What are 5 traditional foods in South Africa?

SOUTH AFRICA IS RICH IN A DIVERSITY OF CULTURE, TRADITIONS, AND ETHNICITIES, SO IT IS NO WONDER THAT OUR CUISINE REFLECTS THAT UNIQUE HERITAGE.

If you’re visiting South Africa this year, then make sure to add a few of our special traditional foods of Africa to your travel itinerary.

Many of our local favourites have originated elsewhere but have been adapted over many years to create a distinct South African flavour. Used in both home kitchens and in fine-dining restaurants, these incredible recipes will certainly leave you coming back for more!

Here are our top 5 dishes we believe have become the most popular among our visitors:

Bobotie (pronounced ba-bo-tea)

Bobotie is minced meat enhanced with spices, fresh garlic, lemon zest, onions, herbs, salt, and pepper. Most traditionalists even add raisins! The top of Bobotie is a layer of egg custard which is then baked in the oven. It may sound strange but it’s utterly delicious!

Potjiekos (meaning, food in a pot)

This flavoursome style of cooking is thanks to a significant type of pot – a potjie, also called a Dutch oven. You layer the pot with fresh vegetables, spices and meat (usually lamb, chicken or even seafood), then do this all over again. The cast-iron pot cooks over couple of hours on low heat, on a small fire. As the pot starts to heat, the flavours turn the contents into a delicious South African stew. Usually served with putu (maize meal) or rice.

Biryani (fried before cooking)

Adapted from India, this hearty dish is packed with spices, rice, and meat. The most popular meat used is beef mince or chicken, but traditionally goat, lamb, or fish are used too. A pot of biryani is celebrated in a South African household, as it’s an easy dish to share and makes for delicious leftovers!

Koeksister (cook-sister)

This deadly sweet snack is made from twisted and plaited dough infused in sugar, then fried until golden and crunchy. This sticky delicious dessert is slightly hard on the outside while soft and sweet on the inside. A koeksister is for anytime of the day!

Melktart (milk tart)

Milk Tart is the most famous South African dessert, celebrated always after a meal, or even at teatime. It is created with a pastry crust, filled with a soft sweet milk filling, and topped with powdered cinnamon. The fine dining restaurants have evolved this Ouma’s (grandmother’s) recipe into an incredible dish, leaving your sweet tooth satisfied.

Have you tried any of these delicious treats?