Riaan & Stefane Kruger (co-founders of Food Routes and armed with years of experience in the hospitality sector), identified the need for a platform that would showcase Southern Africa's unique and diverse culinary destinations with the aim to attract a larger share of one of the world's biggest and fastest growing travel segments - the food loving traveller.

Food plays a big role when we travel. It connects people and introduces us to new and interesting cultures. The memorable food experiences we have during our travels are often the highlights of a trip.

Recent research conducted in the United States verifies that more and more travellers travel to learn about or enjoy unique and memorable eating and drinking experiences. Up to 81% of respondents said they will spend more money on food and drinks while traveling.

Food Routes will address this demand and offer the perfect fusion of excellent accommodation and exceptional dining experiences in the food tourism industry ranging from a Big 5 safari, country meander, Winelands breakaway, or a city break. 

Exceptional and authentic destination restaurants are often hard to find amongst the overwhelming amount of travel information and the run-of-the-mill list of restaurants.

Food Routes has identified a selection of unparalleled and authentic dining experiences in South Africa, including some of the DSTV Eat Out Top 10 restaurant super stars of South Africa. Visitors will be able to experience first hand why regions like the Stellenbosch Wine Routes offer some of the world's best wine tourism experiences.

Read more about the Stellenbosch Wine Routes' top restaurants here. 

Food Routes is South Africa’s first online booking portal to journeys of enjoyment destined to fulfil the food lover’s quest for the Edens of eating and the Shagri-Las of sleep. Establishments have been carefully selected, vetted and invited to participate by the Food Routes team. 

Unique itineraries combined with up-close and personal attention to the individual’s dining desires will be the backbone of the portal providing the epicurean explorer with a great selection of luxury lodgings, creative cuisines and exceptional experiences and excursions accross Southern Africa. 

Riaan Kruger said at the Food Routes launch “We live in an era where food is part of who we are and these days more and more people find food interesting and want to experience different food styles and dining experiences. Food and wine are an integral part in defining a culture, its history and establishing a sense of place."

Visitors to the Food Routes portal can book on-line through the portal or select an enquiry-based quote or request a tailor-made experience designed around specific preferences. 

A few facts

• Guests can devise their own itinerary by utilizing the Food Route planner and distance chart and book their desired Food Route destinations through the Food Routes Platform.

• With a fervent focus on divine dining experiences, each month the Food Routes website will feature a special restaurant, chef profile or interesting signature dish.

• Food Routes will also feature all the latest news or events regarding any of the Food Routes destinations 

• “Foodie” destinations (produce farms, farmer’s markets, and shops) and places of interest located on the routes will be included on the website

• To be included on the portal the culinary experience and standard of food at the restaurant must be of the highest calibre; establishments must be 5-star or be known for 5-star service and the restaurant must have an appointed head chef with his/her own unique style and food philosophy, which will be profiled on the website

For more information visit www.foodroutes.co.za or contact Riaan and Stefane on 082 5427566 or 023 626 3498. Booking requests can be emailed to: reservations@foodroutes.co.za.