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Local food map
Cape Town (South Africa)
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Dessert
Vegetarian
Food Flavour DNA
Nutritional Values
330kcal
8gProtein
38gCarbs
17gFat
1gFibre
150 gServing
* Per serving · 150 g. May vary.
Allergens
🌾 Gluten
🥛 Dairy
🥚 Eggs
Melktert
How to order / say it
Say it
Melktert — [milk-turt]
Order
I'd like the melktert, please.
Locally
Ek wil graag die melktert hê, asseblief.
Say locally
A creamy custard tart sprinkled with cinnamon.
Why try it?
Melktert is a classic South African dessert, often accompanying tea in Cape Town. It's an expression of Afrikaner culinary tradition and a comfort food cherished by many families.
How it tastes
The tart combines a silky, creamy texture with a gentle vanilla flavor, accentuated by the spiciness of cinnamon on top. The crust is slightly crumbly, providing a contrasting texture.
Origin & History — first documented: 1670
Introduced in the 1600s by Dutch settlers, Melktert evolved with local ingredients, becoming a festive staple at gatherings, alongside tea. It's a symbol of warmth and hospitality in South Africa.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 🥛 500 ml milk
- 🍯 100 g sugar
- 🌾 50 g flour
- 🥛 50 g butter
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🧂 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 🧂 1 tsp cinnamon
Method
- 1 1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a tart pan.
- 2 2. Heat milk and sugar until dissolved, then cool slightly.
- 3 3. Mix flour and butter into a dough for the crust, press into the pan.
- 4 4. Whisk eggs and vanilla into milk, pour into crust, bake until set.
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