Posted on Monday, 18 November 2024

From spicy sausages and BBQs to inventive takes on Indian curry and the humble chip butty, South Africa’s kaleidoscopic cuisine has made it a hot destination for adventurous food lovers.

South Africa’s exciting food landscape is informed by its tapestried history, which has seen many different cultures drawn together. Here you’ll find mouthwatering Zulu barbecues, fabulous inventions such as the Gatsby sandwich (a vast chip butty augmented with meat or fish), and thrilling takes on classic Indian cuisine.

Is South African food veggie-friendly?

The nation’s dishes arguably serve the meat lover best - with a distinct focus on freshly grilled meats, sausages, and fish. But there’s enough local cuisine to keep the vegetarian satisfied, not least because of the nation’s strong Indian influence. Vegans may have to plan their mealtimes a little more but there are still a lot of options in places like Cape Town, where specialist vegan outlets do exist.

So, if you're ready to start planning your South African food adventure, take a look at the following dishes, proving that the Rainbow Nation is as enticing for food lovers as anywhere on Earth…

 

 

Bunny Chow - Curry Loaf

Love curry? Adore bread? Then bunny chow is a must-try street food on any trip to South Africa. Originating in Durban’s Indian community, this hearty meal comprises a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry. While beef and mutton versions are common, it’s also possible to find vegetarian bunny chow.

Around 10% of the South African population identify as vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian, and many of these are from the county’s Hindu community, which was established when the British brought over Indians to work on the nation’s railways and plantations. At around 80 rand, or £3.50, this meal is as affordable as it is delicious.

Boerewors Roll - South African Hot Dog

Fans of hot dogs will be delighted to know South Africa has its very own version - called the Boerewors Roll. ‘Boerewors’ translates from Afrikans as ‘farmer’s sausage’, and usually comprises beef, pork, and spices such as nutmeg and coriander.

Grilled on a barbecue called a ‘braai’, Boerewors is served in a soft white bun and topped with fried onions, and sauces like mustard or chilli. You can fill up on these for about 50 rand (£2.20). Other variants of this super-popular South African street food are served with a polenta porridge.

 

Vetkoek - Deep Fried Dough Balls

Given the translation “fat cake”, Vetkoek might not sound too appealing if you’re on a diet. However, it’s worth ignoring your doctor’s advice at least once, since this is an intensely satisfying South African foodie treat. Vetkoek are essentially deep fried dough balls with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

They are usually sliced open and filled with ground beef, cheese, or chicken, although sweet versions containing apricot jam are also available. Comparable to the Dutch oliebol and the Caribbean Johnny cake, street vendors and food market outlets offer these for about 25 rand. There’s also a township version of vetkoek called “Amagwinya” - which is filled with liver, polony, fish, and sometimes even cheese.

 

Samosas

Most Brits will already be familiar with these delicious deep fried pastry parcels. As in India and the UK, South African samosas are filled with spiced potatoes, peas and onions, with the addition of beef or fish in the non-vegetarian versions. These are a popular South African street food and are an inexpensive on-the-go treat.

 

The Gatsby sandwich

Hailing from Cape Town, the Gatsby is a kind of huge chip butty made with a baguette-style loaf. Unlike the UK version, it also contains polony sausage, calamari or fish, which has been deep-fried. Gatsby sandwiches are so large that they are often shared by families or groups of friends.

A certain Mr Pandy created the meal in his Cape Town eatery in 1976, making the Gatsby a must if you’re visiting the city. You can still enjoy the original in Mr Pandy’s Super Fisheries, Athlone (54 rand; £2.60), but many other places sell Gatsby sandwiches across Cape Town - since it’s one of the city’s most traditional dishes.

 

Walkie Talkies

Feeling brave? Then keep your head and put your best foot forward, with a bowl of Walkie Talkies. The unusual name is derived from the two main ingredients: chicken feet and heads. These are marinated in various spices, then fried or grilled.

This most off-beat of South African street food options originates from the townships, where every part of the chicken is used. If this meal takes your fancy, be careful when searching for outlets on Google Maps, or you may end up in an electronics store!

 

Shisa Nyama - South African BBQ

Translated from Zulu as “burn the meat”, shisa nyama is essentially a barbecue of various meats which have been flavoured with sauces. Shisa nyama are often enjoyed in a social context, among family or friends.

One of the best known places to try this hearty, traditional dish is at Tollies in Jozi, Johannesburg. Originally a salon owner, Tollie began his barbecue business after realising his customers wanted to eat while waiting for their hair to be done. You can learn more about his story on YouTube.

 

Pap en Vleis (“Pap and Meat”)

Pap en Vleis - or “pap and meat” - is usually served at braai barbecue spots. It’s a hearty polenta-style porridge served with Boerewors sausage (see above) grilled steak or chicken, and accompanied with a tomato and onion gravy.

This classic local cuisine is also frequently served with a side of “chakalaka” - a relish of vegetables, tomatoes and beans. Chakalaka itself is beloved across South Africa, and is a go-to for visiting vegans and vegetarians who may struggle to find meat-free dishes in South Africa.

 

Biltong - South African Jerky

Comparable to beef jerky, biltong is a chewy, protein-packed snack made from beef, ostrich, or sometimes even chicken. It is first marinated in vinegar and spices, before being air dried for several days. Served by street food vendors and food markets nationwide. Those with loose dentures should probably avoid this one!

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