In the heart of the Bo-Kaap, where cobbled streets shimmer in shades of pink, turquoise, ruby, and gold, and the air is perfumed with cardamom, clove, and history, Faldela Tolken opens the door to her kitchen — a sanctuary of stories, spice, and soul.

At her warmly named ‘Cooking With Love’ School, the air hums with life. Wooden spoons tap against metal bowls, laughter rises above the rhythm of spices being ground, and sunlight dances across jars of saffron and cinnamon. Here, you are not merely an onlooker — you are welcomed into the fold: sleeves rolled up, hands dusted with flour, heart open.

Faldela teaches the art of Cape Malay cooking the way her ancestors did — through storytelling, memory, and touch. A dash of turmeric recalls family feasts; cardamom stirred into pastries carries the memory of celebrations; the slow simmer of a curry carries generations of shared meals and laughter.

It is more than a class — it is an immersion, a celebration of connection and culture where food becomes a bridge between people and place. It is a sensory experience: a vibrant fusion of colours, pungent aromas, and shrieks of laughter at the tales being told. Who could ever have guessed that a cooking class could be so spirited, intoxicating, and utterly exciting?

You will leave Faldela’s kitchen with more than recipes: the warmth of new friendships, the sound of Bo-Kaap’s laughter, and the lingering taste of food made — quite simply — with love.

W: Cooking With Love
E: Information
T: +27 812 734 109
A: 109 Wale Street, Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
W: Cape Tourism