Best Food To Try In South Africa

When we think of South Africa, most of us tend to conjure up images of sunsets and safaris in our mind’s eye. While the country is certainly famous for its wildlife, plains and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see the warm heart of the continent, South Africa also has something else to offer; incredible cuisine.

Many visitors to the country are surprised to learn of South Africa’s rich and varied traditional food offerings. While not everything is vegan or vegetarian-friendly, there’s an abundance of dishes to tingle most tastebuds in this increasingly popular destination.
A gastronome’s delight
South Africa is an unlikely but rewarding destination for food lovers – and word is beginning to get out. According to Expedia, more than £6 trillion is spent in the travel sector every year, with some of that making its way into the African economy.

If you’re considering a trip to South Africa in the future, keep an eye out for these signature dishes on your travels:

Don’t be put off just yet! No bunnies are harmed during the concoction of this dish. It’s a curry which originates from Durban, and it’s usually made with chicken, lamb or minced beef. Did we mention it often comes in an edible bowl, too?

It’s traditionally served in a crusty half-loaf of bread which is hollowed out and then filled to the brim with piping-hot curry. It’s cheap, filling and perfect for backpackers who need some sustenance after a hard days’ hiking. Cape Town will provide you one of the best bunny chow’s you will ever have.

Vegetarians travelling throughout South Africa are likely to make this a staple during their stay. Chakalaka is a mixture of peppers, onions, carrots, beans and tomatoes with added herbs and spices. Pap is an almost tortilla-like mixture of maize and salt, which is used to scoop up the chakalaka before it is devoured. Put simply, it’s a South African take on Doritos and dip, and makes for a great mid-night out snack at a bar.

While the name might conjure up images of high society in the 1920s, think again – a Gatsby in South Africa is far from glamorous. It’s essentially a foot-long sub roll stuffed with… practically everything! Fries are a common filling, along with cooked meats and fresh vegetables. It’s a sandwich designed for sharing and makes for a great choice among groups of weary travellers.

Those with a sweet tooth are in for a real treat with a melktart. It’s a traditional dessert made with pastry, sugar, eggs and flour, and makes for a great ending to any South African meal. It’s so revered in the country that the locals actually dedicate an entire day to it. Melktart day takes place on February 27th every year, and each region puts its own subtle twist on the recipe. This means you can expect to enjoy plenty of varieties of this sweet, almost cheesecake-like delicacy during your visit.

This is another incredible dessert which is essentially South Africa’s alternative to the doughnut. It’s essentially friend dough which is then dipped in honey. Sometimes it’s braided into a long strip. It’s the perfect treat for reviving those energy levels after a long day on Safari.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a Cumberland sausage, you’ll know what to expect from boerewors. These traditional South African sausages aren’t too dissimilar from the Cumberland variety, and even come in the same “ring” shape. There are fewer simpler pleasures than boerewors made from local beef cooking gently on a smoking hot grill – a real must-try for meat lovers travelling through the country.

Smiley might not exactly be for the faint of heart. After all, it’s essentially a full sheep’s head that has been boiled until its burned hair reveals the teeth of the animal in a smiling fashion. It’s a delicacy in many of the country’s smaller towns, and should come complete with tongues, brains and eyes. While it might sound horrific, in practice it’s actually quite a tasty casserole for those who aren’t easily put off by the appearance of their food.

Part milkshake, part cocktail, all taste – that’s the Amarula Don Pedro. It’s made with ice cream, fresh cream and Amarula liqueur. While it might be too sickly-sweet for some, it’s definitely worth checking out – particularly as a pick-me-up for those who like to enjoy nightlife.

Below are the few resources you should check before making an itinerary.

Cheap Internation Flights: Best place to find cheap international flight tickets.

Best Deals On Hotels: Places to find best deals on hotels.

Amazon: Best place for all your needs. Also, find best travel accessories.

Agoda: Best place to book hotels of your liking. Agoda provides the best solution & great offer while booking a hotel.

Skyscanner: Skyscanner compares various sites & sort the flights based on the rates. A great way to check flight cost. Although the only drawback is that rates are flexible. Hence, the cost might change while you are making the payment.

Jetradar: Jetradar is a comparing site which is just like Skyscanner. But, is much more accurate & much more handy in use.

Booking: Best place to book hostel rooms. There are plenty of options available & with so many properties booking becomes much easier.

Travel Insurance: There are numerous options available to get one. So, you can choose anything which suits your requirement. Make sure you read the terms & conditions before buying one.