In South Africa, you’ll find a vibrant cuisine influenced by indigenous, Dutch, French, Indian, and Malaysian cultures. Don’t miss a traditional al fresco braai
In South Africa, you’ll find a vibrant cuisine influenced by indigenous, Dutch, French, Indian, and Malaysian cultures. Don’t miss a traditional al fresco braai, a cultural barbecue experience, followed by a melktert (custard-filled pastry) and a glass of Amarula liqueur.
Here are 10 dishes to try:
- Biltong & Droewors: Air-dried meats, traditionally beef or game, cured with vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices, often with added flavors like chili or garlic.
- Boerewors: A coiled sausage made from beef mixed with pork or lamb, cooked on a braai, and derived from Afrikaans/Dutch words for “farmer’s sausage.”
- Cape Malay Curry: Fragrant curries from Cape Town using spices like cinnamon and turmeric, introduced by Indonesian, Indian, and Malaysian slaves.
- Malva Pudding: A sweet, sticky baked sponge with apricot jam, served with hot cream sauce, similar to British sticky toffee pudding.
- Chakalaka & Pap: Chakalaka is a spiced vegetable dish served with pap, a starchy dish made from white corn maize, often accompanied by braaied meat.
- Braai/Shisa Nyama: A social barbecue experience with various meats, originating from Johannesburg townships.
- Bunny Chow: Durban street food of hollowed bread filled with spicy curry, created by Indian immigrants.
- Amarula Don Pedro: A dessert-cocktail blend of Amarula liqueur and ice cream, found in bars or made at home.
- Bobotie: The national dish, made with spiced minced meat, topped with egg and milk, and baked.
- Melktert: A pastry filled with milk, eggs, and sugar, dusted with cinnamon, a true comfort food.
Have you visited South Africa? Share your favorites, and explore more authentic dishes in our Travel section.
