Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
South Africa is a vibrant country with a rich mix of cultures, which is beautifully reflected in its food. From spicy street snacks to hearty home-style dishes, food in South Africa brings people together. Influenced by African, Dutch, Indian, and Malay flavours, each bite tells a story of tradition and taste. Whether enjoying a braai or digging into a milk tart, these local dishes offer a delicious experience. Here is your guide to the best dishes and must-try favourites in South Africa.
Top 10 Foods In South Africa
Here is a list of the top 10 Foods in South Africa to enjoy the taste and that make South African cuisine truly unique.
1. Bunny Chow
Photo: Lucinda jolly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bunny Chow is a special and spicy street food that started in Durban, South Africa. It is made by taking a loaf of bread and removing the inside part. The empty space is then filled with tasty curry. The curry can be made with chicken, mutton, or beans. Bunny Chow is known for its strong taste and fun way of serving. People enjoy it at food stalls or cafés. It is a filling and flavourful meal that many people love.
Average Cost: ₹300 – 600
Locations: Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town
2. Boerewors
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
Boerewors is a type of sausage that comes from South Africa. It is made using beef, pork, and a mix of spices. People often cook it on a fire during a braai, which is a South African barbecue. Boerewors is juicy and full of flavour. It is usually eaten with pap, a soft porridge made from maise and tomato sauce. Many families enjoy it at social events or family get-togethers. Its special mix of spices gives it a tasty and rich flavour.
Average Cost: ₹250 – 450
Locations: Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth
3. Bobotie
Photo: Olivier Lemoine / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bobotie is a popular dish from South Africa. It is made with minced meat mixed with spices and raisins. On top, it has a smooth egg layer that is baked until golden. The taste is a mix of sweet and salty, which many people enjoy. It is usually eaten with yellow rice and chutney. Bobotie is warm and filling, and many people love it for its special flavour. If you want to try real South African food, Bobotie is a good dish to choose from.
Average Cost: ₹350 – 600
Locations: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, George
4. Chakalaka
Photo: Lucinda jolly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chakalaka is made with carrots, onions, tomatoes, beans, and chillies. This colourful dish is full of strong flavours. People usually eat it cold, and it tastes good with bread, pap (a soft maise porridge), or meat. Chakalaka is often served during a braai, which is a South African barbecue. It adds a hot and tasty flavour to any meal. This dish shows the love for spicy and bright food in the country.
Average Cost: ₹200 – 400
Locations: Johannesburg, Soweto, Pietermaritzburg
5. Vetkoek
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
Vetkoek is a round ball made of dough that is deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. People usually fill it with savoury mince or sometimes eat it with jam and cheese. Vetkoek is enjoyed at street stalls and local markets. It can be eaten as a meal or a tasty snack during the day. Many people like it because it is warm, filling, and easy to make. It is a well-loved part of South African food.
Average Cost: ₹150 – 300
Locations: Pretoria, East London, Kimberley
6. Pap And Sheba
Photo: ChristopherPluta / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Pap and Sheba is a simple and tasty dish from South Africa. It is made with soft maise porridge called pap and a tomato and onion sauce called Sheba. People in South Africa eat it often, at home and at special events. It is usually served with meat like sausages or stew. The sauce gives it a rich and nice flavour, and the pap makes it very filling. Pap and Sheba is one of the famous foods in South Africa that shows local traditions.
Average Cost: ₹180 – 350
Locations: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng
7. Sosaties
Photo: Anrie / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sosaties are tasty meat sticks that people in South Africa love to eat. They are made by putting pieces of meat, like lamb or chicken, onto a stick. The meat is soaked in a mix of curry spices to give it a nice flavour. Sometimes, pieces of dried fruit or vegetables are added to the meat to make it even tastier. These meat sticks are cooked on a fire, usually during a braai, which is a fun outdoor barbecue. Sosaties are often eaten with rice, salad, or bread.
Average Cost: ₹300 – 500
Locations: Cape Town, Paarl, Hermanus
8. Melktert (Milk Tart)
Melktert is a soft and creamy milk tart. It has a sweet pastry base and is topped with a little cinnamon. People in South Africa love this dessert. It is often eaten at family parties or bought from bakeries. The tart is light and not too heavy, so it is perfect for people who enjoy sweet things. Melktert comes from South Africa’s Dutch history and shows their love for homemade food. It is easy to enjoy and is a favourite for many.
Average Cost: ₹150 – 250
Locations: Stellenbosch, Knysna, Mossel Bay
9. Durban Curry
Photo: Andy Li / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Durban Curry is a hot and tasty dish from Durban, a city in South Africa. It is often made with chicken, lamb, or prawns. People use strong spices to cook it, which gives the curry a rich and deep flavour. Sometimes, potatoes are added to make it more filling. This dish is very popular with the Indian community in Durban. Many people enjoy it for its spicy and bold taste. Durban Curry is a famous dish in South Africa.
Average Cost: ₹400 – 700
Locations: Durban, Chatsworth, Phoenix
10. Biltong
Photo: Jamsta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Biltong is a type of dried meat that comes from South Africa. It is made by curing and drying meat, usually beef, but sometimes game meat or even ostrich. The meat is soaked in vinegar and mixed with simple spices like salt, pepper, and coriander. This helps keep the meat safe and gives it a nice flavour. Biltong is chewy and full of protein, which makes it a great snack for travel or eating between meals.
Average Cost: ₹300 – 600
Locations: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Windhoek
From tasty snacks to yummy sweets, the famous food in South Africa has something for everyone. Each dish is flavoured and tells a story about the country’s rich culture. Whether you are planning a trip or just love trying new dishes, South African food is a great adventure. Plan a trip with TripXL and enjoy the real flavours of South Africa today.
Cover Photo: Olga Ernst / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
