South Africa Cuisine
Africa • Southern Africa
98 iconic dishes
Signature South Africa Dishes
🍽️Main Dishes(26)
Akni (Durban Biryani)
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.
Amadumbe (African Taro)
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.
Amasi (South African Fermented Milk)
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.
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.
Bobotie Meatballs
Delicious Cape Malay spiced meatballs simmered in a rich curry sauce, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
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).
Braaied Fish (South African Grilled 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.
Breyani
A fragrant and flavorful Cape Malay Breyani, featuring tender meat layered with aromatic basmati rice and lentils, slow-cooked to perfection.
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.
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.
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.
Frikkadel (South African Meatballs)
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.
Gesmoorde Vis (Smothered Fish - Cape Malay Style)
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.
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.
Hoenderpastei (South African Chicken Pie)
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.
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.
Morogo (African Wild Spinach)
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.
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.
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.
Shisa Nyama (South African Township Braai)
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).
Snoek Braai (South African Grilled Snoek)
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.
Sosaties (South African Lamb Kebabs)
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 African Braai (Barbecue)
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 African Braaied Lamb Chops
Tender and flavorful lamb chops, expertly grilled over hot coals, a quintessential element of any South African braai (barbecue).
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.
Wildspastei (South African Game Pie)
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.
🥟Appetizer Dishes(9)
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.
Droëwors (South African Dried Sausage)
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.
Magwinya (Amagwinya)
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.
Pampoenkoekies (South African Pumpkin Fritters)
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.
Peri Peri Prawns
Succulent grilled prawns coated in a fiery peri peri marinade, offering a taste of South African coastal cuisine.
Skilpadjies (Lamb Liver Wrapped in Caul Fat)
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.
Souskluitjies (Cinnamon Dumplings in Sweet Sauce)
A comforting and traditional South African dessert featuring soft, fluffy cinnamon-spiced dumplings gently poached in a sweet, syrupy sauce.
South African Samoosas
Deliciously spiced ground beef encased in crisp, golden pastry, these South African samosas are a beloved snack perfect for any gathering.
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.
🍲Soup Dishes(13)
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.
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.
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup with Ginger
A rich and creamy butternut squash soup, subtly spiced with fresh ginger. Perfect for a comforting meal.
Denningvleis (Cape Malay Sweet-Sour Lamb)
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.
Mogodu (South African Tripe Stew)
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).
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
Umleqwa (Zulu Free-Range Chicken Stew)
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.
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.
🥗Salad Dishes(3)
Aartappel Slaai (South African Potato Salad)
A classic, creamy South African potato salad, perfect as a side dish for braais (barbecues) and potjies (traditional stews).
Bonteboon Slaai (Sugar Bean Salad)
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.
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).
🥔Side Dishes(3)
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.
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.
Umngqusho (Xhosa Samp and Beans)
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.
🍰Dessert Dishes(24)
Amarula Chocolate Truffles
Indulge in these rich and creamy South African Amarula Chocolate Truffles, a decadent treat with a delightful boozy kick.
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.
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.
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.
Green Fig Konfyt (Candied Figs)
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.
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.
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.
Kerriepatat (Curried Sweet Potatoes)
A comforting and flavorful South African side dish, Kerriepatat features tender sweet potatoes simmered in a sweet and spiced curry butter sauce.
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.
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.
Koeksisters (Cape Malay Style)
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.
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.
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.
Melktert (South African Milk Tart)
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.
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.
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.
Mrs Ball's Style Peach Chutney
A classic South African sweet and spicy peach chutney, perfect as a condiment for a variety of dishes.
Ouma se Koekies (Grandmother's Butter Cookies)
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.
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.
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.
Tameletjie (South African Toffee)
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.
Tipsy Tart
A rich and boozy date tart, soaked in a warm brandy syrup, resulting in a wonderfully moist and decadent adult dessert.
Vetkoek (South African Fried Dough)
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.
Watermelon Konfyt (Candied Watermelon Rind)
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.
🍞Bread Dishes(5)
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.
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.
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.
Potbrood (Cast Iron Pot Bread)
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.
Roosterkoek (South African Braai Bread)
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.
🥨Snack Dishes(4)
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.
Slap Chips (South African Soft Fries)
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.
Steak Gatsby
A hearty and flavourful steak-filled super sandwich, a beloved Cape Town street food classic.
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.
🍵Beverage Dishes(3)
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.
Rusks (Beskuit)
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.
Sekoei Beskuit (Buttermilk Rusks)
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!
🫙Sauce Dishes(2)
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).
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.
🧂Condiment Dishes(2)
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.
Mango Atchar
A spicy, tangy, and savory South African mango pickle, perfect as a condiment to add a kick to any meal.
🍳Breakfast Dishes(4)
Krummelpap (Crumbly Maize Porridge)
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.
Stywe Pap (Stiff Maize Porridge)
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.
Ting (Fermented Sorghum Porridge)
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.
Uphuthu (Crumbly Maize Meal)
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.