Africa, Food, South Africa

Food in South Africa: The 7 best dishes

September 7, 2023
Adelina Bünte

The food is as diverse as South Africa's culture. Dishes include a combination of African, Dutch, Indian and Malay flavors and techniques. Discover the culinary side of South Africa. From spicy bobotie to crispy biltong, here are 7 dishes that will send your palate on a taste journey!

Bobotie - South Africa's national dish

Bobotie is a traditional casserole. It is made from seasoned minced meat, often lamb or beef. It is baked with a mixture of eggs, milk and spices and covered with a layer of spicy apricot jam or chutney. The taste of bobotie is unique. It is a combination of sweet, savory and spicy at the same time. It is often served with yellow rice and fried banana.

Biltong

Biltong is one of the most popular snacks in South Africa. It is made from thinly sliced meat. The meat is mostly beef or game. It is marinated with spices and then air-dried. Biltong is very high in protein and perfect for on the go or as part of a delicious appetizer. There are different flavors like chili, garlic and even sweet variants.

Boerewors

South African sausage Boerewors is a mixture of beef, pork and spices. The sausage has a coarse texture and a hearty taste. The flavor is accompanied by a smoky note, which makes the sausage particularly spicy. Boerewors is especially popular at barbecues. It is usually served with bread, mustard and chutney.

Bunny Chow

The popular street food dish Bunny Chow consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with various savory fillings. Traditionally it is filled with curry, either with meat or also with vegetables. It is a delicious and filling dish that is often eaten with the hands.

Potjiekos

The traditional stew potjiekos is cooked in a cast-iron pot over an open flame. It contains various meats and vegetables. The slow cooking process ensures that all the flavors blend well together and the meat becomes tender and juicy. Bread and rice are often served with it.

Malva pudding

The traditional dessert Malva pudding is soaked in syrup and served with a warm vanilla sauce. Malva is incredibly delicious and has a sticky consistency. Often the pudding is garnished with a scoop of ice cream or cream.

Milk Tart

The popular dessert Milk Tart consists of a crispy dough crust and a creamy filling. The milk tart has a delicate vanilla flavor and is often attended to with a pinch of salt.

Pap en Sous and Chakalaka

You will often come across these two side dishes in South Africa as they are very popular. Pap en Sous is a corn porridge served with a sauce. The sauce consists of various ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices and sometimes meat. It gives the pap a delicious taste and makes it more hearty. Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable side dish. It consists of a mixture of different vegetables such as peppers, beans, onions, carrots and spices. The chakalaka adds a pleasant spiciness to the meals.

Vegan and vegetarian dishes in South Africa

Even if the dishes in South Africa are not explicitly declared as vegan or vegetarian, some dishes are vegan or vegetarian in themselves. You can choose from several traditional dishes:

Bunny Chow: The hollowed out loaf is available as a vegan version.
Chakalaka: The spicy vegetable dish is a vegan side dish.
Pap: The corn porridge is suitable for vegans and can be eaten with vegetables and a hot sauce.
Lens Bobotie: The traditional minced meat casserole is also increasingly prepared with lentils. The lentil bobotie is made with eggs, which makes it a vegetarian dish.
Geelrys: The yellow rice is flavored with turmeric and is a side dish that is vegan.
Samoosas: The filled dumplings are often available with vegetables and cheese.
Malva Pudding: Malva pudding is a vegetarian dessert.
Plantain Chips: Plantain chips are suitable as a snack for in between and are also vegan. Here, banana slices are deep-fried and then seasoned. Spices such as garlic powder or chili are often used.

In principle, many dishes are available as vegan or vegetarian versions. To be on the safe side, you should ask beforehand whether animal products are used and how the dish is prepared.