South African Foods & Restaurants

Take a look at this list of top 12 South African foods to try in order to get the best picks from dishes with local, Dutch, Malay and French influences. South Africa is by far the most cosmopolitan country in Africa and has a mature tourism industry. There is so much to do and see from going on safari to visiting townships; taking indulgent food and wine tours in the Cape to visiting a foodie haven in Durban. However due to the number of South African migrants worldwide, you no longer have to travel very far to experience a taste of South Africa. Although nothing beats the authentic experience that travel brings, that South African experience may be closer than you think.

  1.  Chakalaka

 Chakalaka is a very simple and easy to make relish which has grown out of the townships of South Africa's cities. Usual components are baked beans, curry, peppers and carrots. It is almost impossible to find a South African bbq (braai) without chakalaka.

 

2.  Biltong

From its humble beginnings as a cured meat made purely for preservation, to the spicy snack it is today, biltong is ubiquitously one of the top South African foods to try. It is loved by many a South African, but may be an acquired taste for others. If you have tried beef jerky and loved it, it is highly likely that biltong will go down very well.

3.  Potjiekos

Potjiekos is a quintessential South African dish born purely out of necessity to cook whilst on the move in the out doors. With its roots set in an Afrikaaner tradition which supposedly emerged during the Great Trek, potjiekos has come a long way; yet it is part and parcel of South Africa's food cuture as we know it today. 

4.  Durban Chicken Curry

An introduction to Durban curries, this chicken curry recipe is quick and easy. The results are very satisfying. You end up with a moreish and comforting curry that goes very well with basmati rice and a sambal on the side.

 5. Bunny chow

Bunny chow is another popular South African food, but it is of Durban origin. It basically entails a hollowed out half-loaf filled with delicacies. Some of the delicacies that are used in bunny chow include curry lamb, chicken or beef but in some instances, it can be vegetarian in nature.

Bunny chow Bunny chow is another popular South African food, but it is of Durban origin. It basically entails a hollowed out half-loaf filled with delicacies. Some of the delicacies that are used in bunny chow include curry lamb, chicken or beef but in some instances, it can be vegetarian in nature.

Read more: http://buzzsouthafrica.com/south-african-food/

Bunny chow Bunny chow is another popular South African food, but it is of Durban origin. It basically entails a hollowed out half-loaf filled with delicacies. Some of the delicacies that are used in bunny chow include curry lamb, chicken or beef but in some instances, it can be vegetarian in nature.

Read more: http://buzzsouthafrica.com/south-african-f

6.  Milk Tart

Milk tart, otherwise known as melktert in Afrikaans, is South Africa's milky answer to the traditional custard tart. A recipe imported by the Dutch, yet melktert is a part of the fabric of South African food that every year, the 27th of February is celebrated in South Africa as the official milk tart day.

 

7.  Apricot Blatjang

Apricot blatjang is a South African chutney made with dried apricots. It is the perfect condiment that goes well with cheese or even bobotie. Is this a chutney, you may ask? Yes, it is a chutney. But not all chutneys qualify as blatjangs. 

 

8.  Malva Pudding

Malva pudding is a South African dessert with its origins in the Cape. It is said to have been created by the Dutch settlers and incorporates apricot jam in the recipe. It is so decadent and is comparable to sticky toffee pudding, but it is so much better. Trust me!

 

 

9.  Pap

Pap is the South African name for the stiff cornmeal porridge which is so famous across the African continent. It is an essential dish at braais (South African barbecues) and is perfect for scooping up thick and tasty sauces and stews. 

 

 

10. Boerewors

Boerewors is a high quality sausage often spiralled into a circular shape, as it is presented. It is made using a high content of meat and can be made of beef, pork or game meat. It is a must have at a braai.

  11. Beef Bobotie

Bobotie is a purely South African dish made with minced or shredded meat, fruit and spices. It is topped off with a savoury custard and bay leaves and baked in an oven until the custard is ready. 

 

12. Braai 

Braai is basically roast meat. Braai as a delicacy has been elevated to the level of an art form due to its popularity amongst the general population most specifically white South Africans

Droewors

Read more: http://buzzsouthafrica.com/south-african-food/2/

 13. Droewors

Droewors is a spiced sausage and can be generally regarded as a smaller, thinner version of boerewors but without the pork. They are usually sundried like biltong and have a longer shelf life when compared to boerewors.

 

Restaurants 

 

Mzansi 

45 Harlem Avenue | Langa, Cape Town Central 7455, South Africa | >website link<

 

“Great experience in Africa.highly recommendable.”

" Like everything. the Food, the Music, Dance (Pata Pata) the story about the restaurant, the interaction with other guests. I was wonderful. Total Immersion. thank Mzansi."

    

Cape Town Fish Market  

 180 Msasani Bay, Dar es Salaam, Tanzaniaa |  website

 

“Just like in SA”

"Nice food, nice location, nice staff, busy, fast service. The food was actually very good and combined with the great service this is a place to go back to. The location is perfect on the bay with all outside tables looking onto the water."