If there were an award for weird names for food, South Africa would probably win! These delicious and unique meals are inspired by the country’s multicultural roots.
Bunny Chow
This street food originates in the lively coastal city of Durban. It is half a bread roll stuffed with a vegetarian or meat based curry. Don’t underestimate the spiciness of this dish! You will need the bread to swipe up all the flavors and balance the heat.
Chakalaka
This simple yet refreshing dish is a mix of finely cut vegetables, baked beans, chopped tomatoes and curry powder. It is served with pap (maize porridge) or white bread rolls.
Bobotie
Often served with yellow rice, bobotie is a dish made of curried meat with raisins and topped with egg that is roasted until it's golden. It’s pronounced ‘‘ba-boor-tea’’.
Braai
South Africans are very friendly and there’s a high chance that they would invite you to a ‘‘Braai’’ which is their version of a barbeque. The men often take a lot of pride in preparing the perfect fire to cook a tasty selection of meats, while the women prepare salads, sauces and snacks. At these events you can try boerewors (a spiral sausage), putu, tomato relish, fresh salads and roasted mielies (whole corn).
Potjiekos
At a braai, you may also be treated to ‘‘potjiekos’’ which is a stew cooked in a cast iron pot over the fire, the literal translation is ‘pot food’.
Koeksisters
This sweet delicacy is an absolute must-try food! It is made of dough that is folded into this unique shape and then it is fried and soaked in syrup.
Milk tart
Similar to a custard pie or ‘pasteis de nata’, it is a crumbly pastry filled with custard made from milk, eggs and sugar that has cinnamon sprinkled on top.