CULINARY AND DINING CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Looking for culinary Christmas gifts?

I think we can all agree that Christmas is the perfect time to sit back, relax and enjoy one of life’s enduring pleasures: Food!

Whether you’re buying for an expert foodie or just Someone Who Eats, you can’t really go wrong with a culinary gift. Food is the great equaliser; we all eat it, and for the most part, we all enjoy it. If your giftee is more excited by their favourite tipple than a plate of food, we have that covered too. 

From sophisticated oyster cruises, to afternoon teas, to decadent hampers they can enjoy from the comfort of their own home, our list of foodie Christmas gifts will keep your giftee fed, watered and happy this festive season. 

Look no further for the perfect culinary gift!

Florist's Choice Gift Box – R 740

We love the idea of this ‘Florist’s Choice’ gift box… perfect for when you just can’t make up your mind! When you order this unique culinary gift, its contents will be a complete surprise, carefully hand-chosen by a local proprietor, boxed up and sent out the same day. (Ideal if you’re in a last-minute present-buying frenzy…)

No matter where in South Africa your giftee is or what they love to snack on, they’re guaranteed to find some new local favourites in their surprise gift box when it arrives on their doorstep. 

Master the element of surprise with this fun and delicious gift!

Feasts of Veg Cookbook - R 395

Whether your giftee is planning to go vegetarian as a new year’s resolution or simply wants to cut back their meat intake, this Feasts of Veg cookbook is an excellent way for them to add some more healthy, plant-based recipes to their repertoire. 

Inside, they’ll find pages of colourful, satisfying and healthy meals cooked up (literally) from the mind of expert chef Nina Olsson. For those who love to cook at home (and, let’s be honest, in 2020 we’ve all had to learn to do that more) this cookbook will make an attractive addition to their kitchen. 

Christmas might not seem like a very vegetarian season, but with more and more people switching to a meat-free diet, it’s easier than ever to create plant-based festive fare. Your veg-loving giftee is sure to appreciate this thoughtful Christmas gift waiting for them under the tree. 

Private 3-Course Dining Experience for Four - R 5,450

A truly decadent culinary experience for food lovers, or anyone who deserves a break from cooking, this private 3-course dining experience brings the luxury of a restaurant to their own home. The voucher covers up to 4 people, an ideal Christmas gift for a family or that one person you know who is always throwing the best dinner parties!

From the professional chef arriving on their doorstep, to the preparation of their food, to the incredible smells which will fill their house, they’ll experience a superb service. They’ll have an exceptional menu, starting with a grilled fillet of Norwegian salmon served on a bed of parsley risotto, accompanied with griddled asparagus and finished with a saffron champagne style cream, a dash of smoked-paprika oil and micro herbs. 

Then, to follow, a main of seared fillet of Kalahari beef dashed with black truffle oil, served with parmesan ‘gratinated’ fondant potatoes, roasted butternut squash, crispy mange tout and finished with a port wine and porcini cream. 

Finally, to finish on a sweet note, they’ll tuck into an incredibly decadent chocolate fondant served with Madagascan vanilla ice cream and fresh strawberries. Doesn't that sound divine?

Private Cape Town Food Tour - R 5,850

Whether your giftee is a Cape Town native or interested in exploring the area more, this Cape Town Food Tour will make a thoughtful culinary Christmas gift. 

They’ll begin their tour at one of Cape Town's many great artisan coffee roasters. Here, they will learn about how it's produced, different brewing methods and of course, the tastings! The second stop of this wonderful journey will be the Company's Gardens. This is where the first vegetable and fruit orchards were planted by the Dutch, and where they’ll get to sample a delicious snack. 

Heading to Woodstock, the group gets to taste some exceptional craft beer and food, followed by chocolate tastings. The tour continues on foot, giving everyone the opportunity to work up an appetite again. Once they’ve completed the final stop at Bree Street for its delicious cheese and wine, they’ll head to an evening market, either First Thursdays or Hope Street Night Market, depending on the time of the month.

Plant-based adventure – A Vegan Tour - R 900 

For another great vegan experience gift to surprise your plant-based friends with this Christmas, this vegan tour of Cape Town from Eat Like a Local Tours is a great choice. 

Their discerning food guide will lead them on a delectable tour of all things vegan, with a rotating roster of local purveyors offering a mouth-watering array of sweet and savoury treats. While they steadily fill up on some of Cape Town’s most exclusive plant-based offerings, their guide will offer them insight into the rich culture and history of the area. 

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal Cube Charcoal Portable Braai - R 3,999

And now onto something completely different and decidedly non-vegan, this portable Braai from Heston Blumenthal will be an incredible Christmas gift for your carnivorous friends. Including integrated storage, a chopping board and stylish cool-touch handles, this easily transportable beach companion will serve them well in 2023 and beyond. 

Thanks for Reading!

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best food and culinary gifts this holiday season. Whether you’re buying for a close friend, family member or the dreaded office Secret Santa, we hope you’ve found a delicious gift from our selection to suit your giftee and your budget. 

If you’re still looking for the perfect Christmas gift, browse our full range of culinary experience gifts here. 

Got a question, or a gift you think we missed? Please feel free to leave a comment, we’d love to hear from you!