Cuisine in South Africa

Signature dishes

Braai

South African-style barbecue where meat and sausages are grilled boldly over charcoal.

Region: Nationwide
Main ingredients: Beef, Boerewors sausage, Lamb, Cornmeal

Bobotie

Spiced minced meat with egg custard baked in oven, traditional Afrikaans home cooking.

Region: Western Cape
Main ingredients: Minced beef, Curry powder, Raisins, Eggs

Biltong

Dried meat jerky flavored with coriander.

Region: Nationwide
Main ingredients: Beef, Vinegar, Spices

Potjiekos

Stew slow-cooked in iron pot. Outdoor cooking staple.

Region: Rural areas
Main ingredients: Lamb, Vegetables, Wine, Herbs

Bunny Chow

Fast food of Indian origin where hollowed bread loaf is filled with curry.

Region: Durban
Main ingredients: Bread loaf, Chicken curry, Legumes

Chakalaka

Vegetable bean side dish with curry flavor, essential for braai.

Region: Townships
Main ingredients: Beans, Tomatoes, Onions, Curry powder

Maramarakhoto

Sotho cuisine combining cornmeal porridge with sour milk.

Region: Free State
Main ingredients: Mealie meal, Sour milk

Koeksister

Traditional pastry of syrup-soaked twisted donuts.

Region: Western Cape
Main ingredients: Wheat flour, Syrup, Cinnamon

Melktert

Cinnamon-scented milk custard tart.

Region: Afrikaner
Main ingredients: Milk, Eggs, Pastry dough

Amasi

Fermented sour milk beverage popular for cooling down.

Region: Zulu
Main ingredients: Milk, Lactic acid bacteria