Defining Foodways by Stephen WesselsDepartment of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Museum Service
Defining foodways
'Foodways' refers to dishes and recipes, but also the cultures and practices around our food. How do we cook, and who does the cooking? Where do the ingredients come from? When do we eat certain dishes? Why do we choose one food over another? How have recipes changed over time?
A story on every plate
"Food production is so integral to community and care. It's linked to survival, deep inherent survival... So, what are the stories that are getting left behind?"
-Zayaan Khan
Western Cape Foodways by Stephen WesselsDepartment of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Museum Service
What makes the foodways of the Western Cape special?
A unique place and climate: embraced by the cold Atlantic Ocean on her west and the warmer Indian Ocean on her east side, the coastal climate, ocean, mountains, and flora of the Cape have influenced what can be seasonally planted, gathered, and eaten.
People: movement, migration and crossing paths
The Cape has a long history of arrivals and departures. Cape cuisine is a true mixed masala of flavours, cultures, and stories: influenced by indigenous food cultures, enslaved and indentured people, European settlers, and migrants from across the continent and the world.
Community Cookout by Stephen WesselsDepartment of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Museum Service
Community Cookouts
For this story, we hosted four Community Cookouts across the Western Cape. Participants from Porterville, Swellendam, Moorreesburg and Cape Town brought dishes that taste like home, along with stories, memories, deep sharing, and laughter.
Some foods are specific to place: your surroundings influence whether your plate is filled with lamb bredie, fish, wheat bread or waterblommetjies. But no matter where or who you are, sharing a meal creates connections and new stories.
Round Table Picture by Stephen WesselsDepartment of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Museum Service
A place at the table
Food is more than what we eat. It carries memories, traditions and stories from one generation to the next. Whether gathered, grown, shared or prepared, food brings people together. Every meal helps us connect with the histories that shape the Western Cape.
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