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South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world with so many things to offer the visitor – wildlife, beautiful scenery, beaches, mountains, world-class wines and yes wonderful food.
It doesn’t matter where I am in the world I always look for a South African shop so I can purchase some of my favourite South African foods.
If you are visiting South Africa these are the top foods that I recommend you try when you visit this stunning country! If you like the idea of cooking some of these great dishes check out my recommended cookbooks at the end of the post.
Biltong
Biltong is dried, cured meat and is a favourite snack of South Africans. It can be made out of a variety of different meats including beef and game.
It is produced when vinegar, spices and salt dry and cure the meat. It is low in fat and absolutely delicious!
Biltong can also have different spices and flavourings such as chutney, sweet chilli, garlic or peri peri.
Bobotie
South Africa’s national dish bobotie was Nelson Mandela’s favourite food (and is mine too). This sweet curry is served with rice, chutney coconut and bananas and is delicious.
The spiced mince of the dish is topped with an egg and milk mixture before being baked in the oven. The origins of bobotie lie in the Cape-Malay community who adopted the dish when it arrived in South Africa with the Dutch.
Koeksisters
Koeksisters are a traditional Afrikaans pastries made from dough which is fried then infused with honey or syrup. No, not particularly healthy but delicious! Sweet, stick and crunchy I bet you won’t have only one!
Poitjiekos
Potjiekos (or small pot food) is prepared outside in a round cast iron pot. The pot, or potjie, is placed over a small fire and the meat and vegetables cooked slowly.
The dish originates with the Voortrekkers (Dutch speaking settlers who migrated northwards and eastwards in South Africa during the early 1800’s)
Bunny Chow
Bunny chow consists of a hollowed out loaf of bread or bun filled with curry. It possibly originated in Durban amongst the Indian sugar plantation workers. Indian shop owners used loaves of bread as take-away containers so the workers could carry their meal to the fields.
Although the name suggests the meat used is rabbit the name actually comes from “Bania” who were a caste of Indian merchants who settled in Durban.
Braai
Have a braai – not a BBQ.
In South Africa a braai (short for braaivleis) is always cooked over hot coals (not gas!) They can often be busy social events with the men all gathered around the braai with a beer in hand supervising the fire.
Deciding when the coals are just right to start cooking is always a matter for debate and god-help the host that starts cooking too soon!
If you are invited to a braai when you are in South Africa I would definitely accept!
Boerewors
So now you are at the braai and one thing you are SURE to see on there will be some boerewors.
Boerewors is a type of sausage which always contains beef and some pork and/or lamb. It consists of pure meat with some added spices.
The name boerewors is derived from the Afrikaans words for farmer – boer and sausage – wors.
Read More | 12 Essential South Africa travel tips – things NOT to do when you visit
Mielie Pap
Mealie pap is a traditional porridge made from mielie-meal (ground maize) and is usually served with a tomato and onion relish or gravy or with a stew to soak up the gravy. It is the staple meal of most South Africans.
Malva Pudding
Malva pudding is another sweet treat from South Africa. Once the sponge is baked a buttery sauce is poured over it to make it soft and sticky.
The cake is then served hot with custard or cream to produce a moist, sticky, delicious dessert!
Milk Tart
Milk tart is probably South Africa’s most iconic dessert. It is a delicious milk-based custard (with a hint of cinnamon) set in a short-crust pastry.
There is some debate about whether it should be baked or set in the fridge but either way it is delicious.
South African Cookbooks
The Classic South African Cookbook
Mouthwatering South African foods and dishes!
I am sure you will agree that these are a selection of mouthwatering South African dishes and foods. If you only try one South African food when you visit I highly recommend the bobotie!
If you are planning a trip to South Africa I recommend you read these books before you go. If you prefer movies this selection of South African films will keep you busy.
More to read!
Places to visit in South Africa (Cape Town and Cape Provinces)
12 essential South Africa travel tips – things NOT to do when you visit!
10 best South African books to read before you visit
This post may contain compensated links. Please read our disclosure for additional information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Over the last 50 years I have lived and worked in 7 countries on 4 continents and travelled to many more. I enjoy exploring and learning about new places and meeting people on my travels. History, reading, photography, nature and wildlife are my interests and I am ALWAYS researching and planning my next trip (preferably by train)
With a lifetime of travel experience, and a network of friends all over the world, I share genuine insider guides, recommended best book lists and train journey inspiration to help YOU travel authentically to some of the most beautiful places on earth.
Come and join me as I travel the world one country (and train journey) at a time!
Wow Tracy, this post made me so hungry! I want to try everything, especially that Milk Tart 🙂 Thank you for sharing all of these wonderful dishes, I’m going to save these to Pinterest and try making them in our kitchen at home.
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