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South Africa Cuisine

Africa · Southern Africa

98 recipes

Signature South Africa Dishes

🥗 Ingredient:

South Africa·Easy·1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)

Aartappel Slaai

A classic, creamy South African potato salad, perfect as a side dish for braais (barbecues) and potjies (traditional stews).

South Africa·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Akni

A fragrant and flavorful Durban-style biryani, deeply rooted in Cape Malay culinary traditions. This dish features tender, marinated lamb layered with aromatic, perfectly cooked basmati rice, slow-cooked to perfection.

South Africa·Easy·50-60 minutes

Amadumbe

A simple and nutritious preparation of Amadumbe (African taro root), which can be boiled and served whole or mashed. It's a staple root vegetable in many parts of Africa, similar in texture and starchiness to potatoes.

South Africa·Medium·2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling)

Amarula Chocolate Truffles

Indulge in these rich and creamy South African Amarula Chocolate Truffles, a decadent treat with a delightful boozy kick.

South Africa·Medium·4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)

Amarula No-Bake Cheesecake

A decadent and creamy no-bake cheesecake infused with the unique flavor of Amarula liqueur, a popular South African cream liqueur made from the marula fruit.

South Africa·Easy·2-3 days

Amasi

A traditional South African fermented milk, Amasi, is a thick, tangy, and probiotic-rich beverage. It's naturally soured and thickened by beneficial bacteria present in raw milk.

South Africa·Medium·4 hours 15 minutes

Authentic South African Lamb Neck Potjie

A rich and tender lamb neck stew slow-cooked in a traditional cast-iron potjie pot, perfect for outdoor gatherings. This recipe emphasizes patience and layering for maximum flavor development.

South Africa·Medium·1 week (including prep and drying)

Biltong

Biltong is a traditional South African dried, cured meat, similar to jerky but with a distinct flavor and texture. It's typically made from beef or game, marinated in a vinegar-based brine, coated in a spiced mixture, and then air-dried.

South Africa·Easy·1 hour 15 minutes

Bobotie

South Africa's beloved national dish: a fragrant, curried mince filling enriched with chutney and sultanas, crowned with a savory egg custard and baked to a beautiful golden hue.

South Africa·Medium·70-75 minutes

Bobotie Pies

Delicious individual bobotie pies, featuring a flavorful spiced mince filling encased in golden, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a light meal.

South Africa·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Boerewors

A quintessential South African farmer's sausage, this coiled beef and pork sausage is infused with the aromatic warmth of coriander and other spices. It's an absolute essential for any braai (barbecue).

South Africa·Easy·1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)

Bonteboon Slaai

A classic South African sugar bean salad, dressed in a simple sweet and sour vinaigrette. Perfect as a side dish for a 'braai' (barbecue) or any casual meal.

South Africa·Easy·35-45 minutes

Braaied Fish

A classic South African dish featuring a whole fish, butterflied and grilled over an open flame (braai). This recipe enhances the natural flavor of the fish with a simple lemon-butter baste and fresh herbs.

South Africa·Medium·2 hours 45 minutes

Breyani

A fragrant and flavorful Cape Malay Breyani, featuring tender meat layered with aromatic basmati rice and lentils, slow-cooked to perfection.

South Africa·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Bunny Chow

Durban's iconic street food – a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with a rich, spicy curry. This dish is a delicious testament to Indian-South African fusion cuisine.

South Africa·Easy·2 hours 5 minutes

Cape Dutch Sago Pudding

A comforting and creamy baked sago pudding, a classic Cape Dutch dessert, enriched with eggs and warm cinnamon. Perfect for any occasion.

South Africa·Easy·45 minutes

Cape Malay Curried Mince

A fragrant and flavorful spiced ground beef, a versatile base inspired by Cape Malay cuisine, perfect for filling vetkoek, pies, or serving as a delicious topping.

South Africa·Medium·2 hours 50 minutes

Cape Malay Lamb Curry

Aromatic and fragrant, this mild Cape Malay lamb curry is a comforting classic. Slow-cooked lamb becomes incredibly tender, infused with a symphony of spices and the unique aroma of curry leaves.

South Africa·Easy·35-40 minutes

Cape Malay Yellow Rice with Raisins

A fragrant and subtly sweet Cape Malay yellow rice, infused with turmeric and cinnamon, studded with plump raisins. It's a classic accompaniment to dishes like bobotie.

South Africa·Medium·2 days (minimum pickling time)

Cape Pickled Fish

A traditional South African Easter dish featuring pieces of fried fish preserved in a sweet and sour curry-infused pickle. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

South Africa·Easy·55 minutes

Chakalaka

A vibrant and spicy South African vegetable relish, perfect as a side dish or condiment. Traditionally made with tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and beans, it's a staple at braais (barbecues).

South Africa·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Chicken Bunny Chow

A beloved South African street food classic, this 'bunny chow' features a rich, aromatic chicken curry served in a hollowed-out bread loaf. It's a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

South Africa·Easy·2 hours 15 minutes

Chicken Potjie

A hearty and flavorful South African chicken stew cooked in a traditional potjie pot, offering a lighter yet equally delicious alternative to red meat versions.

South Africa·Easy·1 hour

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Ginger

A rich and creamy butternut squash soup, subtly spiced with fresh ginger. Perfect for a comforting meal.

South Africa·Easy·50 minutes

Creamy Cheesy Mieliepap Potjie

A rich, creamy, and cheesy South African maize porridge (mieliepap) cooked in a potjie (traditional cast-iron pot), perfect as a comforting side dish.

South Africa·Medium·3 hours

Denningvleis

A classic Cape Malay dish featuring tender lamb shoulder braised in a rich, sweet-sour sauce infused with tamarind, caramelized onions, and aromatic spices. This slow-cooked stew is known for its complex flavor profile and is often even better the next day.

South Africa·Medium·Approximately 1 week (including preparation and drying)

Droëwors

Droëwors are thin, dried boerewors sausages, a popular savory snack perfect for on-the-go. This recipe guides you through preparing and drying your own traditional droëwors.

South Africa·Easy·55-60 minutes

Frikkadel

Classic South African frikkadels are spiced meatballs, often made with beef and a hint of nutmeg, traditionally served in a savory tomato sauce. This recipe provides a straightforward method for preparing these beloved comfort food staples.

South Africa·Easy·35-40 minutes

Gatsby Sandwich

A legendary Cape Town street food, the Gatsby is a foot-long roll generously stuffed with crispy chips (fries), your choice of protein, and fresh toppings, all drenched in a spicy peri-peri sauce. It's a hearty, shareable meal perfect for satisfying serious hunger.

South Africa·Easy·1 hour

Gesmoorde Vis

A comforting and flavorful Cape Malay-inspired dish where firm fish is gently simmered in a rich tomato and onion gravy, served with tender potatoes. This recipe focuses on building layers of flavor for a truly satisfying meal.

South Africa·Medium·Overnight + 4-5 hours

Green Fig Konfyt

A traditional South African sweet preserve where whole green figs are slowly cooked and candied in a fragrant ginger syrup. Perfect served with cheese, yogurt, or as a sweet treat.

South Africa·Easy·23-25 minutes

Grilled Kingklip with Lemon-Garlic Butter

A simple yet elegant preparation of premium South African kingklip, pan-seared or grilled to flaky perfection and finished with a vibrant lemon-garlic butter sauce.

South Africa·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time for pastry if making from scratch)

Hertzoggie

A classic South African sweet treat featuring a crisp shortcrust pastry shell filled with sweet apricot jam and topped with a chewy coconut meringue.

South Africa·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Hertzoggies

Delicate shortcrust jam tarts filled with apricot jam and topped with a sweet, chewy coconut meringue, then baked until golden. A beloved South African treat.

South Africa·Medium·1 hour 30 minutes

Hoenderpastei

A comforting and classic South African chicken pie featuring tender, shredded chicken in a rich, creamy sauce, encased in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a hearty meal.

South Africa·Easy·40-45 minutes

Isibhede

A traditional Zulu-style mashed sweet potato dish, known for its comforting sweetness and smooth texture. It's a simple yet satisfying side dish.

South Africa·Easy·45-50 minutes

Kerriepatat

A comforting and flavorful South African side dish, Kerriepatat features tender sweet potatoes simmered in a sweet and spiced curry butter sauce.

South Africa·Easy·4 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)

Koeksister Syrup

A classic, intensely sweet, and fragrant spiced syrup, essential for dipping freshly fried, hot koeksisters. The syrup must be thoroughly chilled to create the signature contrast in temperature and texture.

South Africa·Medium·2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling and resting)

Koeksisters

Cape Malay spiced doughnuts - intricately braided and deep-fried, then immediately plunged into a cold, spiced syrup. The dramatic temperature contrast results in a delightfully sticky, crunchy exterior and a tender, syrupy interior.

South Africa·Medium·1 hour 50 minutes - 1 hour 55 minutes

Koeksisters

Authentic Cape Malay koeksisters, characterized by their spiced dough, a fragrant syrup, and a final coating of desiccated coconut. Unlike the braided Afrikaner version, these are typically shaped into ovals or other simple forms.

South Africa·Easy·30-35 minutes

Krummelpap

A staple South African dish, Krummelpap is a drier, crumbly maize porridge, often served as a side dish. It's characterized by its texture, achieved through a specific cooking method, and is typically enriched with butter.

South Africa·Medium·2 hours

Lamb Bunny Chow

A beloved Durban street food classic, this Lamb Bunny Chow features tender lamb curry served in a hollowed-out bread loaf, creating a hearty and flavorful meal.

South Africa·Easy·2 hours 45 minutes

Magwinya

Magwinya, also known as Amagwinya, are popular South African township doughnuts. These are deep-fried dough balls that can be enjoyed as a savory snack or a sweet treat.

South Africa·Easy·50-55 minutes

Malva Pudding

A beloved South African sponge pudding, characterized by its sweet, apricot-infused sponge cake that is generously drenched in a warm, creamy sauce. This dessert is the epitome of Cape Dutch comfort food.

South Africa·Easy·1 hour 10 minutes

Malva Pudding with Sauce

A classic South African sticky sponge pudding, known for its moist, caramel-like texture and rich apricot flavor, served with a warm, creamy sauce that soaks into the cake.

South Africa·Easy·1 week (minimum curing time)

Mango Atchar

A spicy, tangy, and savory South African mango pickle, perfect as a condiment to add a kick to any meal.

South Africa·Medium·Approximately 2 hours (plus overnight chilling for best results)

Melktert

A beloved South African classic, Melktert features a crisp, buttery shortcrust pastry filled with a lusciously creamy, sweet custard, finished with a generous dusting of cinnamon. It's a comforting and elegant dessert perfect for any occasion.

South Africa·Easy·32 minutes

Melktert Milk Tart Cookies

Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies infused with the classic flavors of South African Melktert (milk tart), dusted with fragrant cinnamon.

South Africa·Easy·2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)

Milk Tart Shooters

A delightful and easy-to-make South African classic, melktert, reimagined as miniature treats served in shot glasses. Perfect for parties and a delightful sweet ending.

South Africa·Medium·5 to 5.75 hours

Mogodu

A hearty and deeply flavorful tripe stew, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This is a classic township comfort food, traditionally served with pap (a maize porridge).

South Africa·Easy·45 minutes

Morogo

A traditional and nutritious South African dish made from indigenous wild spinach (morogo). This simple preparation highlights the earthy flavors of the greens, often served as a healthy side dish.

South Africa·Medium·2 hours 45 minutes

Mrs Ball's Style Peach Chutney

A classic South African sweet and spicy peach chutney, perfect as a condiment for a variety of dishes.

South Africa·Easy·Approximately 1 hour (including chilling and baking)

Ouma se Koekies

A classic South African butter cookie, often called 'Ouma se Koekies' (Grandmother's Cookies). These are simple, comforting, and delightfully buttery, perfect for tea time or a sweet treat.

South Africa·Medium·4 hours 45 minutes

Oxtail Potjie

A deeply flavorful and tender oxtail stew, slow-cooked in a traditional potjie pot over coals, resulting in a rich, gelatinous, and incredibly satisfying dish.

South Africa·Easy·35-40 minutes

Pampoenkoekies

Deliciously sweet and warmly spiced pumpkin fritters, a beloved South African comfort food. These golden-brown delights are perfect for a treat any time of day.

South Africa·Easy·40-45 minutes

Pannekoek

Authentic South African pannekoek (plural: pannekoeke) are thin, crepe-like pancakes, traditionally served rolled with a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar. They are a beloved treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

South Africa·Easy·1 hour 10 minutes

Pap en Chakalaka

A hearty and flavorful South African staple, this dish features a stiff, smooth maize porridge (pap) served with a vibrant and spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka). It's a classic example of comforting township cuisine.

South Africa·Easy·4 hours (minimum chilling time)

Peppermint Crisp Tart

A beloved no-bake South African dessert featuring layers of crunchy biscuits, sweet caramel, and whipped cream, all topped with shards of peppermint crisp chocolate.

South Africa·Easy·2 hours 25 minutes (minimum)

Peri Peri Chicken

A vibrant and fiery Portuguese-African grilled chicken dish, marinated in a homemade peri peri chili sauce for an explosion of flavor.

South Africa·Easy·33-35 minutes

Peri Peri Prawns

Succulent grilled prawns coated in a fiery peri peri marinade, offering a taste of South African coastal cuisine.

South Africa·Easy·1 hour 20 minutes (includes chilling time)

Pickled Beetroot Salad

A classic South African pickled beetroot salad, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It's an essential accompaniment to any braai (barbecue).

South Africa·Medium·3 hours 15 minutes

Potbrood

A rustic and delicious bread baked in a cast iron pot over braai (barbecue) coals, resulting in a wonderfully crusty exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. This traditional method imbues the bread with a unique smoky flavor.

South Africa·Intermediate·3 hours 45 minutes

Potjiekos

A traditional South African pot stew, where layers of meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in a cast-iron pot over low heat, often a campfire or braai. This method ensures the ingredients cook gently and retain their distinct flavors and textures.

South Africa·Easy·7-11 minutes

Rooibos Tea

A comforting and naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion from South Africa, known for its rich flavor and antioxidant properties. This simple preparation highlights the tea's unique character.

South Africa·Easy·35-40 minutes

Roosterkoek

Roosterkoek, meaning 'grilled cake' in Afrikaans, are delicious, slightly sweet, yeasted or baking powder-leavened breads cooked directly on the coals of a braai (barbecue). They are a quintessential part of South African outdoor cooking, perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or as a snack with butter and jam.

South Africa·Easy·6 hours 15 minutes

Rusks

Traditional South African twice-baked biscuits, known as beskuit, are hard, dry, and perfectly designed for dunking in coffee or tea. This recipe yields a classic, slightly sweet version.

South Africa·Easy·15 minutes

Sambal

A vibrant and fresh Cape Malay condiment, this sambal is a quick relish of finely diced tomatoes, onion, and chili, brightened with lemon juice. It's a classic accompaniment to rich stews and savory dishes.

South Africa·Easy·12-18 hours

Samp and Beans

A beloved Xhosa staple, this dish features dried corn kernels (samp) and sugar beans slow-cooked to tender perfection. It's a hearty and comforting meal, famously a favorite of Nelson Mandela.

South Africa·Medium·50 minutes

Seafood Potjie

A rich and flavorful coastal seafood stew, featuring tender mussels, flaky fish, and succulent prawns simmered in a creamy white wine broth. Traditionally cooked in a cast-iron potjie pot over an open fire, but adaptable for stovetop cooking.

South Africa·Easy·6 hours 15 minutes (including drying time)

Sekoei Beskuit

Authentic South African Sekoei Beskuit, these traditional buttermilk rusks are perfectly crisp and designed for dunking into your favorite hot beverage like coffee or rooibos. They are a staple for a reason!

South Africa·Medium·1 hour 45 minutes

Shisa Nyama

Shisa Nyama, meaning 'burn the meat' in Zulu, is more than just a meal; it's a vibrant social tradition and a cornerstone of township gatherings. This recipe outlines the essentials for a classic braai (barbecue) featuring a variety of grilled meats, served with traditional accompaniments like pap (maize porridge) and chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish).

South Africa·Medium·45-50 minutes

Skilpadjies

A traditional South African braai (barbecue) delicacy, skilpadjies are small parcels of lamb liver, seasoned and wrapped in caul fat, then grilled over coals until the fat is rendered and crispy, and the liver is tender and cooked through. The name translates to 'little tortoises' due to their appearance when cooked.

South Africa·Easy·45-50 minutes

Slap Chips

A beloved South African street food, 'slap chips' are thick-cut potatoes fried until tender and soft, then generously seasoned with salt and doused in vinegar. They are intentionally not crispy, offering a unique, yielding texture.

South Africa·Easy·35-40 minutes

Snoek Braai

A classic South African braai (barbecue) dish featuring snoek, a firm white fish, grilled to perfection and glazed with a sweet apricot and butter sauce. This recipe is a beloved Cape tradition.

South Africa·Easy to Medium·Minimum 8 hours (including marinating), ideally 12-24 hours

Sosaties

Authentic Cape Malay sosaties are tender lamb kebabs marinated in a fragrant, sweet and savory curry sauce, then grilled to perfection. Traditionally made with lamb, they are skewered with dried apricots and sometimes onions, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for a braai (barbecue).

South Africa·Easy·45 minutes

Souskluitjies

A comforting and traditional South African dessert featuring soft, fluffy cinnamon-spiced dumplings gently poached in a sweet, syrupy sauce.

South Africa·Medium·2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes

South African Braai

A quintessential South African social gathering centered around grilling various meats over a wood fire. This includes traditional boerewors, succulent lamb chops, marinated chicken, and flavorful sosaties (kebabs). It's more than a meal; it's a cherished cultural experience.

South Africa·Easy·15-19 minutes

South African Braaied Lamb Chops

Tender and flavorful lamb chops, expertly grilled over hot coals, a quintessential element of any South African braai (barbecue).

South Africa·Medium·4 hours 45 minutes

South African Curried Tripe

A rich and comforting South African curried tripe, deeply influenced by Indian flavors. This slow-cooked dish features tender tripe simmered with aromatic spices, potatoes, and tomatoes.

South Africa·Medium·4 hours

South African Lamb Shank Potjie

Tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks slow-cooked in a traditional potjie with aromatic vegetables and rich red wine. A hearty and comforting dish perfect for a gathering.

South Africa·Medium·1 hour 40 minutes

South African Samoosas

Deliciously spiced ground beef encased in crisp, golden pastry, these South African samosas are a beloved snack perfect for any gathering.

South Africa·Medium·1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours 30 minutes

Springbok Carpaccio with Capers and Parmesan

A delicate and elegant South African appetizer featuring thinly sliced raw springbok loin, enhanced with the briny pop of capers, the salty bite of Parmesan cheese, and a peppery flourish of rocket. This dish is best prepared with high-quality, fresh game meat.

South Africa·Medium·45-50 minutes

Steak Gatsby

A hearty and flavourful steak-filled super sandwich, a beloved Cape Town street food classic.

South Africa·Easy·35 minutes

Stywe Pap

Stywe pap is a dense, firm maize porridge, a traditional South African staple. Its stiff texture makes it perfect for scooping up flavorful stews and gravies.

South Africa·Easy·35-40 minutes

Tameletjie

A classic South African sweet treat, Tameletjie is a sticky, crunchy toffee made from sugar, butter, vinegar, and golden syrup. It's often referred to as 'farm candy' and is a beloved traditional confection.

South Africa·Easy·12-18 hours (including fermentation)

Ting

A traditional South African breakfast porridge made from fermented sorghum. It has a distinct sour flavor from the fermentation process, balanced with sweetness. Can be enjoyed warm or cold.

South Africa·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Tipsy Tart

A rich and boozy date tart, soaked in a warm brandy syrup, resulting in a wonderfully moist and decadent adult dessert.

South Africa·Easy·3 hours

Tomato Bredie

A comforting and deeply flavorful Cape Malay slow-cooked stew featuring tender lamb and a rich tomato base. This dish is a classic example of South African comfort food.

South Africa·Easy·2 hours 45 minutes

Umleqwa

A hearty and traditional Zulu-style stew featuring tender, free-range chicken simmered with root vegetables in a rich broth. This comforting dish is a staple of South African cuisine.

South Africa·Easy·15 hours (including soaking)

Umngqusho

A hearty and traditional Xhosa dish of samp (crushed maize kernels) and beans, slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic spices. This comforting meal is a staple in South African cuisine.

South Africa·Medium·3-4 days (including fermentation)

Umqombothi

Umqombothi is a traditional South African beer made from maize meal and sorghum malt. It is a low-alcohol, slightly sour, and nutritious beverage often enjoyed during ceremonies and celebrations.

South Africa·Easy·35-40 minutes

Uphuthu

Uphuthu is a traditional South African dish, often referred to as Zulu-style pap. It's characterized by its distinct crumbly texture, achieved by cooking maize meal until it separates into small, dry granules. It is traditionally served with amasi (fermented milk) for a tangy contrast.

South Africa·Easy·2 hours 10 minutes

Vetkoek

Vetkoek, meaning 'fat cake' in Afrikaans, are delicious deep-fried yeast dough balls. They are a popular South African street food, often served warm and filled with savory curried mince or sweet jam and syrup.

South Africa·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Vetkoek with Curried Mince

Warm, fluffy vetkoek (fried dough cakes) generously filled with a fragrant, spiced curried mince. A beloved South African comfort food, perfect for a hearty meal or street food snack.

South Africa·Medium·3 hours

Waterblommetjie Bredie

A unique and traditional Cape Malay stew featuring indigenous water lily flowers (waterblommetjies) and tender lamb, offering a subtly tart and earthy flavor profile.

South Africa·Medium·Overnight + 3 to 4 hours

Watermelon Konfyt

A traditional Cape Dutch preserve, this candied watermelon rind is simmered in a spiced syrup until tender and translucent, offering a delightful sweet and gingery treat.

South Africa·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Wildspastei

A hearty and flavorful game meat pie, featuring tender venison encased in golden puff pastry. This dish is a staple of South African tradition, often enjoyed during hunting seasons.

South Africa·Easy·1 hour

Bobotie Meatballs

Delicious Cape Malay spiced meatballs simmered in a rich curry sauce, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

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