South African cuisine is a melting pot of flavours, spices and traditions. From the indigenous dishes of the Zulu and Xhosa people to the Dutch, British and Malaysian influences, South African food is as diverse as its people. One thing that unites all South Africans, however, is their love of good food.
So, if you’re looking for an amazing culinary experience, look no further than South Africa. There’s something for everyone – from mild and creamy bobotie to fiery curries and street-food favourites like bunny chow.
Cultures That Have Influenced South African Food
South African cuisine is a unique blend of dishes from a variety of cultures. The country’s diasporan population means that there is a significant Indian influence in many South African dishes.
Curries and roti are common items on restaurant menus, and spices such as garam masala and turmeric are widely used in home cooking. There is also a strong Dutch influence on South African food, due to the country’s colonial history. Dishes such as bobotie and milk tart are popular with locals and tourists alike.
Finally, South African food would not be complete without a touch of Africa. Local ingredients such as biltong (dried meat), chakalaka (a spicy vegetable relish), and mieliepap (a type of cornmeal porridge) give South African cuisine its unique flavour.
Whether you’re dishing up a traditional meal or trying something new, you’re sure to enjoy the diverse range of flavours that South Africa has to offer.
Popular Mzanzi Dishes Abroad
South African dishes are crafted and enjoyed worldwide, especially by expats hoping to impress new friends. Let’s look at some of the more common food items found abroad.
Koeksisters
This sticky, plaited doughnut, comes in two different varieties and has its origins in the Afrikaner culture. It’s the perfect anytime sweet snack, mainly enjoyed by farmers during teatime with a cup of moerkoffie (strong coffee).
Biryani
Biryani is a classic, well–kept South African Indian family secret. The dish is an intricate blend of meat, rice and authentic Indian spices.
Mogodu, iDombolo & uJeqe
Probably not for the faint–hearted, but adventurous foodies will delight in this tripe, dumplings, and steamed bread delicacy. It is best enjoyed when eaten with fingers and hands.
Isidudu & Nyama/ Pap en Vleis
This dish of pap and meat is a lunchtime staple of many South Africans. Each culture has its own unique spin on it, although the basics stay the same. The dish is also consumed by hand, with the pap rolled into hand–sized balls, dipped in the tomato and onion relish and savoured. Cabbage is an optional accompanying side to this dish.
Jollof rice
Jollof rice is one of the most well-known African dishes. Many know it as a Nigerian dish, but it originated from Senegal and is now also popular across West Africa, with each country claiming to have the best version of this iconic dish.
Jollof rice is a rich, spicy, and smoky rice dish that is cooked in one pot. It is made by putting long grain rice, tomatoes, onions, spices, and meat into one pot, along with red pepper, garlic, ginger, and Scotch bonnet chilli peppers. Any choice of meat: beef, lamb, chicken or fish can be used in jollof rice.
Jollof rice is traditionally served at formal occasions like weddings but because of the many different variations that can be made, it is now a versatile everyday meal.
The South African Restaurant and Take–Away Scene
The good news is that SA caters to the purists and the budget conscious.
High–End
One high–end restaurant to visit in South Africa is:
Hombaze African Cuisine
This restaurant is located in the urban jungle of Sandton, Johannesburg. We can highly recommend the Oxtail Pepper Soup, and the Gizdodo (chicken gizzards with ripe plantain).
Affordable
Even though, you might not be rolling in the Randela’s (money) you can still enjoy true African cuisine from some of SA’s finest, home–grown and proudly South African restaurants, such as:
Lokshini Kitchen and Braai Shack
This affordable hidden South African gem is ready to serve SA favourites such as Amangqina (beef trotters), and Umleqwa (hardbody chicken).
Examples of South African Celebratory Food
No South African celebration is complete without food. Some popular menu items during festivities include:
- Malva pudding (the best SA dessert to have)
- Boerewors (beef sausage)
- Braaibroodjies (barbequed sandwiches)
- Samp (grounded corn kernels)
- Bobete (brown liver paste)
That’s a Wrap!
If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, look no further than South African food. This cuisine is as diverse as the country itself, with flavours and dishes that will take your taste buds on a journey.
Whether you want to try traditional South African food or explore the fusion of global and local flavours, there’s something for everyone in this eclectic cuisine. So, what are you waiting for? Embark on a culinary South African journey today!
