If you’re a foodie visiting South Africa, you’re in for a treat. As a South African myself, I have yet to visit another country that compares in quality and variety. An abundance of local fresh produce and a unique blend of cultural influences play a big part.
As a country with a colonial past, South Africa’s cuisine combines various cultures. Indigenous African traditions blend with European influences from Dutch, British, and French settlers. Indian and Cape Malay communities, with roots in India and Indonesia, add their own unique spices to the mix.
Here at Remitly, we’re proud to celebrate the diverse cuisines of our global customers in this series of traditional dishes.
Whether you’re in Cape Town, Durban, or Johannesburg, these traditional South African dishes provide a dining experience that is as diverse as it is delicious. You’ll find links to recipes in the descriptions of each food.
1. Bobotie
Starting with South Africa’s national dish, bobotie is a savory minced meat pie traditionally made with ground beef or lamb. It’s spiced with curry powder, cumin, and turmeric and balanced with dried fruits like raisins. Topped with a creamy egg custard and baked until golden brown, it’s often served with yellow rice and chutney.
The name “bobotie” is derived from the Indonesian word “bobotok,” reflecting its historical Indonesian and Dutch influences. This dish is a staple at family gatherings and festive celebrations, particularly among the Cape Malay community, who live primarily in and around Cape Town.
2. Braai
What the rest of the world calls a barbecue, we call a braai in South Africa—or a shisa nyama if you’re in the townships. The act of cooking meat over hot coals is the one commonality among all cultures in South Africa. We love it so much that we even celebrate National Braai Day on September 24th.
While meat, including boerewors (traditional sausage), is at the heart of any braai, each culture has its own favorite side dishes. In my family, we’ll always have a potato bake and various salads. Other popular accompaniments include chakalaka (a spicy vegetable relish), braaibroodjies (grilled cheese sandwiches), and braaied mielies (sweetcorn).
3. Bunny Chow
Bunny chow, affectionately known as “bunny,” is a beloved South African street food from Durban’s Indian community. Despite its name, it contains no rabbit; instead, it’s a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a flavorful meat curry, often mutton, or vegetarian versions with bean or lentil curry.
The term “bunny” comes from “Bania,” an Indian class of traders. Originating from India and created as an easy-to-carry lunch for Indian workers or a cutlery-free meal for Indian golf caddies.
Warning: for most of us, a quarter bunny is more than big enough! But, if you’re hungry, go for the full-sized version.
4. Biltong
Biltong is a form of cured, dried meat originating in Southern Africa, including countries like South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. Similar to American jerky, biltong is typically made from beef or other meats, including ostrich or kudu, and is seasoned with a distinctive blend of spices, including coriander and black pepper. The meat is cut into strips or flat pieces, dried, and cured.
The name “biltong” comes from the Dutch words “bil,” meaning rump, and “tong,” meaning strip or tongue, reflecting its preparation method. Droëwors is another popular South African dried meat snack based on the traditional coriander-spiced boerewors sausage.
If you’re road-tripping in South Africa, biltong is a great padkos (directly translated to “road food”).
5. Potjiekos
Potjiekos, literally meaning “small-pot food,” is prepared outdoors in a round, three-legged, cast-iron pot called a potjie, cooked over a small open fire using wood or charcoal. It’s commonly cooked for large groups gathered for celebrations or while camping with friends and family, where cooking over a fire is the only option.
The dish typically includes a mix of meat, vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and pumpkin, and starches like rice or potatoes, all flavored with Dutch-Malay spices.
My personal favorite is an oxtail potjie!
6. Tomato bredie
Typically made with mutton, this Afrikaner stew is slow-cooked and seasoned with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and chili. The term “bredie” means “stew” in Afrikaans but originates from Malaysia, reflecting the influence of Malay slaves brought to the Cape Colony.
Traditionally, tomato is the main ingredient, although other vegetables like pumpkin, green beans, and waterblommetjies (Cape water lily flowers) can also be used. It’s often served with rice and gets even tastier after a day or two.
7. Koeksisters and Cape Malay Koesisters
While different in texture, flavor, and origin, I’m combining these two South African sweets as they’re often confused. Traditional koeksisters are a syrup-coated, plaited doughnut of Afrikaans origin, known for their crunchy exterior and sweet, sticky finish.
Meanwhile, Cape Malay koesisters are rooted in the Cape Malay community, spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, and aniseed, and are softer, rounder, and less sweet. They are typically rolled in coconut after being soaked in syrup.
I love having either with a cup of tea or coffee—at any time of day!
8. Vetkoek
Vetkoek, also known by the Xhosa and Zulu name igwinya (plural amagwinya), is a popular street food. The word “vetkoek” literally means “fat cake” in Afrikaans, hinting at its preparation method.
This versatile dish consists of dough fried until golden and crispy, and it can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of fillings, from savory mince to sweet apricot jam. Best eaten as hot and fresh as possible!
9. Malva Pudding
Malva pudding is a much-loved South African dessert with Dutch roots. It’s a sweet, sticky cake made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and apricot jam. Once baked, it gets soaked in a warm, buttery sauce made of cream, butter, and sugar, making it deliciously moist and caramelized.
Usually served with custard or ice cream, Malva pudding is the perfect comfort food, especially for homesick South Africans living abroad.
10. Milk Tart
This one is my mom’s specialty, so a personal favorite. Milk tart, or melktert, is another traditional dessert that’s light, creamy, and absolutely delicious. It has a simple pastry crust filled with a smooth, custard-like mixture made from milk, sugar, eggs, and a touch of vanilla. Often sprinkled with a bit of cinnamon on top, it’s the perfect, light, tea-time treat.
Additional dishes to try:
South African food is as diverse as it is delicious. If you want to try even more local eats, check out the following:
- Sosatie: Traditional South African kebabs/skewers made from marinated meat skewered and grilled to perfection.
- Cape Malay curry: Influenced by Asian flavors, featuring a blend of spices, meat, and vegetables.
- Pap: A staple food in South Africa, made from maize meal and enjoyed with a variety of savory accompaniments.
- Gatsby: Popular South African fast food, a gatsby is a large sandwich filled with meats, chips, and sauces, perfect for sharing.
What are some must-try dishes for a first-time visitor to South Africa?
For a first-time visitor to South Africa, must-try dishes include biltong, boerewors, chakalaka, pap, malva pudding, and koeksisters. If possible, join a local braai to experience these foods and the unique “kuier” (social gathering) of South Africans coming together. Can’t find a friendly local? Many restaurants serve authentic braai cuisine, offering both delicious food and a warm, communal experience.
Also, don’t miss out on trying the traditional Cape Malay cuisine in Cape Town, from bobotie to Cape Malay curry and koesisters.
Exploring South African Cuisine in Europe and beyond
If you want to savor authentic South African dishes like bobotie, biltong, and bunny chow outside the country, major cities with large South African expat communities are your best bet. Many South Africans live in the UK, Australia, Portugal, UAE, and Canada, with many opening up South African restaurants and cafés.
Additionally, Nando’s, a South African chain specializing in Portuguese flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, brings a taste of South Africa to 30 countries worldwide.
More about South Africa
Check out Remitly’s blogs on South Africa to learn more about living in or visiting this fascinating country.
- 6 Essential Facts about South African Money
- Send Money to South Africa in 5 Simple Steps
- South African Farm Workers’ Guide to Sending Money Home: 2024 Update
- Discover Fascinating Facts about Bobotie: South Africa’s National Dish
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the staple foods in South Africa?
Some staple dishes to be found on most South Africans’ tables are chaklaka (a vegetable dish) and pap (a starchy maize porridge).
Where can I try South African traditional dishes outside of the country?
Major cities in many countries have South African restaurants. Nando’s is a popular world-wide food chain that serves South African-style dishes.
What are typical ingredients in South African food?
South African dishes often revolve around a meat, but fresh vegetables and interesting spices are also prominent ingredients.
