A guide to the coastal gem that is Kalk Bay, Cape Town
I have lived in Cape Town for the past 15 years now and (shocker) have only experienced Kalk Bay properly very recently. Like most locals,great spots like these often become normalised as one passes by, en-route to someplace else. But like all good things,when you stop to really enjoy them...you'll be surprised at how awesome they actually are! Here's my guide to Kalk Bay for beginners:
For those who don't know, Kalk Bay is a seaside suburb in Cape Town. Famed for its fish and chips (a local favourite), quaint little shops and harbour, Kalk Bay is a Capetonian all-rounder. So, here's what you need to know for your first Kalk Bay visit:
1. Kalk Bay is best on foot:
There are so many little shops in Kalk Bay's main road, that driving past in a car would mean missing half of them. Every corner has something to offer...literally, from the bright tangerine orange of the walls of Memory Lane to Kalk Bay's diverse food market.
2. Bring cash
Yes...there is so much on offer, bringing your credit/debit card may result in bankruptcy...just kidding. There are some vendors at the harbour, who sell handwoven bags and beaded goods (amongst other things), who only accept cash.
3. Check out their second hand stores and galleries
With everything from old comic books and white sun umbrellas to buoys hanging from the ceiling, Kalk Bay's second hand stores offer something for everyone! Have a look inside and be sure to look between the items on display, you never know what you may find!
4. For grub, try out the stuffed rice paper rolls at the food market
With everything from Asian noodles and samoosas to ice cream (I suggest you try out the mango scoop...it's DIVINE!), you'll be spoilt for choice at Kalk Bay's indoor food market!
The last time I was in Kalk Bay I had the chicken and peanut butter sauce rice paper roll. Not only was this meal pretty on the eye, but great on the tastebuds too!!
If you're keen for something else, a must-have local favourite would be Kalkies (pronounced in 2 ways: kahl-keys or cor-keys) for "lekker" fish and chips! Another option would be Olympia Bakery, who do a great croissant and coffee on the go (or sit down)! Be sure to grab a fresh bread and sweet treat too, they've got a variety on sale!
5. Be sure to check out our local marine life at the harbour
Capetonians know that Kalk Bay boasts some of the boldest seals around. The local fishermen (who sell their produce fresh on the docks) have befriended the seals, who are more than happy to do tricks for any scrap of fish they get thrown as a reward!
6. Pop down to DaleBrook or St. James tidal pools for a swim
Not keen for an open ocean swim or the beach, check out two Kalk Bay favourites, DaleBrook and St. James, where you'll not only get a swim, but a true mix of South African local cultures as well.
Enjoy, Jessie x
(Photography courtesy of Jessie Leverzencie)