, and 07:00-14:30 on Saturday.

CC Sisters (delivery only) – CC is an excellent source of baked Belgian goods, particularly of superb Belgian sugar waffles. If you want to order anything, though, you’re advised to do so three days in advance.

Call Carine on 082 347 4024 or e-mail ivenca@jdc-aluminium.com

Bird’s Boutique Cafe – This quaint café, with its long trestle tables and high ceilings, is home to the women of the Stegman family, who serve up excellent stollen and other baked German goods (try the chicken pies), made from only the freshest local ingredients.

127 Bree Street, Cape Town

Call 021 426 2534 or e-mail birds@telkomsa.net

• Open Hours: 08:00 – 16:00, Monday to Friday, and 08:00-14:00 on Saturdays.