Food Jams: A Unique Blend of Culinary Delights, Friendship, and Music
Located in the heart of Cape Town, Food Jams is an innovative culinary establishment that offers a oneofakind experience for food enthusiasts. Unlike traditional cooking classes, Food Jams combines the art of cooking with the joy of music and friendship. This concept was born out of the founder's passion for jazz and cooking, and has been thriving since 2010.
Located in the heart of Cape Town, Food Jams is an innovative culinary establishment that offers a one-of-a-kind experience for food enthusiasts. Unlike traditional cooking classes, Food Jams combines the art of cooking with the joy of music and friendship. This concept was born out of the founder’s passion for jazz and cooking, and has been thriving since 2010.
The Birth of Food Jams
The founder, a jazz student, found immense satisfaction in collaborating with fellow musicians during impromptu jam sessions. These sessions often left her feeling both fulfilled and hungry. She realized that food could be used as a means of collaboration, and envisioned a space where people could cook together instead of playing music. The first Food Jams event was held in her parents’ kitchen on 4 February 2010, and the concept has been evolving ever since.
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A Unique Experience
What sets Food Jams apart from traditional cooking classes is the sense of camaraderie and adventure that participants feel. The experience starts with a countdown, and everyone begins cooking at the same time. Participants are divided into groups, provided with expert tips, and surrounded by friends while grooving to music. Once the clock stops, a harmonious culinary magic emerges, with the dishes becoming the centerpiece of a harvest table for all to enjoy.
The Team Behind the Magic
Food Jams is supported by a dedicated team that ensures every event is a success. Juanita van Vuuren, a supermom and experienced professional, has been part of Food Jams since its inception. Jade de Waal, a multi-talented individual who published three cookbooks by the age of 21 and toured as a jazz musician, co-founded Food Jams in 2010. Jocelyn Myers-Adams, a culinary industry expert and founder of JMA Consulting, is an invaluable partner at Food Jams, heading education and innovation.
Unique Venues and Offerings
Food Jams hosts unique workshops at various Cape Town locations, with each venue adding its distinct charm to the experience. Soute Studio in Salt River can accommodate up to 60 guests cooking together in a spacious and vibrant atmosphere. Studio Jade in Woodstock provides a more intimate setting, catering to up to 13 guests for a cozy cooking session. Inawestays in Gardens offers an inviting space for collaborative culinary adventures with room for up to 24 guests.
Aside from traditional cooking classes, Food Jams offers a variety of workshops and events to cater to diverse interests. Guests can learn about candle making, pottery, skincare products, gin making, plant-based cuisine, street art, and dumpling making.
Join the Culinary Adventure
If you want to be part of this unique culinary adventure, reach out to Juanita van Vuuren at [email protected] for bookings and inquiries. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience that celebrates the harmonious blend of food, friends, and music.
Lerato Mokena is a Cape Town-based journalist who covers the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene with a focus on emerging voices from Khayelitsha to the Bo-Kaap. Born and raised at the foot of Table Mountain, she brings an insider’s eye to how creativity shapes—and is shaped by—South Africa’s complex social landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, Lerato can be found surfing Muizenberg’s gentle waves or debating politics over rooibos in her grandmother’s Gugulethu kitchen.
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