In South Africa, you’ll find dishes influenced by the indigenous population, along with the Dutch, French, Indians and Malaysians and as such it offers a vibrant cuisine that’s sure to excite the palate.
1. Boerewors
Apologies veggies, this one is for the meat lovers. Boerewors are traditional South African sausages full of taste and sizzle. A little like a Cumberland, they may not be the most exotic, but they’re made of the best local beef and, cooked up on a smoking hot grill, absolutely essential when you’re travelling on through.
2. Bunny chow
Don’t worry, Thumper is safe. No actual bunnies are harmed during the making of this curry.
Originating from Durban, this dish is usually made with chicken, mince or lamb. Too good for a mere bowl, South Africans serve it up in a crusty half loaf of bread hollowed out then filled to the brim.
Extremely cheap and totally filling, bunny chow is the perfect backpacker meal. You can find all the best ones in Durban, in places like Cane Cutter’s and Impulse by the Sea.
3. Chakalaka and pap
The name sounds exotic, but for locals this dish is a weekly staple. The chakalaka is a mix of cold veggies – like peppers, carrots, onions, tomatoes and beans – mixed in with some spice. You then use the pap, a maize and salt mixture, to scoop it up and devour it.
It’s basically a South African take on chips and dip and is an ideal pre-dinner or post-night out snack.
4. Koeksisters
Sweeten things up with South Africa’s answer to the donut. A koeksister is fried dough dipped in honey and braided into a long strip. You’ll find the best of these in Cape Malay, where the sweet treat originated from.
5. Gatsby
If, like me, you were envisaging some glamorous dish reserved only for the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio then think again, because a Gatsby in South Africa couldn’t be further away from glam.
A foot long sub, this sandwich is stuffed with all sorts – chips are a common filling – and designed for sharing with not just one friend, but up to four. South Africans, particularly those in the Cape area, view the bap as a big part of South African culture and for visitors, sampling the sarnie is a rite of passage. Top places to try it include Cape Town’s Cosy Corner, Anesa’s and Biesmiellah.
6. Smiley
Erring on the unusual side, we’re not sure you’ll be smiling once you see this dish. This is a sheep’s head that’s basically boiled until the burnt hair reveals the teeth in a smile.
A street food favourite in smaller towns, you can dig right in on the street or take it along on your next journey as an ideal bus snack. Be sure to check it comes with the brains, tongues and eyes, otherwise there’s a good chance you didn’t get enough Billy for your buck.
7. Melktart
Another one for dessert lovers, melktart is made of sugar, pastry, flour and eggs. As traditional as a goat’s head isn’t, it’s a great finish to any South African meal.
In fact, it’s loved so much that locals dedicate a whole day to it on February 27th. With every region adding its own twist, you can easily sample a few different varieties and enjoy the subtle sweetness and cheesecake consistency over and over again.
8. Amarula Don Pedro
Wash it all down with a milkshake, or is it a cocktail? It seems no one can quite decide what this thick and creamy beverage really is, but combining a love of our two favourite beverages works for us.
Made with amarula liqueur, a dollop of ice cream and a dash of cream (as if it isn’t sugary enough) it’s a sweet fix with a hard hit. A popular recipe in most family cookbooks, you’ll find it in bars and restaurants countrywide, and it’s absolutely delicious.
9 . Cape Malay curry
In the 17th century, the Dutch and French landed and settled in Cape Town, bringing slaves from Indonesia, India and Malaysia, along with their spices and traditional cooking methods. When combined with local produce, the aromatic spices such as cinnamon, saffron, turmeric and chillicreated fragrant curries and stews, which are still popular in the area today.
10. Biltong
Dried meat used mostly as a snack. “Bil” means rump and “tong” means tongue or strips in the Dutch language. You may also find stew or soups using these as main ingredients.