The Best Things to Eat and Drink in South Africa

Embark on a gastronomic journey through the vibrant flavors of South Africa. When planning your South Africa tours, indulge in the diverse culinary landscape that awaits. From savoring traditional dishes like braai and biltong to sampling street food delights and exquisite South African wines, the country offers a culinary adventure.

In this article, we delve deep into the heart of South African cuisine, exploring the intricate blend of flavors, textures, and influences that make it truly unique. Join us as we uncover the essence of food and drink in South Africa, from the bustling streets of Cape Town to the serene vineyards of the Western Cape.

Local/Traditional Foods in South Africa

Braai (Barbecue)

Braai is not just a way of cooking meat; it's a cultural phenomenon in South Africa. It involves grilling various meats, from sausages to steaks, over an open flame. The meat is often marinated in a mix of spices and sauces, giving it a unique flavor. Pap, a staple maize meal dish, is commonly served alongside, along with chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish.

Potjie

Potjie is a traditional South African stew cooked in a three-legged cast-iron pot, known as a "potjie pot." This slow-cooked dish is a cornerstone of South African cuisine, often prepared over an open fire or on a stove. Potjie recipes vary widely, but common ingredients include meat (such as beef, lamb, or chicken), vegetables, and spices. The stew simmers for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and resulting in tender, flavorful meat and rich, hearty gravy. Potjie gatherings are a social affair, bringing friends and family together to enjoy this delicious and comforting meal.

Bunny Chow

This iconic dish originated in the Indian community of Durban. It's essentially a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. The bread serves as both a container and an accompaniment to the flavorful curry, which can be made with chicken, beef, or vegetables. It's a messy but incredibly satisfying meal.

Bobotie

Bobotie is a savory dish with sweet and tangy undertones, reflecting South Africa's diverse culinary influences. It consists of spiced minced meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with onions, garlic, and curry powder, topped with an egg custard and baked until golden brown. It's often served with yellow rice, chutney, and sliced banana, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Biltong and Droewors

Biltong and droewors are quintessential South African snacks, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Biltong is a cured meat, similar to beef jerky but thicker and juicier. It's typically made from beef or game meat and marinated in a mixture of vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices before being air-dried. Droewors, on the other hand, is a type of dried sausage made from the same meat mixture. Both biltong and droewors are rich in flavor and protein, making them ideal snacks for on-the-go or as part of a leisurely braai.

Vetkoek

Vetkoek, meaning "fat cake" in Afrikaans, is a beloved South African pastry. It consists of deep-fried dough, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Vetkoek can be served sweet or savory, depending on the filling. Sweet options include syrup or jam, while savory fillings often include minced meat, cheese, or curry. It's a versatile dish that's enjoyed as a snack, breakfast, or even a main course.

Local/Traditional South African Drinks

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, indigenous to the Cederberg region of South Africa. It has a distinctive reddish-brown color and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants and is believed to have various health benefits, including promoting heart health and aiding digestion. It's often enjoyed plain or with a splash of milk and honey.

Amarula Cream Liqueur

Amarula is a popular South African cream liqueur made from the fruit of the marula tree, also known as the "elephant tree" due to its importance to elephants. The fruit is fermented, distilled, and then blended with cream to create a smooth and velvety liqueur with hints of caramel, vanilla, and tropical fruit. It's often enjoyed over ice as a digestif or used in cocktails and desserts.

Umqombothi

Umqombothi is a traditional African beer brewed by the Zulu and Xhosa people of South Africa. It's made from fermented maize (corn), sorghum, and sometimes malt, giving it a thick and grainy texture with a slightly sour taste. Umqombothi plays an important role in traditional ceremonies and celebrations, symbolizing unity and community.

Pinotage Wine

Pinotage is a unique South African red wine grape variety, created in the early 20th century by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (also known as Hermitage). It's known for its deep purple color, bold flavors, and distinctive aromas of plum, blackberry, and smoky oak. Pinotage wines range from light and fruity to full-bodied and complex, making them versatile and suitable for pairing with a wide range of dishes, including barbecue, stews, and game meats.

Traditional South African Desserts/Treats

Malva Pudding

Malva pudding is a decadent and indulgent South African dessert with Dutch origins. It's a moist and sticky sponge cake made with apricot jam and soaked in a hot syrup after baking. The pudding is typically served warm, accompanied by a creamy vanilla or custard sauce. It's rich, comforting, and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.

Koeksisters

Koeksisters are a sweet and syrupy treat that originated in the Cape Malay community of South Africa. They consist of twisted strands of dough that are deep-fried until golden brown and then soaked in a spiced sugar syrup. The syrup seeps into the crispy exterior, creating a sticky and indulgent texture. Koeksisters are often enjoyed as a special treat during festivals, celebrations, or with a cup of tea or coffee.

Melktert

Melktert, meaning "milk tart" in Afrikaans, is a beloved South African dessert with Dutch and Cape Malay influences. It features a sweet pastry crust filled with a creamy, custard-like filling made from milk, sugar, flour, and eggs. The tart is baked until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown, then dusted with cinnamon before serving. Melktert is creamy, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.

Peppermint Crisp Tart

Peppermint crisp tart is a popular South African dessert made with layers of Tennis biscuits (coconut biscuits), whipped cream, caramel, and grated Peppermint Crisp chocolate. The biscuits are layered in a dish, alternating with a mixture of caramel and whipped cream, then topped with grated Peppermint Crisp chocolate for a crunchy and refreshing finish. The dessert is chilled until set, allowing the flavors to meld together, creating a deliciously indulgent treat.

Hertzoggie

Hertzoggies are delightful South African cookies named after General J.B.M. Hertzog, a former prime minister of the country. They consist of a buttery shortbread crust filled with a sweet and sticky apricot jam mixture, topped with a coconut meringue. The cookies are baked until golden brown and the meringue is lightly toasted, resulting in a deliciously crisp and chewy texture. Hertzoggies are often enjoyed as a teatime treat or served at special occasions and celebrations.

Exploring South African cuisine is an adventure through a tapestry of flavors, blending indigenous traditions with influences from diverse cultures such as Cape Malay, Cape Dutch, and indigenous communities. From the vibrant streets of Bo-Kaap in Cape Town to the bustling markets of Johannesburg and the serene Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, culinary delights await throughout South Africa. Must-try dishes like bobotie, boerewors, and braais symbolize the nation's rich culinary heritage, while specialties such as Cape Dutch koeksisters, Knysna oysters, and KwaZulu-Natal raisins offer unique and unforgettable tastes. Whether indulging in freshly baked white bread or savoring a glass of Cap Classique in the Winelands, food and drink are a huge part of South African culture, shared and celebrated by South Africans and visitors alike. From supermarkets to local eateries, the diversity and quality of South African cuisine reflect the nation's spirit of innovation and tradition, making it a culinary journey worth embarking on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular food and drink in South Africa?

The most popular food in South Africa is undoubtedly the braai, which is a social gathering centered around grilling various meats over an open flame. Boerewors, a traditional sausage, is a staple at these gatherings, along with steaks, lamb chops, and chicken. Pap (maize meal) and chakalaka (a spicy vegetable relish) often accompany the meats. As for drinks, rooibos tea holds a special place in South African culture. It's a caffeine-free herbal tea with a unique flavor and numerous health benefits.

What is a typical South African drink? 

A typical South African drink is rooibos tea. Indigenous to the Cederberg region of South Africa, rooibos tea is a caffeine-free herbal infusion made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant. It has a distinct reddish-brown color and a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Rooibos tea is enjoyed plain or with a splash of milk and honey, and it's often consumed throughout the day.

What is the most popular meat in South Africa? 

The most popular meat in South Africa is beef, particularly when it comes to traditional dishes like braais (barbecues) and stews. Beef is versatile and commonly used in various preparations, including steaks, boerewors (sausages), and potjiekos (stews cooked in a cast-iron pot). However, lamb and chicken are also widely consumed, especially in cultural dishes like Cape Malay curries and traditional roasts.

What defines South African cuisine?

South African cuisine is a vibrant fusion of indigenous flavors, European influences, and culinary traditions brought by settlers and immigrants. It encompasses a diverse range of dishes, from hearty braais (barbecues) and traditional stews like potjiekos to spicy Cape Malay curries and seafood delicacies.

What is boerewors? 

Boerewors is a traditional South African sausage made from a blend of beef, pork, or lamb, mixed with spices such as coriander, cloves, and nutmeg. It's often coiled into a spiral shape and grilled over an open flame, making it a staple at braais (barbecues) and social gatherings.

What is Cape Malay cuisine? 

Cape Malay cuisine refers to the culinary traditions of the Cape Malay community in South Africa, characterized by its aromatic spices, bold flavors, and fusion of Malay, African, and Dutch influences. It includes dishes like bobotie, bredie (stews), and sweet treats such as koeksisters and melktert.

Is seafood popular in South African cuisine? 

Yes, seafood plays a significant role in South African cuisine, especially along the coastal regions. From fresh fish and shellfish to delicacies like crayfish (rock lobster) and snoek (a type of fish), South Africa offers a diverse array of seafood dishes prepared in various styles, including grilling, frying, and stewing.

What is South Africa's national dish?

South Africa doesn't have an official national dish, but if one were to be considered the unofficial national dish, it would likely be "Bobotie." Bobotie is a dish with Malay roots, consisting of spiced minced meat (usually beef or lamb) mixed with onions, garlic, and curry powder, topped with an egg custard and baked until golden brown. It's often served with yellow rice, chutney, and sliced banana, representing the diverse culinary heritage of South Africa. While not officially designated as the national dish, Bobotie is widely recognized and enjoyed across the country.