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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Lorette

Cape Town, South Africa

USD
$50-$76 per person

Traditional South African food with a Cape Malay influence

Host offerings
  • House
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Lorette

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!”

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (2-20 guests) Be welcomed into Lorette and Desmond’s beautiful home, built by Lorette's father 44 years ago and lovingly renovated after Lorette bought and the house from her parents when she married. Lorette's mom and dad (Rachel and Kenneth) live on the property together with Lorette and Desmond and might stop in to say hello during your experience. Lorette loves cooking traditional South African food, and she particularly loves showcasing the cuisine of the Western Cape which has a Cape Malay influence. The dining area is beautifully situated adjacent to the kitchen and opens up onto the garden and patio area in the summer. 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).

Cooking experience: (2-10 guests) Join Lorette in her spacious, modern kitchen to learn to make a traditional South African meal in this Cape Town cooking class. Lorette is a keen gardener and loves using fresh herbs from her garden, so you might start the experience collecting a few items 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. Then sit down with Lorette and Desmond at their dining table to enjoy conversation and the delicious food you helped prepare. Lorette is excited to share her culture through food and offer an authentic/traditional cooking class in Cape Town. She can offer vegetarian and halal meals on request in this South African cooking class.

Notes: Lorette can offer vegetarian and halal meals on request.

Languages spoken: English

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Mini rotis served with chicken curry
  • Bobotie (curried minced meat baked with a savory custard) served with aromatic yellow rice and roasted vegetables
  • Malva pudding (a South African sweet pudding) served with custard or cream
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

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

Traveler reviews

5.0 (9)
My husband was sick and unable to accompany me. Lorette went to the trouble to make a custard to go with the Mavi pudding because my husband had eaten it at a restaurant and loved it (without the custard) which is the classic way to eat it I learned. She gave me to go boxes for him that included the pudding and the custard. He said it was BETTER than the restaurant. Very sweet and talented couple. I'd highly recommend.
- Shirlene January 24, 2024
It was in private home clean and sanitize. The chef was personable knowledgeable and gave clear instructions. We were hands on in preparation she gave recipes and we ate the meal. Being a foodie this was so exciting I went out and purchased some of the ingredients to bring and prepare at home
- charlene April 16, 2023
Lorette was an amazing host. So friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed the great food and conversation and would definitely recommend. Outstanding experience!!
- Stephen March 09, 2023
After arriving in Cape Town following a road trip via the Garden Tour, we were keen to try out the local cuisine. We were lucky that Loretta was able to offer us an appointment for a cooking lunch at short notice. It was a super cooking class in a relaxed atmosphere. The food was easy to prepare but very tasty. We also had the opportunity to talk to Loretta and her husband about the country and its people. It was a perfect lunch and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Loretta and her husband again for the warm hospitality in their home and the wonderful food.
- 719ibs March 05, 2023
I loved the big welcome and hands on experience from the host and hostess. We immediately got into cooking and the meal we produced was delicious
- renetta January 24, 2023
Was not expecting anything like this and totally was the icing on the cake for my son and I’s trip to Cape Town. It’s nice eating out and trying new places, but nothing like learning and cooking your own dinner at another’s home and feeling like family. We were welcomed with open arms and will never forget this. Thank you kindly!
- 522ren January 15, 2023
My husband and I spent wonderful evening with Lorette and Desmond learning about Malay food, history and culture. Preparing the food was enjoyable and we were allowed to have hands on experience cooking not just observing Lorette. The conversation over dinner was fun, entertaining, and educational. We highly recommend this cooking class.
- Sandra January 02, 2023
We were humbled by the hospitality when we arrived. We had such a wonderful morning . Loretta is so nice and friendly and we felt very welcome. Loretta has teached us how we can make African dishes and explained well. After that we had lunch together. We really recommend Loretta. Ask if you can meet the parents. What a lovely people.
- Robert_v March 02, 2022
Nice evening with fantastic food. Cooking with Lorette is an amazing and wonderful experience. Lorette is a very good teacher and we felt very well with her. And the kap-malaii meal was fantastic and delicous.
- Ja-Li-Berlin February 17, 2020
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Lorette

$50-$76 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $58 $50
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $76 $66
Alcohol
 $10 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $58 $50
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $76 $66
Alcohol
 $10 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-2:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-1:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm

Meet Lorette

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!”

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (2-20 guests) Be welcomed into Lorette and Desmond’s beautiful home, built by Lorette's father 44 years ago and lovingly renovated after Lorette bought and the house from her parents when she married. Lorette's mom and dad (Rachel and Kenneth) live on the property together with Lorette and Desmond and might stop in to say hello during your experience. Lorette loves cooking traditional South African food, and she particularly loves showcasing the cuisine of the Western Cape which has a Cape Malay influence. The dining area is beautifully situated adjacent to the kitchen and opens up onto the garden and patio area in the summer. 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).

Cooking experience: (2-10 guests) Join Lorette in her spacious, modern kitchen to learn to make a traditional South African meal in this Cape Town cooking class. Lorette is a keen gardener and loves using fresh herbs from her garden, so you might start the experience collecting a few items 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. Then sit down with Lorette and Desmond at their dining table to enjoy conversation and the delicious food you helped prepare. Lorette is excited to share her culture through food and offer an authentic/traditional cooking class in Cape Town. She can offer vegetarian and halal meals on request in this South African cooking class.

Notes: Lorette can offer vegetarian and halal meals on request.

Languages spoken: English

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Mini rotis served with chicken curry
  • Bobotie (curried minced meat baked with a savory custard) served with aromatic yellow rice and roasted vegetables
  • Malva pudding (a South African sweet pudding) served with custard or cream
PERSONALLY VETTED REVIEW
A Traveling Spoon ambassador visited this host. Here is their personal review.

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

Traveler reviews

5.0 (9)
My husband was sick and unable to accompany me. Lorette went to the trouble to make a custard to go with the Mavi pudding because my husband had eaten it at a restaurant and loved it (without the custard) which is the classic way to eat it I learned. She gave me to go boxes for him that included the pudding and the custard. He said it was BETTER than the restaurant. Very sweet and talented couple. I'd highly recommend.
- Shirlene January 24, 2024
It was in private home clean and sanitize. The chef was personable knowledgeable and gave clear instructions. We were hands on in preparation she gave recipes and we ate the meal. Being a foodie this was so exciting I went out and purchased some of the ingredients to bring and prepare at home
- charlene April 16, 2023
Lorette was an amazing host. So friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed the great food and conversation and would definitely recommend. Outstanding experience!!
- Stephen March 09, 2023
After arriving in Cape Town following a road trip via the Garden Tour, we were keen to try out the local cuisine. We were lucky that Loretta was able to offer us an appointment for a cooking lunch at short notice. It was a super cooking class in a relaxed atmosphere. The food was easy to prepare but very tasty. We also had the opportunity to talk to Loretta and her husband about the country and its people. It was a perfect lunch and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Loretta and her husband again for the warm hospitality in their home and the wonderful food.
- 719ibs March 05, 2023
I loved the big welcome and hands on experience from the host and hostess. We immediately got into cooking and the meal we produced was delicious
- renetta January 24, 2023
Was not expecting anything like this and totally was the icing on the cake for my son and I’s trip to Cape Town. It’s nice eating out and trying new places, but nothing like learning and cooking your own dinner at another’s home and feeling like family. We were welcomed with open arms and will never forget this. Thank you kindly!
- 522ren January 15, 2023
My husband and I spent wonderful evening with Lorette and Desmond learning about Malay food, history and culture. Preparing the food was enjoyable and we were allowed to have hands on experience cooking not just observing Lorette. The conversation over dinner was fun, entertaining, and educational. We highly recommend this cooking class.
- Sandra January 02, 2023
We were humbled by the hospitality when we arrived. We had such a wonderful morning . Loretta is so nice and friendly and we felt very welcome. Loretta has teached us how we can make African dishes and explained well. After that we had lunch together. We really recommend Loretta. Ask if you can meet the parents. What a lovely people.
- Robert_v March 02, 2022
Nice evening with fantastic food. Cooking with Lorette is an amazing and wonderful experience. Lorette is a very good teacher and we felt very well with her. And the kap-malaii meal was fantastic and delicous.
- Ja-Li-Berlin February 17, 2020
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $58 $50
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $76 $66
Alcohol
 $10 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 Not offered $58 $50
Cooking Experience + Meal
 Not offered $76 $66
Alcohol
 $10 per person
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 12:00pm-2:00pm 7:00pm-9:00pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 10:00am-1:00pm 5:00pm-8:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 3% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can’t make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host’s profile doesn’t work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host’s family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the “Notes” section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.