Sites like Meetup – and dare we say it, the Tinder app – have gone some way towards making the process of meeting new people and making new friends less excruciating. But if you love food and wine – or aren’t a fan of people posing with tigers, there are some other options. Whether you’re looking to meet people in a new city – or just expand your social circle, here are a few of our favourite foodie festivities where you can meet, eat and be merry.

1. Go Food Jamming (Cape Town)
Saxophonist and MasterChef SA contestant Jade de Waal created Food Jams as an excuse to bring a group of foodies together in her favourite space, the kitchen. At each event, guests are paired into teams, preferably with strangers, and each given a portion of that night’s meal to prepare by following the recipe – or putting their own spin on a recipe.

The six-course menus constantly change and are often set to a theme or cuisine. Wine, cocktails and beers will keep you relaxed while cooking up a storm. At the end of the Food Jam, everyone is invited to sit around a big table and tuck into their culinary creations. The Food Jams are usually held in her parent’s beautiful house in the city bowl in Cape Town – but check out foodjams.co.za to find details of upcoming events.

2. Attend an Off the Wall event (Pretoria)
Khanya Mzongwana’s quirky mobile restaurant offers vibrant food, music and a chance to meet new and interesting people. The menu changes for each pop-up event, but signature dishes include slow-roasted pull-apart lamb shoulder with pomegranate, Danish feta, fresh figs and mint; and pickled aubergine and chakalaka tortillas with coriander yoghurt.

A breakfast burrito at an Off the Wall event.

The pop-up restaurant is held at a different, trendy space every time. The next Off the Wall event will be on the 26th of September at +27 Café. Send an email to info@groundedat.co.za to make a booking. You can also reach Off The Wall Pop-Up Restaurant on Facebook, via email at offthewallpopup@gmail.com or on 061 257 4475.

3. Go to a Zak & Tonic pop-up (Durban)
Besides serving up delicious food at markets and festivals, this foodie duo enjoy exploring food of the world and presenting it to Durbanites at their numerous pop-up restaurants around the city. Think fun-filled gourmet burger and craft beer nights, Asian-inspired evenings, or Italian feasts held at one long table, al fresco-style. For more information about upcoming pop-up’s best keep your eyes on Zak & Tonic’s Facebook page for announcements.

4. Request an invitation to Secret Eats (Cape Town, Durban, Joburg and Pretoria)
Secret Eats is an exclusive, invitation-only dining experience. Which might sound intimidating – until you realize that you can request an invitation. The philosophy behind this secret supper club is to bring together food-lovers and great chefs to have a unique culinary experience over the course of an evening.

As a Secret Eats member, an invitation is extended for a night of feasting at an undisclosed location. After guests accept an invitation, the location remains a secret until the day of the event creating a sense of mystery. The thrilling and glamorous venues can range from private homes overlooking the ocean to dramatic warehouse spaces.

People having dinner and ejoying each others company at Secret Eats.

Seats are limited to create an intimate evening of dining. To request an invitation, simply visit .

5. Attend a Spier Secret Dinner (Cape Town and surrounds)
The season of Spier Secret Dinners has begun and they’ve tracked down the most exciting, original foodie thinkers to throw intimate, unforgettable dinners paired with Spier’s Creative Block blends.

Building up to the annual Spier Secret festival, a series of secret dinners will be held with selected industry leaders in various locations across Cape Town. Focusing on community and sustainable and ethical food production, hosts will be creating unforgettable experiences in which they will share their knowledge, skills and ultimately, their table with you.

Seats are limited so book your place at the next dinner on spiersecret.co.za.

A night setting at a Spier Secret Dinner.