South Africa is a feast for the senses. Beyond the spectacular wildlife, dramatic coastlines and world-class wine regions lies one of the world’s most fascinating food cultures. Influenced by Indigenous traditions, Dutch settlers, Malay communities, Indian immigrants and countless regional flavours, South African cuisine tells the story of the nation’s diverse heritage through every bite.
Whether you’re savouring a traditional braai under the stars, picking up freshly made biltong on a road trip, or tucking into a fragrant Cape Malay curry in Cape Town, food is an essential part of any South African adventure.
If you’re wondering what to eat in South Africa, these 15 iconic dishes and drinks deserve a spot on your culinary bucket list.
Bobotie
Widely regarded as South Africa’s national dish, bobotie is a comforting baked mince dish flavoured with aromatic spices such as curry powder, turmeric and cinnamon. The seasoned meat is topped with an egg-based custard before being baked until golden. The result is a delicious balance of savoury and sweet flavours that reflects the country’s multicultural influences. Traditionally served with yellow rice, raisins and chutney, bobotie is particularly popular in the Western Cape and is a staple on many restaurant menus. For travellers looking to experience authentic South African cuisine, bobotie is often one of the best introductions to local flavours.
Boerewors
No visit to South Africa is complete without trying boerewors. The name translates to ‘farmer’s sausage’ and refers to a coiled sausage made primarily from beef, often blended with pork or lamb and seasoned with coriander, cloves and other spices. Boerewors is a star attraction at braais (social gatherings), where it’s grilled over open flames until perfectly cooked. You’ll find it served in restaurants, roadside stalls and sporting events across South Africa. For a quick and satisfying meal, try a boerewors roll, known locally as a ‘boerie roll’, served in bread with tomato relish or onion sauce.
Biltong and Droewors
South Africa’s most famous snack has achieved international recognition. Biltong is cured and air-dried meat, traditionally beef, although game meats such as kudu and springbok are also popular. Indigenous peoples of southern Africa have used air-drying and curing techniques to preserve meat for centuries. Unlike jerky, biltong is cured with vinegar and spices before being dried, giving it a distinctive texture and flavour. Droewors, meanwhile, are dried sausages made using a similar process. You’ll find biltong shops in cities and small towns throughout South Africa. It’s the perfect snack for a safari game drive or a long journey between destinations.
Braai and Shisa Nyama
Food and social connection go hand in hand in South Africa, and nowhere is this more evident than at a braai. A braai is far more than a barbecue. It’s a way of life. Friends and family gather around open flames to cook meats, share stories and celebrate special occasions. Popular braai foods include boerewors, steak, lamb chops and chicken.
Closely related is shisa nyama, a Zulu phrase meaning ‘burn the meat’. In many townships, visitors can choose fresh meat and have it grilled on-site, often accompanied by pap, chakalaka and cold drinks. For many travellers, participating in a braai or shisa nyama experience becomes one of the most memorable moments of their South African journey.
Chakalaka and Pap
Chakalaka and pap are among South Africa’s most enjoyed side dishes. Pap is a maize porridge like polenta, served in various textures from soft and creamy to firm and sliceable. Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish that varies from region to region, typically featuring tomatoes, onions, peppers, beans and chilli. Together, they accompany many traditional meals, particularly braai dishes and grilled meats. The combination showcases the hearty and flavourful nature of South African cooking. Travellers seeking authentic township dining experiences will encounter chakalaka and pap on countless menus.
Potjiekos
Potjiekos, meaning ‘small pot food’, is a traditional slow-cooked stew prepared in a cast-iron pot over an open fire. Dating back centuries, the dish remains a cherished social tradition.
Recipes vary widely, but ingredients often include meat, vegetables and aromatic seasonings layered within the pot. The key is patience. Potjiekos is traditionally never stirred once the ingredients have been layered, allowing the flavours to develop slowly over several hours.
Durban Bunny Chow
One of South Africa’s most iconic street foods originates in Durban, home to the country’s large Indian community. Bunny chow consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with richly spiced curry. The dish was created as an affordable and portable meal and has since become a beloved South African classic. Fillings range from chicken and lamb to beans for vegetarian options. Durban is widely regarded as the best place to try bunny chow, where local restaurants fiercely debate who makes the finest version. Expect bold flavours and plenty of spice.
Cape Malay Curry
Cape Malay cuisine is one of the defining culinary traditions of Cape Town and the Western Cape. Developed by the Cape Malay community, whose ancestors included enslaved people and political exiles brought to the Cape during the Dutch colonial period, these dishes blend Asian, African and European influences. Cape Malay curries are typically fragrant rather than fiery, featuring spices such as turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon and coriander. Slow-cooked meats, vegetables and lentils create rich and comforting dishes often served with rice and sambals. Sampling Cape Malay curry offers travellers a deeper understanding of Cape Town’s cultural heritage and food history.
Vetkoek
Simple but satisfying, vetkoek translates to ‘fat cake’ and is a beloved South African comfort food. These deep-fried dough buns are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They can be served sweet or savoury. One of the most popular versions is filled with curried mince, while sweeter options may be served with syrup, jam or cheese. Vetkoek is found in local bakeries, markets and family kitchens across South Africa, offering travellers an authentic taste of everyday life.
Koeksisters
South Africans with a sweet tooth should seek out koeksisters. These plaited dough pastries are deep-fried until crisp and then soaked in cold sugar syrup. The result is a sticky, glossy treat with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and syrup-soaked centre. They are commonly enjoyed with coffee or tea. Different regional variations exist across the country, providing you with the opportunity to compare styles and flavours during your travels.
Malva Pudding
Rich, warm and deeply comforting, malva pudding is arguably South Africa’s favourite dessert. Made with apricot jam and baked until soft and spongy, the pudding is soaked in a creamy sauce immediately after baking, creating its famously indulgent texture. Usually served with custard, cream or ice cream, malva pudding is a staple on restaurant menus and lodge dining tables throughout South Africa. After a day spent on safari or exploring bustling cities, it’s the perfect way to end a meal.
Melktert
Melktert, or milk tart, reflects the country’s Dutch heritage and remains one of South Africa’s most beloved desserts. This lightly baked tart features a delicate pastry crust filled with a smooth milk-based custard. A dusting of cinnamon on top completes the dish.
Unlike heavier custard tarts found elsewhere, melktert is known for its light, silky texture. It’s a popular choice in cafés and bakeries and makes an ideal afternoon treat while sightseeing.
Amarula Don Pedro
Amarula is South Africa’s famous cream liqueur, made from the fruit of the marula tree. One of the most delicious ways to enjoy it is in a Don Pedro. This dessert cocktail combines ice cream, Amarula and sometimes additional spirits blended into a creamy, indulgent drink. Think of it as a cross between a milkshake and a cocktail. It’s especially popular in restaurants and bars across the country and offers a distinctly South African twist on after-dinner drinks.
Seafood Specialties Along the Coast
With thousands of kilometres of coastline bordering both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, the seafood offerings in South Africa are exceptional. Along the western coast, travellers can enjoy fresh Cape rock lobster (locally know as crayfish) and mussels, while the Garden Route and Eastern Cape are known for oysters and line-caught fish. In Cape Town, dishes featuring snoek, a local fish grilled over open flames, are particularly popular. Further east, Durban’s Indian Ocean location provides access to prawns, calamari and other seafood favourites. Coastal restaurants frequently showcase daily catches, ensuring meals are as fresh as possible. For seafood lovers, South Africa’s coastline provides countless opportunities to sample world-class ocean fare while enjoying spectacular views.
Where to Try the Best South African Dishes
One of the joys of travelling through South Africa is discovering how regional cuisines vary across the country.
- Cape Town and the Western Cape are ideal for Cape Malay dishes, seafood, bobotie and wine-paired dining experiences.
- Durban is the home of bunny chow and offers some of the country’s most exciting Indian-influenced cuisine.
- Johannesburg and Gauteng provide excellent opportunities to experience township food culture, shisa nyama and contemporary interpretations of classic dishes.
- The Garden Route combines fresh seafood, farm-to-table dining and award-winning local produce.
- Safari lodges throughout Kruger National Park and private game reserves often showcase traditional South African cuisine, from braais and potjiekos to locally inspired desserts.
The best approach is to be willing to try something new. Whether you’re snacking on biltong during a game drive, sharing a braai with new friends or indulging in a slice of melktert at a local café, South Africa’s food scene adds another memorable dimension to your journey.
From hearty comfort foods and vibrant curries to irresistible desserts and fresh coastal seafood, the country’s culinary traditions are as diverse as its landscapes. For travellers planning their next African adventure, discovering what to eat in South Africa is every bit as exciting as spotting the Big Five or exploring Cape Town’s iconic coastline.