18 DELICIOUS SOUTH AFRICAN FOODS

If you’re interested in trying some new, delicious foods from South Africa, then you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of the top South African recipes that are sure to become favorites with you and your family members – they’re always tasty, filling, and of course completely authentic.

From boerewors (braai sticks) to melktert (milk tart), here are 18 great recipes that should definitely be on your list of must-try dishes.

TOP SOUTH AFRICAN FOODS YOU NEED TO TRY

South Africa has grown to be one of the top travel destinations in the world, and with good reason—the country offers visitors unparalleled wildlife viewing, stunning scenery, and fascinating history. However, there’s something else South Africa also offers visitors and locals alike—some of the best food you can get on the continent! If you’re planning to visit or move to South Africa, it’s well worth exploring the wide range of local cuisine this country has to offer. Here are some delicious South African foods you shouldn’t miss out on trying!

1– BILTONG

Biltong are thinly sliced air-dried meat; it is a traditional southern African snack. It’s nutrient-dense, hence, perfect for on-the-go snacking.

Biltong is made by marinating meat in vinegar and spices before being air-dried.

2- CHAKALAKA

Chakalaka is a South African vegetable relish made with onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans, and spices. It pairs well with bread, stews, meat, and many other dishes. This is a must-try!

3- BUNNY CHOW

Bunny chow is a flavorful South African food made with aromatic spices, meat, chickpeas, and potatoes. It is usually served in a hollowed-out loaf of white bread. It is wildly popular throughout South Africa and beyond because of its delicious taste and easy preparation.

4- SOUTH AFRICAN MILK TART (MELKTERT) 

An indulgent South African dessert also known as South African Milk Tart. It’s a traditional sweet pie with a flaky crust and cinnamon dusting. It can be served with a cup of tea or served as dinner! You will love every bite.

5- BOEREWORS

Many cuisines have deliciously flavorful sausages among their favorite dishes. The cuisine of South Africa is no exception.

Boerewors is a thick, spicy sausage from both South Africa and Namibia known for its spiraling design. A lot of South Africans enjoy it in a variety of recipes.

These sausages are comprised primarily of beef, but the flavor comes entirely from a combination of spices and vinegar. 

6- MEALIE BREAD (SOUTH AFRICAN CORNBREAD)

Mealie bread is a sweet and savory bread made with creamed corn. Usually enjoyed fresh and hot from the oven. It’s sure going to please anyone in your family.

7- PAP – SOUTH AFRICAN MIELIEPAP

This coarse maize meal is a mainstay in a lot of South African households because it is inexpensive, does not require refrigeration, and lasts a long time. 

8- MALVA PUDDING

This Malva pudding is absolutely excellent, with a caramelized exterior and a spongy interior. This dish is rich of buttery flavor thanks to the warm butter sauce. 

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top.

9- CAPE MALAY CURRY

Cape Malay curry can be made in many different ways, but the end result is always the same – delicious! Cape Malay curry differs from other curries because it does not contain heavy spices or strong flavors. Instead, it relies on simplicity and fresh ingredients to provide its exceptional taste. Follow this simple recipe, and you’ll soon be enjoying Cape Malay curry in your own home.

10- DROEWORS – AIR DRIED SAUSAGE

If you are from South Africa, chances are that you’ve enjoyed your fair share of droewors – made from mutton or beef. This sausage is often served at braais and is an iconic snack loved by all South Africans. 

Many South Africans have fond memories of spending time with family and friends around the braai, roasting, and eating DROEWORS (a type of South African sausage).

11- BOBOTIE

Bobotie is a delicious South African dish made with minced meat cooked with spices such as curry powder, herbs, and dried fruit before being covered with an egg and milk combination and baked until set. This recipe is sure to delight and please your taste buds!!!

12- POTJIEKOS

Potjiekos, or simply Potjie, is the Afrikaans word for potjie, and refers to the traditional South African method of slow-cooking meat and vegetables in an iron pot over an open fire. Here’s a guide on how to make South African Potjiekos—a family favorite that you can enjoy at any meal!

13- VETKOEK

To many South Africans, there’s nothing quite like the delicious taste of vetkoek (pronounced veet-kuk). This fried bread can be found at the market or at local fast food joints, and it’s loved by all. Check out this step-by-step guide on how to make vetkoek (fried bread) and add it to your next family dinner!

14- SOSATIES

Sosaties are traditional South African meat skewers usually served as appetizers or snacks on the side of other dishes.

15- KOEKSISTERS

Koeksisters consist of two dough pieces, braided together, which are then fried and coated with icing sugar. They’re sweet and savory at the same time, with the dough being slightly salty while the sugar coating is sweet, creating an interesting contrast in flavors.

By following this Koeksisters recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these delicious treats anytime you’re craving them, even if you’re not in South Africa! 

16- TOMATO BREDIE

Tomato Bredie is one of the easiest meals to make, and it tastes great no matter what time of year it is. The ingredients are very simple and you’ll most likely have them on hand if you like to cook at all. Follow this step-by-step guide for how to make a Tomato Bredie.

17- SOUTH AFRICAN YELLOW RICE

South African Yellow Rice is a delicacy common in many South African homes and restaurants. It has a unique flavor and texture, and it pairs well with many different types of meat and fish dishes, including chicken, steak, duck, and salmon. If you’re interested in learning how to make South African Yellow Rice at home, this simple recipe will help you get started!

18- PEPPERMINT CRISP TART

  It’s a no-bake pudding with layers of biscuits, caramel treat, whipped cream, and Peppermint Crisp Chocolate Bars. It’s easy to make and will leave your guests coming back for more, guaranteed. This easy dessert recipe will become your new favorite.

Top South African Foods to try

Here are some of the top South African recipes that are sure to become favorites with you and your family members – they’re always tasty, filling, and of course completely authentic.

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Cuisine: South African

Calories:

Ingredients

• Biltong
• Chakalaka
• Bunny Chow
• South African Milk Tart
• Boerewors
• Mealie Bread
• Pap – Mielliepap
• Malva pudding
• Cape Malay Curry
• Droewors
• Bobotie
• Potjiekos
• Vetkoek
• Sosaties
• Koeksisters
• Tomato Bredie
• South African Yellow Rice
• Peppermint Crisp Tart

Instructions

• Choose your favorite recipe
• Get the required ingredients
• Prepare your meal and enjoy!

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