South Africa

What to eat in South Africa: top 10 dishes

Traveling to South Africa? These are the ten dishes it is best known for, from everyday staples to festive classics, with a short background and a tip on where and when to eat each one. Ranked by how widely they are known around the world.

01
Bobotie
Bobotie is a South African dish consisting of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping. It is not however a national dish.
Travel tip A homestyle Cape dish served at family meals and in restaurants specializing in traditional South African food. It is often eaten with yellow rice and a sweet chutney.
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02
Bunny chow
Bunny chow, often referred to simply as a bunny, is an Indian South African fast food dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry and a serving of salad on the side. It originated among Indian South Africans of Durban.
Travel tip A Durban street food and takeaway classic, eaten with your hands by tearing off pieces of the bread to scoop up the curry. Expect it to be messy and filling.
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03
Chakalaka
Chakalaka is a South African vegetable relish, usually spicy, that is traditionally served with bread, pap, samp, stews, or curries.
Travel tip Served as a side dish at braais and family meals, often with pap or bread. The heat varies, so ask if you prefer it mild.
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04
Vetkoek
Vetkoek is a traditional South African fried dough bread. It is similar to the Caribbean Johnny cake, the Dutch oliebol, and the Mexican sopaipillas.
Travel tip Sold at roadside stalls, markets, and bakeries, and eaten filled with mince or curry, or with jam or cheese. It is a filling snack or light meal.
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05
Potjiekos
In South Africa, a potjiekos, literally translated "small-pot food", is a dish prepared outdoors. It is traditionally cooked in a round, cast iron, three-legged cauldron, the potjie.
Travel tip A slow-cooked outdoor meal, usually made for a weekend gathering with friends and family. It is a social event, so expect to wait and share.
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06
Koeksister
A koeksister is a traditional Afrikaner confectionery made of fried dough infused in syrup or honey. There is also a Cape Malay version of the dish, which is a fried ball of dough that is rolled in desiccated coconut called a koesister.
Travel tip Sold at bakeries, markets, and fêtes, and often enjoyed with tea or coffee. It is very sweet, so a small piece goes a long way.
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07
Sosatie
Sosatie is a traditional South African dish of meat (usually lamb or mutton) cooked on skewers. The term derives from sate ("skewered meat") and saus ("spicy sauce").
Travel tip Common at braais and in Cape restaurants, often marinated before grilling. Eat it straight from the skewer with a side dish.
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08
Malva pudding
Malva pudding is a baked cake or pudding of South African cuisine. It contains apricot jam and has a spongy caramelised texture. A cream sauce is always poured over it while it is hot, and it is usually served warm with cold custard and/or ice-cream.
Travel tip A popular restaurant dessert, usually served warm with custard or ice cream. It also appears at family gatherings and Sunday meals.
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09
Gatsby
A Gatsby is a South African submarine sandwich consisting of a bread roll filled with chips (French fries) and a choice of fillings and sauces. It originated in Cape Town and is popular throughout the Western Cape province.
Travel tip A Cape Town takeaway favorite, typically big enough to be shared between several people. Look for it at casual takeaway shops.
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10
Hertzoggie
A Hertzoggie, also known in Afrikaans as a Hertzogkoekie or in English as a Hertzog cookie, is a jam-filled tartlet or cookie with a coconut topping commonly served on a cup-like pastry base.
Travel tip A traditional tea-time bake, found at bakeries and home baking sales. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Description: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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