Nothing gets me more excited than starting to plan my ‘Home holiday’. Since living abroad, I visit my home country, South Africa, every December for a few weeks. Not only do I treasure the time spent with family, but I also have a new appreciation for my lovely country. I become a ‘tourist’ when I visit, and I love it, local is lekker!
It is not like I did not travel in and around South Africa before moving abroad. Any opportunity I could, I would pack my car and head off in a direction. I love a good old road trip. Being in the same surroundings, you almost become too settled with what you have available; you become complacent in a way. For instance, I saw Table Mountain every single day, yes, every single day. But I can count on one hand how many times I hiked to the top. Absolutely sad, right, taking it for granted almost.
Living abroad reintroduced a new appreciation for South Africa and its fantastic destinations and incredible food.Â
South Africa and Food
And on that note, let me start with one of my favourite things, food!Â
South Africa has so much diversity to offer regarding food. I have a list as long as my arm of favourites, from coffee shops that roast their beans to unique open-air beach restaurants, even to a restaurant in a cave right next to the ocean, and numerous wine estate restaurants. Man, I can go on and on. We also have various traditional foods to choose from, some unique fine dining experiences, and some experiences with a different twist.
Braai and seafood
Now there are two things in particular that I miss so much, I have not found an equivalent to it anywhere else. And that is a leaker braai. Growing up in South Africa, a braai is always the way to go; it is perfect for family get-togethers, birthdays and just because you didn’t feel like cooking. (Our Heritage day is also known as National Braai day. A Braai is a flame-grilled food, some might know it as a barbecue)
Secondly, seafood (yes, please!) is unbelievable the variety we are spoilt with in the Cape. And thirdly, although not food, the ocean, the ocean and moody waves are known for in the Cape.
Hidden gem- best seafood restaurant in Langebaan
I found the perfect place with these components put together into an ideal December package!!! The best seafood restaurant in Langebaan – Die Strandloper!
This place is called Die Strandloper, situated out on the West coast in Langebaan, about a 125km drive from Cape Town. Die Strandloper is a down to earth, literally in the sand, open-air/outdoor restaurant with no kitchen, where it is all about local is lekker. Everything is local, from the staff to the seafood caught locally. All prepared in front of you on an open fire, the braai. They might be down to earth, but trust me, they are world-class.Â
Die StrandloperÂ
This is what Decembers are about, family, the ocean, and seafood!!
Let me tell you about our afternoon of 4 hours, indulging in the most delicious, as much as you can eat seafood, listening to music, the ocean and making new memories. And if you want to create your memory after reading, well, why not? Book your spot here. You will not be disappointed.Â
Also see: Visiting the Namaqua flowers along the West Coast
Round 1
Arriving, you take a seat in a boma area with shading, kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes, take a deep breath in, first the smell of the ocean. Then it hits you, the aroma, most amazing flavours tantalising your nose, so much so that your mouth starts to water. Staring at you from the braai pit, big potjie pots filled with mussels. Another Cape favourite fish curry, gebraaide snoek, sweet potatoes, rooster brood and jam on the table. To the side, big outdoor ovens with huge plaas brode lurk at you.
Filling your plate, you want it all, especially those roosterkoek, goodness, but let’s take only one and nibble on it as there are a few more courses to come, and you can come back for more. Remember this is a 10-course lunch.Â
Round 2
Plates clean and not a crumb in site, it is time to revisit the table, as they have just added west coast haarders, smoked angelfish and bokkoms. If you are adventurous and daring enough, bokkoms is a must. They are salt-cured dried fish—a true delicacy off the West Coast.Â
Well well, now if you feel like something a bit different after all the fish, they served a stew known as a bredie (when we were there it was lamb, but I know they also did beef once, you can check their website but we go for the seafood). The stew is the only none seafood dish served here.
Round 3
The dish that kept everyone on their toes in anticipation. The one that had everyone pull out the cameras to take photos was the grilling of the kreef or crayfish in English. The only part of the menu that restricts you from ‘eating as much as you like’. Each person is entitled to 1/2 a crayfish only.Â
This was the day’s highlight; everyone tried to document or take a selfie.Â
Crayfish is a protected species, you need a license and are only allowed to catch a certain amount per season, and there are many other rules too.
The afternoon ends with moerkoffie served in enamel cups, and a sweet treat called koeksisters. Once you start with these, you can’t stop with these twisty syrup covered fried dough, trust me.Â
Why you will love visiting Strandloper
Picture yourself sitting next to the blue ocean, salty smell in the air, toes tuck into white sand, sound of a guitar being strummed, you are full after enjoying some of the best that the seas around this area have to offer. You spent 4 hours laughing and making memories with friends or family. Now and then, you took a walk down to the beach, hoping the walk would make a bit more space for that last helping at best seafood restaurant in Langebaan, Die Strandloper.
Rates, booking & location
The rates I think is so reasonable for the about of food you get. Currently (2020), it will cost you only R350pp above 12 years of age. Children between 5- 11 will only be R80 (no crayfish), and children below five eat free.Â
Booking is essential and can be done through their website.
When driving from Cape Town on the R27, turn right onto Oostewal Road, turn right Jon Olafsson Road, soon you will se a sign, to turn left on a gravel road. And there you are.
How is that not perfect afternoon spent on the West coast?
Overall thoughts of Die Strandloper, as they say, local is lekker. With its rustic vibe, friendly people, open fire cooking, the atmosphere is something you need to experience; it reflects genuine West Coast hospitality. Strandloper has become a set tradition for us over the years. The are the  best seafood restaurant in Langebaan and maybe even the West Coast, Die Strandloper.Â
(update, we have not been able to visit SA since 2019, so we are missing this experience and looking forward to it, hopefully shortly.)
Tips- Book in advance, for over beverages they have a cash bar. Bring a spare set of clothing and your cozy.
Let us know if you have been to Die Strandloper, in our opinion the best seafood restaurant in Langebaan.
xxx
See you soonÂ
*Translations (according to what I know and grew up with)
Afrikaans –> English / meaning
- Harders:Â South African mullet fish
- Bokkoms: Salted and dried mullets
- Gebraaide / braai: barbeques South African style
- Snoek:Â A type of fishÂ
- Bredie: Stew
- Kreef: Lobster
- Moerkoffie: Brew coffee
- Plaas brood: Direct translated it is Farm bread, freshly baked bread
- Roosterkoek: Direct translated grilled cake/ a type of bread roll grill on the braai (see above picture)
- Koeksisters: Direct translated cake sisters / It is twisted dough, deep-fried and dipped in syrup
Published : 14 Nov 2016 / Updated 09 Dec 2021
Disclosure:Â Opinions expressed here are my own.
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